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

#1 Beware of the Indian lower order

Players like Harbhajan have proved that India’s lower order shouldn’t be taken lightly

While playing a Test match in India, remember that the hosts do not have a lower order or even a tail. The number nine or number 10 might have just opened the batting for his provincial side in first-class cricket on a regular basis and has probably more first-class tons than a lot of New Zealand’s top order batsmen.

He knows the conditions like the back of his hand, probably relishes batting here and in home conditions, is probably as effective, if not more, than his top order mate. Remember, India is a batting country and everyone here loves batting.

Many a visiting team has fallen into the trap of becoming complacent after prizing out the Indian top order, only to be thwarted to the extent of being frustrated by the competence of the lower order and the defiance of the tail.

Bowl to them, with the same vigour as you would to a top order batsman. If you are down to nine, 10 and jack…bowl the leg-spinner if you are playing one.