Taylor backs NZ seam attack to come good in India

"Even on a spinning track, they are world class bowlers," New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor said ahead of his team's warm-up fixture against Mumbai.

Ross Taylor has expressed confidence in the ability of New Zealand's seam attack to utilise its reverse-swing expertise.

Contrary to indications of the upcoming series turning out to be spin-dominated one, Ross Taylor visualises a very important role for New Zealand's three-pronged pace-attack involving Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Neil Wagner.

> Read: New Zealand to 'test' itself in warm-up fixture against Mumbai

Speaking on the eve of New Zealand’s three-day warm up match – where all 15 players are expected to play – against Mumbai here, the dashing batsman said, “Even on a spinning track, they are world class bowlers, given the right conditions. The ball does swing a little bit here early on and if there is going to be different conditions (where) we might open with a spinner. With the abrasive surface, we are expecting that the reverse swing is going to be effective. And Trent, Tim and Neil are very good exponents of the reverse swing.”

Known for his skills to play the sweep-shot as a potent weapon against the turning ball, Taylor mentioned, “The sweep shot is something that I have played a lot at the start of my career. It is something that I have tried to get away from and specially in the Test match format. But I think anytime you are playing in the sub-continent, you have to be able to play the sweep shot or the cut shot.”

Mumbai skipper Aditya Tare chose to draw inspiration from the previous Mumbai sides that excelled against the visiting teams. “Past Mumbai teams have done well against Australia twice and they have always given a tough time to the visiting teams. We’ll give our best and give them a great fight.”

Looking at the depleted squad, Tare said, “It is a good exposure to our bench strength. They are all just in line whenever we have players going for national duty or players getting injured. We always have a bench which is good to play for Mumbai. It is a great opportunity for them as well to try and force themselves in the playing XI in the coming season.”