New Zealand are leading the series 1-0 after defeating India in Bengaluru Test.
New Zealand are upbeat after the eight-wicket win in the rain-marred first Test against India in Bengaluru and skipper Tom Latham said they will go into the second match with no preconceived notions about a spin-friendly surface.
With the series at stake, it is believed that India would serve a turning track for the second Test, slated to be held in Pune from October 24. However, Latham wants his team to concentrate on making good use of their bowling options.
In the series opener at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, New Zealand bowled India out for their lowest home total of 46. While the hosts mounted a comeback in the second innings, the visitors chased down the target of 107 without any fuss to secure a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
"Whatever we're presented with, for us it's about trying to adapt as quick as we can," Latham told reporters on the eve of the second Test.
"If it is going to be a wicket that turns a little bit more, then we've got four spinners in our line-up, that will play into their hands, but it's (also) about to try not to go into the game with too many preconceived ideas," he added.
Latham said he had pondered over the use of the available spinners. New Zealand's frontline tweakers include Ish Sodhi, Mitchell Santner, and Ajaz Patel. Moreover, they have part-time options like Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips in their ranks.
"I obviously had a little bit of a think around what that may look like. (We will) try to get a little bit of information from previous games here and also the practice wickets that we're on, will hopefully be something around, or similar to what we're getting," he said.
Latham made it clear that the Kiwis won't be resting on their laurels after registering a historic Test victory in Bengaluru.
"(It is) very special, there is myself, Graham Dowling and John Wright, to be in this position is really special. But for me it was a team effort," he said.
"We celebrated what was a special performance, but our attention (has) turned quickly to this game and we're trying not to rest on what happened last week, (we are) trying to take the confidence from last week and take that into this game and hopefully hit the ground running."
"The confidence that it can bring into a side is probably the most important thing, that we can come over here and we can compete and we can do well," he further remarked.
The left-handed opener, who assumed the full-time Test captaincy right before the India tour, said he is not very concerned about his lack of significant scores.
"For me it's about trying to contribute as best I can in my role, it's not just myself, it's other guys that are just trying to perform their role as best they can and that may look slightly different throughout the test match," he said.
"I've certainly been working hard behind the scenes to get my game where I want it to be. As a batsman it's a really fine line, you can be hitting the ball really well and get a good one, or vice versa, you may not be hitting it so well and get a bit of luck," he stated.
Latham revealed ace batter Kane Williamson is collaborating closely with the medical staff despite missing the first Tests due to groin injury.
"It's a day-by-day thing with Kane, fingers crossed that he will be up and ready. He's obviously working closely with the medical team back home," he said.
"It's just a bit of a waiting game, hopefully we'll find out a little bit more after the Test," Latham added.
(With TOI Inputs)