India vs New Zealand 2016: 5 things the Kiwis must do to win the Test series

#3 Show patience

Jimmy Adams’ patience could be a source of inspiration

This imperative draws from the first two. Here, what will come to the fore, is how focussed the Kiwis are on their 100 overs target if at all they set themselves one. This is a virtue in India, which says do not play your ‘natural game’.

Which is like a catch-phrase which goes around modern day cricketers, thanks to the dominance of shorter formats and a certain Virender Sehwag, I dare say. But there can only be one Virender Sehwag.

Batting in India, you might have to dead-bat the long-hop, the full toss, the short and wide stuff, which will come at you at regular intervals. A certain Jimmy Adams once earned the moniker Padams, for playing everything with his pads on one of West-Indies’ India tours where he was very successful.

Of course, rules have changed and you might get into trouble with modern day umpires if you use the pads too often. But basically, resist temptation. Get bogged down, if that is what the chirping around you is telling you, but do not get bogged down in the mind. Only with the bat for a day or so. Once you cross the 100 overs threshold, play naturally. Easier said than done!