Bowling coach backs wrist spin duo

Pune: India were in cruise mode before the three-match ODI series against New Zealand but Virat Kohli’s men were given a rude shock by the Kiwis in Mumbai on Sunday. The bowlers could not cope with the character the visitors’ middle-order showed, though India’s bowling coach Bharat Arun called it “just a bad day” for the attack.

The spinners conceded 115 runs and picked up just one wicket in the six-wicket. “These two boys (Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav) have done exceptionally well and we would like to take a good look at them before we come up with a combination for the World Cup,” Arun said ahead of Wednesday’s match in Pune.

“Yes we do (have plans). We have taken a good look at the videos, how they played the sweep and things like this. Definitely plans will change for these batsmen,” he added stressing on the sweep shot played by centurion Tom Latham.

Following a recommendation from coach Ravi Shastri,  Arun was named bowling coach in July. The appointment came after a meeting between Shastri and a four-member BCCI committee, where it was also decided that Sanjay Bangar would be the assistant coach.

Meanwhile New Zealand batsman-wicketkeeper Latham credited the warm-up matches for his display in Mumbai. “It was nice to have those two warm-up games before the series and play some spin. I have batted in that position before. I started off playing in that position,” said the left-hander, who has scored 220 runs in eight matches in the middle order. “It’s not unfamiliar for me. It was more of a tactical shift than anything. Coming in the middle when the ball is little bit softer and playing a bit more spin. It is nice that I adapted quickly.”