IND Vs NZ, 1st Test: Latham Disappointed To Not Have Williamson But Looks Forward To Challenge 'Well-Rounded' India

New Zealand captain Tom Latham on Tuesday conceded that beating a 바카라�well-rounded바카라� India would be an enormous task but said his team is ready to face the challenge over the course of a three-match Test series, beginning here from Wednesday. (More Cricket News)

The presence of a host of experienced batters and bowlers, Latham said, makes India a formidable opponent.

바카라�You obviously look at the spinners when you come over these conditions. But they've got an equally good seam attack in Bumrah, Siraj, Akash Deep, who's played the last couple of Tests against Bangladesh.

"So just a well-rounded side,바카라� Latham said in the pre-match press meet here on Tuesday.

바카라�From a batting point of view. You have a lot of match winners who can take a game away from you pretty quickly.

바카라�We're looking forward to the challenge. Hopefully, we can lean back on the experiences that we've had here the last couple of times that we've toured,바카라� he added.

In that context, Latham said the Kiwis will miss the presence of former captain Kane Williamson, who has been ruled out of the early part of this tour owing to a groin injury.

바카라�It's disappointing not to have Kane here. Fingers crossed he'll be ready as soon as possible.

"I think Youngie (Will Young) will play. He'll bat at three. He's batted all over the order. I guess it's his opportunity to put his hand up.

바카라�Yeah, obviously, disappointing when you miss a senior guy like Kane, but it gives opportunities for other guys to put their hand up,바카라� he said.

However, Ben Sears getting ruled out because of a knee injury has opened up a chance for out of form veteran Tim Southee to get a place in the eleven.

바카라�Absolutely. I think last time they played a Test here, Tim took 7 for 60. Obviously, Ben Sears has been ruled out, so I guess if we do end up going with the three seamers, then obviously Tim will come right into the equation.바카라�

Latham admitted that the build-up to this series was not ideal after a 0-2 series defeat against Sri Lanka, but hoped to carry over the learning from that contest.

바카라�Obviously, results weren't ideal in Sri Lanka. I think that first Test was a reasonably small margin in terms of the defeat. But we actually did a lot of good stuff in that tour.

바카라�And, yeah, I guess you come here to India, it's slightly different conditions. That wicket at Galle didn't offer a lot from a bowling point of view,바카라� he noted.

Latham is no stranger to captaincy but being in the hot seat on a permanent basis from the three-match series against India excites the Canterbury man.

The 32-year-old was handed the skipper바카라�s arm band after Southee stepped down from the role after a poor away series against Sri Lanka.

바카라�It's obviously a huge, exciting privilege for me to be in this position. But regardless whether I'm captain or not captain, I'm trying to perform my role as best as I can.

"That바카라�s not going to be any different being captain,바카라� said Latham.