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So maybe NZ cricket is not all doom and gloom after pushing India close at home in the second test.
However in terms of development the performance was built on some things we already knew were rare strengths in this side:
- Our best batsman (by a comfortable distance) scored a century
- Our seam attack was threatening. Although Southee turning all that raw ability into actual results was new, most of us were already thinking our seam attack as a whole is a strength or would soon be. Southee, Boult, Bracewell with backup from Wagner and a couple of others could be very strong and just need some time to quietly improve further.
So what actual development has occurred that wasn't really expected? Nothing huge:
- Patel bowled better than expected though is still no world-beater
- Van Wyk scored runs. Still question marks over keeping/slips positioning which he and Taylor need to sort out.
- Maybe, just maybe, some of our batsmen will have improved their approach against spin and that will yield dividends in Sri Lanka.
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