Hesson backs Indian-born Sodhi as 'long-term ' spin option for New Zealand following Bangladesh debut

Indian-born New Zealand spinner Ish Sodhi can reportedly carve out a place for himself in the squad for the long-term if he continued to impress his selectors like he did with his debut performance in a trying surface during the drawn first Test against Bangladesh.

Sodhi took 3-169 from 39.1 overs and impressed coach Mike Hesson with his performance even though it was far from being a dominant display, although the report said that it is yet to be seen whether or not Sodhi has the potential, the maturity and the arsenal to be New Zealand's No 1 Test spinner.

According to Stuff.co.nz, however, Hesson declared himself pleased with Sodhi's performance, saying that despite a surface that did not bounce, Sodhi created a number of opportunities and hit the gloves a couple of times, and hinted that he could be a good prospect for New Zealand in the future.

 

The report mentioned that although Bruce Martin has been a strong domestic performer for a long time and is 13 years Sodhi's senior, he is behind Sodhi when it comes to match-winning potential, room for improvement, ability with the bat and age.