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Hamilton wicket more to India's liking: Taylor
New Zealand have started the series well, by winning the opening One-Day International, but their star batsman Ross Taylor knows that India can bounce back in the second game in Hamilton on Wednesday, as conditions are more likely to favour the visitors.
The Black Caps won by 24 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series, but Taylor believes things will only get tougher from them.
"It was a great start for us, a great all-round team performance on Sunday. We all performed our roles exceptionally well and carried our form from the West Indies series, especially the T20s," said Taylor.
"But India are a very good side and their whole team has got a balance to it. Being the number one team in the world in ODIs, I am sure they will come back in the series," he explained.
"Hamilton is the slowest wicket we have, so it will be a bit more to their liking. We have two matches here. The wicket plays low compared to the bouncy Napier wicket. But we know the conditions better and we have played here a couple times this season. So, hopefully, we can play accordingly," he added.
'I would like to carry on my good form'
The weather is gloomy, with rain lashing the city over the last two days. More rain is expected on Wednesday, so there is a question mark over the possibility of a full game.
Asked if the pitch is good enough for a 300-plus score, like the last ODI versus the West Indies at the venue, should there be a full game, Taylor replied, "Obviously, weather will play a big part in that. Duckworth/Lewis method too, because it looks like there will be a few showers tomorrow.
"It will be a bit patchy, but, obviously, we will talk among ourselves and play accordingly. D/L hasn't been favourable to us in the past, so let us wait and see what happens," he added.
Taylor was instrumental in helping New Zealand set a platform for a final assault on the Indian bowlers as they put up 292 for 7 in their 50 overs.
He scored his 25th ODI half-century at Napier and put on 121 runs for the third wicket with Kane Williamson, who also got a fifty.
"I would like to carry on my good form. A couple of times against the West Indies I got run out, but I am comfortable where I am right now with my batting. My role is to bat in that middle order and lay a platform for the guys coming through," said Taylor.
'If we can be more consistent in the next 12-15 months, we will fulfill our potential'
"We have a few power hitters in the lower order, so if I can come out with some donkey work, helping them to express themselves, it's very well. I hope to express myself later on as well and not get out in the power-play, like I did at Napier.
"I have played this role for a year-and-a-half now. With the new rules coming in you need wickets in hand and I relish this role," he added.
Taylor said the Kiwis have the talent to rise higher if they manage to remain consistent in the coming year.
"It is certainly exciting to be part of this batting unit. We are all different batsmen, but we have an attacking mindset. We are still not where we want to be as a unit. If we can be more consistent in the next 12-15 months, we will fulfill our potential," he said.
The Kiwis were able to bounce out four of the top six Indian batsmen, with Virat Kohli's 18th ODI hundred the only resistance they faced from the visitors.
Taylor said it was a well-thought strategy.
'Kohli is not far from greatness'
"The short balls, yes, it was a plan. The wicket in Napier is one of the fastest we have in New Zealand, but even then it was a little bit slower than it normally is. And Virat is a world-class player and he has been for some time now. I have played with him at Royal Challengers Bangalore for a few years.
"He is an outstanding talent and I have been watching his progress through his career. He's not far from greatness. When he scores runs, it looks good even when you are playing against him. Hopefully, we can get him out early or make the openers bat longer," Taylor said.
There might be a small hitch in their plans, since their 21-year-old fast bowling sensation Adam Milne is sidelined with a torn abdominal muscle.
Hamish Bennett has been drafted in the squad in his place. He last played for the Kiwis in the 2011 ODI World Cup in India.
"We were always going to be smart about the way we would have used Adam. Given the slow wicket here, probably Kyle Mills was going to come in anyway. Obviously, it's a big disappointment for the team and for Adam because he was starting to hit his straps and show the potential he has. Hopefully, we will have him back fully fit soon.
"But that is international cricket and injuries do happen. We do have good fast bowling resources and it bodes well for New Zealand cricket. Hamish looks a fitter and leaner. He's a strong, hard-working bowler and can bowl consistently around the 145 mark," Taylor added.