New Zealand leads 2-0 against India in the three-match Test series© AFP
New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Blundell believes the Indian team has been left a bit shell-shocked as far as the events of the first two Tests in Bengaluru and Pune are concerned. In the first two matches of the series, New Zealand recorded victories by eight wickets and 113 runs to take an unassailable 2–0 lead, making it their first-ever Test series victory in India. It also meant that a visiting team won a Test series in India after twelve years. Tom Latham-led New Zealand, coming off a 2-0 defeat in Sri Lanka, will now aim for a series sweep through the third Test at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai from Friday.
“They're a bit shocked. When we first came over here, I think they had a slogan on TV saying 'five-zero' for their home summer or something like that. I'm pretty sure they wrote us off that we're coming.” after Sri Lanka.”
“But I think they are quite shocked in terms of what we have achieved, and how we came out and competed and played really good cricket to beat these guys – one of the best teams in the world. I think they're 'We're a bit shocked by what's happened,' Blundell told SEN Radio.
After the match in Mumbai, New Zealand will host England at home for three Tests and Blundell said the side will start their home summer filled with happiness and pride upon winning a Test series in India.
“You still have the World Test Championship on the line, that's something that also motivates us. But it will be a challenge. India is probably suffering from this. But regardless of the result, we can go home with a nice victory. big smile on our faces.”
“What we've achieved here is quite immense, it's probably one of the biggest highlights of my career. We're excited. We have an opportunity to beat them 3-0. But regardless, we're quite excited.” .”
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