GUWAHATI, Nov 28 � After conceding a 1-0 lead to India in the opening encounter of the five-match Airtel ODI series here today, New Zealand stand-in skipper Ross Taylor admitted that the Black Caps virtually lost control of the match in the middle overs where they lost wickets at regular intervals.
In the post-match press conference, Taylor said, �We lost too many wickets in the middle overs and that too in quick succession, which was perhaps the turning point of today�s match.�
Taylor captained the New Zealand team in the absence of Daniel Vettori, who decided to opt out of the match at the last minute due to a back injury.
Replying to a query, Taylor informed that both Vettori and Brendon Mccullum, who missed today�s match, are recuperating well and should be back for the second ODI.
On Virat�s knock, the New Zealand skipper said that the youngster was hitting the ball quite well and deserved the hundred thoroughly.
�I was particularly impressed with the way Virat paced his innings,� Taylor stated.
He was also all praise for the Indian openers in Gautam Gambhir and Murali Vijay, who gave the home team a solid start.
Today�s loss was the fifth consecutive one for the Black Caps, who had a disastrous ODI series against Bangladesh (0-4).
�We are trying to keep behind the losses and work tougher on our performance,� replied Taylor, who scored an impressive half century, although for a losing cause.
�I am a bit disappointed over the fashion I got out. I was playing well and could have reached a three-figure mark,� he quipped.
Asked whether Vettori could have made a difference in today�s match had be played, the New Zealand skipper, said, �Players like Vettori always make a difference no matter what the nature of the pitch is.�
