NZ vs IND 2022: Tom Latham’s wicket will be a priority for India – Wasim Jaffer

Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer believes Tom Latham’s wicket will be crucial for India in the third ODI against New Zealand at Hagley Oval, Christchurch on Wednesday. Latham scored an unbeaten knock of 145 runs off just 104 balls in the first ODI at Eden Park, Auckland on Friday.

Thus, he played a key role in helping the Kiwis chase down 307 runs on the board. Latham added a gargantuan alliance of 221 runs with his captain Kane Williamson, who scored an unbeaten knock of 94 runs to guide his team through.

“Tom Latham is a huge threat to the Indian side, because of the way he operates in the middle overs against spin by counter-attacking. His wicket will be a priority for India. Williamson is also another important player, but India will be focusing on their own strengths,” Jaffer said while talking to ESPN Cricinfo.

“India should look to bowl better in the third ODI and try to come up with a better plan against Latham. Irrespective of the result, we want to see a good game of cricket. Indian fans have to go through so much trouble to watch the game. There is still a forecast for heavy rain, but I hope that the rain stays away,” he added.

On the other hand, Sanju Samson was dropped from the second game as India went in with Deepak Hooda. Jaffer added that Samson should be given his chance in the third game against the Blackcaps.

“We all wish that Sanju Samson plays. He was left out of the second ODI to make way for a sixth bowling option. But if you are looking in terms of batting, then you’ll always prefer having Sanju in the line-up. But Hooda can bowl 5-6 overs for you and can be helpful if any regular bowler has an off day, and it does make sense. Also, Hooda us yet to do anything in this series. So, in all likelihood, we would see the same team. Because if the changes are made, the question will be why there were alterations in the second game.

“I would say again that I wanted to see Kuldeep Yadav playing. Since it didn’t happen, I don’t think there will be any changes,” Jaffer said.

The third game will be played on Wednesday.