Williamson could return for third Test, says New Zealand's bowling coach

After being sidelined for the second Test at the Eden Gardens due to fever, New Zealand's captain Kane Williamson's raised hopes in the camp after he returned to the nets on Thursday morning. But the decision of the skipper's inclusion in the third Test is pending with the management according to the team's bowling coach Shane Jurgensen.

“It's looking positive. Final confirmation on that will probably be tomorrow. We trained today and he did some batting and had a decent hit and a run around. We'll have another look at him tomorrow but it looks positive,” Jurgensen told Cricbuzz in an interview.

Speaking about the rib injury to Kiwi all-rounder Jimmy Neesham, Jurgensen said, “Good, his ribs have settled down nicely. He has got through quite a few overs in the last week and had an extra bowl the day after the game and another bowl today. He got through five or six overs today with no problems.”

When asked about his observations of India's bowling attack, the 40-year old felt that Ravindra Jadeja had improved a lot in recent years.

“One area I've been observing is the Indian bowlers are very accurate, they have developed a lot in that area. They put a lot of pressure and use subtle variations. Jadeja has improved a lot, and they know the conditions very well and they manipulate it to suit,” he added.

Despite trailing the three-Test series 2-0, Jurgensen stressed that there are lots of positives to be taken from the first two Tests.

“There have been a lot of positives out of the first Test and that is what we are focussing on. Teams have come here previously and it is hard work for all nations. It's a very unique and challenging place to play and a very special place to play. We've got one Test to go and right now that is the most important. We've got a lot to play for,” he said.

Jurgensen also said that the visitors have special plans to get the Indian tail-enders out quickly in the final Test.

“It is certainly an area(lower-order) where the Indian team has been on the improve is that all those guys can bat,” he said. “I've got to look at areas of their weaknesses. Looking at old footage from the past few years they've certainly improved. Jadeja is a dangerous player ... it is something that tactically we might make some changes around the way we approach that with field placements. It is just taking away what the opposition is comfortable in doing,” he concluded.