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New Zealand batter Ross Taylor refused to share what plans he has in mind to face veteran India spinner R Ashwin in the upcoming two-match Test series against India. The first of the two matches begin at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur on Thursday. Ashwin has been a vital member of the Test team and when quizzed about how he would go about tackling the challenges posed by the off-spinner, Taylor said that he would not give away his secrets.
The 37-year-old acknowledged, however, that spin could play a big part in the series but was not sure of what lineup India would go ahead with either. He highlighted that against England it was Axar Patel who was India's wrecker-in-chief.
"I don't want to give my secrets away just here (on being asked what's his plan for R Ashwin). I don't know what lineup India decide to go with, Axar Patel played a big role against England," said Taylor in a virtual press conference prior to the Tests.
"Now they are going to play three spinners or two spinners, obviously Ashwin will be one of them. They are very good bowlers, especially in these conditions and how we will play them, will play a big part in how the series is gonna go," he added.
Fast bowling still remains a main element with the new ball and reverse swing: Taylor
In addition, the legendary Kiwi batter said that even pace is likely to be the main threat for the New Zealand batters especially with the new ball as well as the reverse swing. He outlined that conditions will suit the home team more.
"Fast bowling still remains a main element with the new ball and reverse swing. But spin more often plays a big part over here, so we could be naïve if we assume only spin will play a key part," Taylor answered in response to a question posed by a journalist.
"We still gonna have to face a quality seam bowling lineup and reverse swing. I think we should also be worried about that but spin is gonna play a big proportion of how we will be going to play the Test," he added.
For now, the T20I series is still not over and while India have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match bilateral competition, the final match is set to begin in a few hours from now at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.