New Zealand's century-maker in the 2nd warm-up match, Tom Latham has said tackling the spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal is the Kiwis’ main focus going into the three-match ODI series against India, starting Sunday.
Latham, who struck a brisk 108 off 97 balls in New Zealand's 33-run win over Board President's XI in the second practice game in Mumbai on Thursday, said the visitors are relying on video footage to study the Indian spinners.
"Our focus is big on spin here. We are focussing on facing more spin than seam here and finding ways to score, to hit gaps and find boundaries. That's probably the biggest thing coming over here," said the left-handed batsman on Thursday.
"Playing against a couple of left-armers and the leggie (Karn Sharma) today was an ideal preparation. Whatever we need we can get, stuff from the footage and that sort of things. We obviously know that they (Kuldeep and Chahal) are quality bowlers and they have done really well in the previous series," Latham added.
Latham, who batted at No.5 instead of his usual opening slot, said that batting down the order was more of a mental shift.
"It is probably a more of a mental shift than technical. I guess it is about sticking to your game-plan. The ball is not as quite as new but, on the other hand, there are more gaps and I guess it is more tactical and mental switch as against anything else," said Latham, who hit a half-century in the first practice game.
"Yeah it is obviously a little bit of change from the last couple of years but that is something we have discussed about. It was nice to have spent some time in the middle and get familiar with the role today.
"Having Colin (Munro) at the top can be very destructive and if he and Martin (Guptill) can get going, they can be unstoppable," he added.
New Zealand found some much-needed momentum heading into the series, as they beat Board President's XI after Ross Taylor and Latham struck breezy centuries.
Post Luke Ronchi, Latham has been keeping wickets for the Kiwis and he said he was putting in a lot more hard work in his new role.
