Hyderabad test over

By: Bryan Waddle | Monday, August 27, 2012 2:36 PM

It’s hard for a passionate New Zealand cricket follower to accept but we were out played and humiliated in losing by an innings and 115 runs - a third test loss in a row.

I held some hope at lunch time but as the afternoon wore on my faith deserted me and the inevitable capitulation occurred, offering a shopping day on the fifth day of the test.

It was fair to be hopeful, McCullum and Williamson had done enough in the first 90 minutes to suggest the test was salvageable and that some lessons had been learned.

The stuffing was knocked out of the fight when McCullum received a shocker of a send off from umpire Steve Davis. It was clear from behind that it struggled to meet the requirements of the LBW law so how did Davis, front on, commit a monumental blunder which is probably a challenge to any optometrist?

It was one of seven obvious howlers that confirm that not only the game but the umpires need the DRS which will improve the number of correct decisions that can be achieved.

But it wasn't second rate umpiring that lost this test. It was second rate batting on a pitch that was awkward but needed patience and technique to negotiate. The Black Caps seemingly had neither and unless they want to be humiliated again will need to devise a simple plan to counter the spin.

Interestingly former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly acknowledged that Hyderabad was nowhere near the most difficult track in India and offered some comfort for the Black Caps that Bangalore may be more hospitable. Even if it is, it doesn't camouflage the massive technical shortcomings the New Zealand top order has when faced with quality spin bowling which at times made them look like diners trying to eat jelly with chopstick and with mittens on.

It may need a shift in thinking, it may need a shift in personnel.

Bryan Waddle is in Hyderabad thanks to Singapore Airlines, operating 12 times per week from Auckland and daily from Christchurch to Singapore - one of the world's most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities. Known for its vibrant culture, shopping and culinary delights, Singapore is also the gateway to 63 destinations in 34 countries including United Kingdom, Spain, France, Italy, Malaysia, China, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand and Korea.

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