India have been defeated by New Zealand in the Test series. The home team is 0-2 down, with the last match scheduled in Mumbai. It is India’s first home Test series loss against the Kiwis and also the first in 12 years.
India won 18 consecutive red-ball series at home before losing to New Zealand without a fight. The opening Test in Bengaluru saw the Tom Latham-led team register an eight-wicket win. In the second game in Pune, the margin of victory was 113 runs. Former Australia spinner Brad Hogg has laid out a big positive for Rohit Sharma’s team despite a shocking result.
He said that it is good for India that New Zealand have thumped them, as it will motivate them to perform well against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024.
Hogg mentioned that India will come harder at the Aussies. “The loss against New Zealand is good news for the Indian team as it will force them to think and work on weaknesses before leaving to Australia. The players will work harder to make sure their team stays alive in the World Test Championship,” he said.
“They will come better prepared and will show a bit more energy, a bit more fire, a bit more heart, and they will come harder than what they have done if the series against New Zealand was in their bag. They will make sure to get ready for the first Test against Australia,” he added.
India and Australia will play a five-match Test series. The opening game will be in Perth on November 22.
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