We had a mental blockade against spinners, admits http://www.senore.com/Cricket/JEC-Franklin-c1684 – Cricket News Update
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Hyderabad-c792, which his side is following on, after having been dismissed for just 159 in their first
innings, in reply to India’s tally of 438.
Speaking to media at the end of rain-interrupted day three, the 31-year-old left-handed batsman said that the turn and bounce wicket was offering on Saturday was a bit unusual and that made him and his teammates struggle against Ashwin and Co.
"Possibly yes," said the all-rounder when asked whether the Kiwis batsmen had a mental blockade against Ashwin’s spin.
"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 maintained.
The http://www.senore.com/Cricket/BB-McCullum-c1129 (22) were the other two notable performers from New Zealand contingent, while the rest of the line-up fell for scores inside 17,
as the whole side was bundled out for just 159 in their first innings.
Spinners dominated the day, with http://www.senore.com/Cricket/R-Ashwin-c2228 sharing nine of the ten Kiwi wickets. Ashwin was the wrecker in chief claiming figures of six for 31 from 16.3 overs, while Ojha returned with three for 44.
“It's probably an area (batting against spinners) we can look to improve upon," admitted Franklin.
"Guys are working hard in nets and it's up to the individuals to work out their own gameplans. 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," he added
further.
Despite being followed on in their first innings, the lanky all-rounder was confident of saving the match and said that their strategy for the remaining two days will be to stay longer on the crease.
The Kiwis look quite stable in their second innings, with 104 for two on the board.
Tags: