'I don't think they'd be able to turn things around' - Brad Hogg predicts India to overshadow New Zealand

India will take on New Zealand in the first Test at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru from October 16. Ahead of the crucial series, former Australia spinner, Brad Hogg has predicted that India will outright dominate the series. For the unversed, New Zealand are coming off a series loss as Sri Lanka thwarted them by 2-0 in the Test series. 

India and New Zealand last played a Test match in Bengaluru in 2012. Both the teams will grace the iconic stadium in Tests after 12 years. In their last showdown in Bengaluru, India managed to win the fixture by five wickets and thereby whitewashing the series. Hogg predicted that the Kiwis' recent struggle against Sri Lanka has no room for the team to survive India scare.

Also Read: When India last hosted New Zealand for Test in Bengaluru

"The way New Zealand played in Sri Lanka, I don't think they'd be able to turn things around and really fix their deficiencies batting against spin. And that's where India are going to take the Test series away easily,” said Hogg on his YouTube channel.

O’Rourke is not trying to bowl with sheer pace: Hogg

New Zealand will enter the contest with lack of experience in the pace bowling unit with Tim Southee the only greyhead. William O’Rourke was impressive against Sri Lanka but Hogg opined that the youngster is not unleashing his true self. On the other hand, their other pace option, Ben Sears has been ruled out of the series due to injury, and Jacob Duffy has been roped into the squad.

Also Read: Shubman Gill likely to miss Bengaluru Test

"William O'Rourke, he is a fast bowler, he just comes in ball after ball, not trying to bowl with sheer pace, has got a big heart, an he doesn't give in. And Ben Sears, I hope he gets a go because he is a tall, quick bowler and I just think he can add a little bit of variety against India just with the extra height, hopefully getting a little bit of extra bounce there,” he added.