NZ vs IND: Tickner relishing Virat Kohli challenge, backs New Zealand to bounce back against India

India's Virat Kohli struck 74 off 51 balls against New Zealand in the first ODI. | Photo Credit: AP

Virat Kohli presents an “awesome opportunity” for New Zealand, said fast bowler Blair Tickner, adding that his side would look to be more effective with the ball and produce a stronger batting performance in the second ODI here on Saturday.

Tickner acknowledged Kohli’s ability to put opposition bowlers under pressure but said New Zealand remains confident of finding a way to dismiss the former India captain.

“He’s obviously going all right. With a small total, he came out and put pressure on us. We looked to take wickets, but he did really well. We still back ourselves and our skills to get him out.

“But it’s an awesome opportunity to play against him and hopefully we can get one over him soon.”

READ | How Virat Kohli took on the short balls to anchor India’s chase against New Zealand in 1st ODI

The Kiwis were dismissed for 185 in 40.2 overs in a rain-affected first ODI as India overhauled a revised target of 144 in 22.4 overs to win by five wickets via DLS.

“Obviously, you’d have loved to score more runs and put a little bit more pressure on them... we know that we didn’t get enough runs and with the ball we can be even better.”

New Zealand will also be without opener Devon Conway for the remainder of the series after he suffered a concussion in a freak training-ground accident.

“Yeah, he’s been massive for us, obviously. Crazy event at training but we’re bringing in [Nick] Kelly, another great player. So it just gives opportunity to other players to stand up like we have throughout.

“We have had a few injuries around the last couple of years, but [it] seems every time we have another player come in, they do well. So great opportunity for Nick.”

Tickner expects conditions at Hnry Stadium to offer assistance to the bowlers.

“Yeah, we saw last year against England as well, there’s a little bit in the wicket, especially here. As a bowler, [I am] hoping for that. I don’t want to be at a game that’s a 400 [vs] 400.

“I’m looking for a little bit of extra bounce, hopefully a bit of nip off the wicket and it’ll be a good game.”

Tickner also spoke about the challenges of a packed international schedule, with limited recovery time between matches.

“I guess it’s the short turnaround in the night lights. For a guy who goes to bed about 8:00, so, midnight’s pretty late for me, but we still do a bit of bowling in the twilight.

“So we’re just balancing that and a lot of guys going into Test cricket as well, so there’s a lot of balance happening. But luckily we have a great team and they’re all sort of scheduling each bowler where they need to be.”

On his own bowling, Tickner said: “I think you have little things to work on. I’m still coming back from a few injuries in the winter, so I’m sort of trying to bowl a bit more. I love bowling and getting that rhythm right.”