As the first Test match between India and New Zealand ended in a pulsating draw, Australian spin maestro Shane Warne questioned India’s tactics on the final day at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur.
On day five, the Ajinkya Rahne-led side picked five wickets, and the match almost slipped from the hands of the Black Caps. But an excellent resistance showed by debutant Rachin Ravindra and tail-ender Ajaz Patel forced India to settle for a draw.
After the completion of 81st over, India had the option of taking the new ball. However, the host kept on bowling with the old ball till 84th over.
Speaking about the match, Warne took to Twitter and wrote, “Very surprised India didn’t take the new ball when it was available !!!! Strange they are still bowling with the old ball as light and overs running out !!!!!! Thoughts ?”
Very surprised India didn’t take the new ball when it was available !!!! Strange they are still bowling with the old ball as light and overs running out !!!!!! Thoughts ?
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) November 29, 2021
In another tweet, Warne said that these four overs could be the turning point for India and will allow New Zealand to bounce back from the jaws of defeat.
“Will the four overs bowled with the old ball when the new ball was available to be a turning point and allow NZ to hang on, or it won’t matter, and India win ???” tweeted Warne.
Will the 4 overs bowled with the old ball when the new ball was available be a turning point and allowed NZ to hang on or it won’t matter and India win ???
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) November 29, 2021