New Zealand captain Tom Latham is optimistic as his team heads into the second Test against India, set to be played in Pune from October 24, 2024. Following their stunning eight-wicket victory in the rain-affected first Test in Bengaluru, Latham expressed his confidence in his team’s ability to adapt to different conditions, even if India rolls out a spin-friendly surface.

New Zealand Captain Tom Latham 

The win in Bengaluru saw New Zealand’s bowlers tear through India’s batting lineup, dismissing them for just 46 runs in the first session. While the Pune pitch is expected to offer less assistance to fast bowlers, Latham is ready to tackle the challenge of a turning track.

Speaking ahead of the second Test, Latham shared that his team is not entering the game with preconceived ideas. He emphasized their focus on adaptability and the readiness to use their bowling resources effectively.

"Whatever we're presented with, for us it's about trying to adapt as quick as we can," Latham said during the pre-match press conference. "If it is going to be a wicket that turns a little bit more, then we've got four spinners in our line-up, that will play into their hands, but it's (also) about trying not to go into the game with too many preconceived ideas."

Despite the historic victory in Bengaluru, Latham emphasized that the team isn’t taking anything for granted. "We celebrated what was a special performance, but our attention (has) turned quickly to this game and we're trying not to rest on what happened last week," he said. "We are trying to take the confidence from last week and take that into this game and hopefully hit the ground running."

Latham acknowledged the collective team effort that led to the Bengaluru win, calling it a "very special" moment for New Zealand cricket. He joined legends like Graham Dowling and John Wright in the list of Kiwi captains to beat India in India.

"For me it's about trying to contribute as best I can in my role. It's not just myself; it's other guys that are just trying to perform their role as best they can," Latham explained. "I've certainly been working hard behind the scenes to get my game where I want it to be"

Latham also reflected on the fine margins of being a batsman in Test cricket: "As a batsman, it's a really fine line. You can be hitting the ball really well and get a good one, or vice versa—you may not be hitting it so well and get a bit of luck."

"For me it's about trying to contribute as best I can in my role. It's not just myself; it's other guys that are just trying to perform their role as best they can," Latham explained. "I've certainly been working hard behind the scenes to get my game where I want it to be"

On the topic of New Zealand's star batter Kane Williamson, who missed the first Test due to a groin injury, Latham revealed that his teammate is working closely with the medical team to be match-ready.

"It's a day-by-day thing with Kane, fingers crossed that he will be up and ready. He's obviously working closely with the medical team back home," Latham said. However, it’s still a waiting game as New Zealand hopes to see their ace batter back on the field soon. "Hopefully, we'll find out a little bit more after the Test," he added.