Hyderabad, Aug 25: New Zealand all-rounder James Franklin today admitted that he has a “mental blockade” against Indian spinners but they are hopeful of putting up a much better show in the coming days.
Asked whether New Zealand batsmen have a mental blockade, pat came the reply:”Possibly yes.”
“But I can't answer for the group. I can only answer for myself. I don't think there was a massive amount of turn. Ashwin got a few balls to turn and bounce but that was the exception rather than norm,” Franklin, who top scored with an unbeaten 43 admitted at the post-match media interaction.
“We discussed this morning before start of play on what we have to do. Unfortunately, we haven't been quite able to do as we are following on now. It's probably an area (batting against spinners) we can look to improve upon.”
“Guys are working hard in the nets and it's up to the individuals to work out their own gameplans—be it on defence or attack. We do need to keep progressing and keep working on our options against spin, but we've got a great opportunity to do that over the next couple of days,” Franklin stated.
When asked whether it will be near-impossible to save this Test match unless weather plays dampener, Franklin replied,”I don't believe so. Hopefully, we shall rectify the few mistakes we made in the first innings and look to stay a lot longer in the crease.”
The strategy of the Black Caps for the two remaining days will be to bat out time and according to the lanky all-rounder, it starts with Brendon McCullum at the top.
“It will start with Kane and Brendon tomorrow and probably, now it's about taking time out of the game and scoring runs along the way. It's a pretty simple formula: just occupy the crease.”
