Tom Latham will be the X-factor in the series against India: Scott Styris

Former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris feels that opener Tom Latham will be the X-factor for New Zealand in the forthcoming series against India. The Black Caps will tour India for 3 Test matches and 5 One Day Internationals later in September. Styris also pointed out that Latham will have to be cautious against Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who is really good against the left-handers.

He was all praises for the Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson as he is in no doubt that Kane will end up as one of the greats. “By the time he finishes his career, he will be the finest batsman New Zealand has produced. I have no doubts about that.”

“He uses his feet, is technically good, and has the temperament. He is a calm person, does not get too excited or angry about anything and has the mindset to be a strong captain,” he added.

When asked about the lack of New Zealand’s batting depth, he believes that the all-rounder Corey Anderson will add value and depth to the batting line-up. “Much will depend on the fitness of Corey Anderson. If he is fit, then as an all-rounder he will add depth and value to the side.”

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He is very much aware of the threat Ashwin poses at home and said that Ashwin is really clever in using his variations. “The fact that he [Ashwin] is able to release deliveries at different speeds from the same action. The fact that he is able to release deliveries at different speeds from the same action.”

“Ashwin is an intelligent bowler. He has got four types of deliveries: the off-spinner, the arm-ball, the doosra and the carrom ball, and he mixes them up well,” he added explaining the variations of Ashwin.

When asked to rate Williamson, Virat Kohli, and Joe Root, he said, “They are all very good. What will separate them is how many runs they get away from home, in challenging foreign conditions. This is why Tendulkar, Lara, Ponting, Dravid and Sehwag were so good.”

Do not think India will prepare rank turners:

India lost to New Zealand in the World T20 2016 match at Nagpur on a turning track and he thus believes that India won’t look for turning tracks in the series. “You all know what happened when India prepared a turner for the ICC World Twenty20 game in Nagpur. The Kiwi spinners won the match for their team. I do not think India will prepare rank turners because the New Zealand spinners can do some damage as well.”

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He concluded saying that Tim Southee and Trent Boult, the Kiwi pacers will also have a say in the series.