At a time when New Zealand batsmen were struggling against a persistent Indian spin attack, Luke Ronchi emerged as one of the few standout performers for the tourists in an otherwise disappointing first Test match in Kanpur.
The 35-year-old demonstrated his proficiency against spin in both innings (38, 80) as he looked assured against Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja on a pitch offering the world-class spin duo all kinds of assistance.
According to Ronchi, a combination of factors had contributed to his success in conditions where spin had taken 26 of the 35 wickets to fall in the match.
"My mindset is pretty much to try and get off strike as much as possible," Ronchi was quoted as saying by stuff.co.nz. "I just try and hit gaps and get off strike and keep it as simple as I possibly can."
"Sometimes if the field is in a bit more I try to [hit boundaries], just so they'll push the field back and I've got single options, but I'm more of an aggressive batsman anyway. If I get in the mindset of trying not to get out, I'll get out. If I'm being positive my feet will move better, I'll hit the ball better, and where I need to," observed the right-handed batsman.
After displaying a staunch fightback against a relentless Indian bowling attack in the first hour of the final day's play, Ronchi lost concentration minutes after drinks as Jadeja managed to break the tourists' stubborn stand when the batsman mistimed a flatter delivery and was caught at point by Ashwin.
Mohammed Shami then bagged two wickets, including wicketkeeper-batsman BJ Watling to leave New Zealand reeling at 205 for seven at lunch.
Needing 229 to win the match, New Zealand failed to hold the fort as they could only add 31 runs more after the lunch as Ashwin removed the tail-enders with ease.
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