Williamson: Not a lack of effort, but India were the better side

10/12/2016

After suffering a whitewash at the hands of India, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said the failure to put up a collective performance had cost the visitors dearly in the Test series. Williamson acknowledged that India were the superior side and had exploited the conditions better.

“Going into the match, we wanted to put together (a) more complete performance, (but that) wasn't the case,” the Kiwi skipper said at the post-match press conference after his side was beaten by 321 runs in the third and final Test in Indore. “Once again some fighting contributions with (the)

“Once again some fighting contributions with (the) bat, (the) boys tried really hard in field on (a) wicket (that was) not offering much initially,” Williamson said.

Despite losing 3-0, Williamson said that his young side had gained a lot of experience from the tour.

“Unfortunately we couldn't put together (a) complete performance. Not a lack of effort, but India were the better side and we need to learn a lot form them as our young side is getting exposed to these conditions,” he said.

Williamson lauded Ravichandran Ashwin, who accounted for 27 dismissals in the series, saying that the off-spinner deserved to be the man-of-the-series for his bowling performances.

“Not a mental block, more quality of his bowling in these conditions (pitch) which turn a lot. Sure spinners enjoy that and Ashwin is best at exploiting those conditions, and (has) shown that for a long time. He has shown his class, deserved to be man of series,” Williamson said.

“They exploited the conditions better than us, very patient with (the) bat. Batting was not easy when our time came. (India won) not just because conditions had deteriorated but the very good bowling attack they have,” Williamson said.

The five-match ODI series between the two teams will start on Oct 16, with the opening match to be played at HPCA Stadium in Dharmasala.