Aakash Chopra picks the gains from New Zealand Test series

Former India opener Aakash Chopra on Wednesday said that Indian seamers out-bowling their New Zealand counterparts in the recently concluded three-match Test series is a great feeling and is unrivalled.

"Indian seamers out-bowled Kiwi seamers in the second Test. There can't be a happier feeling than this," Chopra tweeted.

Although Kiwi pacers -- Trent Boult, Matt Henry and Neil Wagner -- took more wickets combined (21) in the three matches, their Indian counterparts especially Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami effected more damage in their combined scalps of 14. Umesh Yadav picked up two wickets in his two Tests.

Chopra also lauded wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha for his contribution with the willow in the lower order which proved vital in winning the Eden Test.

"All good teams have their wicketkeepers contributing with the bat...Saha's knocks in Eden were special. Big gain."

India were heavily criticised last season for producing dust bowls at home and winning matches. This time, as Chopra wrote, the Virat Kohli-led side reached the summit of Test Championship rankings by playing on spin-friendly pitches.

"Wins on a spinner friendly pitch (not a dust bowl), a seamer friendly pitch (Eden) and a nice batting surface (Indore)," tweeted the 39-year old who has played 10 Tests for the country.

The right-hander who was known to strap down and bat for long along with the dashing Virender Sehwag at the other end, concluded by lauding the efforts of the willowers in the third Test in Indore.

"One good batting surface (Indore) and Indian batsmen filled their boots. Shows hunger and resolve. Captain setting the standard with the bat," the cricketer-turned commentator said.

--IANS

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