Taylor identifies sweep shot as key weapon to counter Indian spinners

Describing sweep shot as one of his key weapon in his arsenal, New Zealand veteran batsman Ross Taylor has insisted that he will rely on his strength in what promises to be a challenging Test series on India's raging turners.

"The sweep shot is something that I have played a lot at the start of my career, and 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 need to be able to play the sweep shot or the cut shot," Taylor was quoted as saying by bcci.tv.

The 32-year-old seasoned batsman also stressed that his side have a formidable batting attack, which is capable of generating a wide range of shots, including reverse sweeps to counter India's much-vaunted spin attack.

"A lot of the guys are practicing during training and we will talk about it with the team. Yes, my strength is the sweep shot and some of the people who have had success here, looking at Brendon (McCullum) when he came over here and two-hundred it wasn't necessarily the sweep shot it was the reverse sweep that he was able to put the pressure back on the bowler. We have people that can play the reverse sweep and put pressure on whoever is bowling. Whatever happens you have to play to your strengths and mine is the sweep shot," Taylor added.

Admitting that playing against India at their own backyard is a challenge, Taylor said his side will put their best foot forward in the upcoming three-Test series. "India have come off a great series win and playing India at home is challenge. We will put in our best preparation," he said.

New Zealand are currently playing a three-day warm-up game against Mumbai team at the Feroz Shah Kotla.

The opening Test match will be played at the Green Park in Kanpur, beginning on September 22.