Yet to register a win on the tour, New Zealand opener Tom Latham said that the visitor needs to "correct a few wrongs" in the remaining four ODIs of the series to end the sojourn on a high.
After a 0-3 rout in the Test series, New Zealand misery continued as India defeated the visitor by six wickets in the first ODI here today to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
"We haven't got the results we wanted so far. But there are still four massive games to come. Hopefully we can change a few things. Hopefully we can correct a few wrongs and put a good performance on the board," a disappointed Latham told reporters at the post-match media briefing.
Latham, who remained unbeaten on 79 and Tim Southee (55), stitched quickfire 71 runs off just 58 balls for the ninth wicket to help New Zealand post 190 on the board and give its bowlers something to bowl at.
Latham said losing wickets at regular intervals cost the Black Caps dearly.
"Over the last couple of weeks we had to adapt to the conditions. Unfortunately we could not put a big enough total on the board. We managed to scrap to 190 but we couldn’t put the ball in the right areas and get early wickets.
"There was a bit of variable bounce early on and the ball did swing a bit. Unfortunately we lost early wickets and continued to lose wickets at regular intervals after that. Me and Tim (Southee) managed to put on a partnership and managed to get to 190," the left-handed batsman said.
Latham praised Southee for giving him company at the middle and in the process helping New Zealand reach near the 200-run mark which at one stage looked improbable.
"The lower order managed to stick with me and we managed to put a score the board. Obviously the score was under par. It was pretty special occasion for him (Southee) come out get his first 50, in his 100th match. It was nice to see the way he counter attacked," Latham said.
Latham said with wickets tumbling at the other end, he had to change his batting approach.
"As a batsman you want to spend as much time as possible in the middle. Losing wickets at the other end dictated the play. I couldn’t be free as I wanted to be. I had to build partnerships towards the end with the tail. I would have played in a different way if we were not so many wickets down," he said.
Latham, who idolized Kumar Sangakkara and Michael Hussey while growing up, said sweep is one of his favourite shots.
"Sweep shot is one of my favourite shots and the shot that seems to work for me, especially in conditions where it slow and turning," he said.
New Zealand today rested pace duo of Trent Boult and Matt Henry and Latham said it was a conscious decision.
"If you look at their workload over the last couple of weeks, they have bowled quite a few overs. So it is important for our team that they rest and be fresh for the next couple of matches," he concluded.
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