India’s proud streak of not losing a home test series since 2012 came to an abrupt end on Saturday in a humiliating 2-0 defeat by New Zealand, who exposed cracks in the hosts’ vaunted batting line-up by tormenting them with pace and then spin.
The alarm bells will be ringing for India before they embark on a grueling five-match tour of Australia next month, with the team’s form under the microscope after they were bowled out for 245 in Pune and suffered a 113-run defeat.
While spinner Mitchell Santner took six wickets for a match haul of 13 to spell doom on a turning pitch, the hosts were left in tatters by New Zealand’s pace bowlers in overcast conditions in the series opener at Bengaluru.
“When you come over here, you always want to compete,” Latham added. “Santner in the first innings was fantastic. To get a break and bowl the way he did, credit must go to him.”
“It’s a really special feeling. Very proud to be in this position,” said new permanent skipper Tom Latham, who took over from Tim Southee after a 2-0 defeat in Sri Lanka.
New Zealand have defeated India!
This is the first time New Zealand have beaten India on their home turf, marking India’s first home series loss in 12 years. A remarkable achievement for New Zealand!
#INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/gXFD24WHG2
— Cricket on TNT Sports (@cricketontnt) October 26, 2024
“It’s not just me but a team effort… I’m stoked for the guys. It’s really special.”
India continues to top the World Test Championship standings despite the two defeats but will be less confident about a spot in next year’s final after their first series loss on home soil since falling to England in 2012.
Their run of 18 successive home series wins since that 2-1 humbling was snapped by the inspired Black Caps, who were by far the better side and will target a clean sweep heading to the finale in Mumbai from Friday.
Man-of-the-match Santner ended with 6-104, earning the Black Caps a maiden series victory in India, and they achieved the feat without their best batsman Kane Williamson due to a groin issue.
With spin dominating on the black-soil turner at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, it was fitting that Ajaz Patel took the final two wickets, including Ravindra Jadeja for 42, to seal the victory.
New Zealand became only the fourth team to win a test series in India since 1990 after South Africa, Australia and England.
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