Published: Sep 26, 2015, 06:13 PM (IST)
Edited: Sep 26, 2015, 06:13 PM (IST)
New Zealand off-spinner Mark Craig is upbeat about the prospect of playing his first ever Test series in Australia. According to the offie, who has been an integral part of New Zealand’s new-found success in Test cricket believes he’ll be at an advantage in Australian conditions given the additional bounce that he is likely to procure. Craig also spoke of the opportunity of observing Nathan Lyon, who he considers a top quality bowler, up close. Lyon, also an off-spinner, has great numbers to boast off at Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth, which are the venues for New Zealand’s Test series. ALSO READ: Tom Latham believes New Zealand can win Test series vs Australia in November 2015
“I love watching him bowl, and the way he goes about his craft,” Craig said to nzherald.co.nz. “He’s an outstanding offie. One of my strengths is the bounce I can get and they’re going to be nice bouncy conditions. Growing up as a Kiwi you always wanted to take on those guys across the Ditch so I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in and having a crack at them over there.” ALSO READ: New Zealand-Australia rivalry takes new form; Canterbury Kings to host Sydney Thunder
Apart from the bounce typically available in Australian conditions, Craig is also hoping to make use of the wearing Australian pitches, abounding with cracks and footmarks, towards the fourth and fifth days of Test matches. “With a deteriorating wicket it can be a very good place to bowl. Footmarks and then spin can become a huge factor. The ball can go up and down and you’ve got natural variation off the wicket,” Craig observed.
