In a spin: How the Black Caps rated in India

When Ajaz Patel’s batting helped save a draw for New Zealand in the first test, he’d already made a significant contribution.

What came next was something only two test cricketers had managed before, and ensured the left-armspinner will always have a lofty place in the game’s history.

His 10 wickets in an innings and 14 in amatch in the second test made him by far the standout Black Cap in the two-test series won 1-0 by the hosts.

Here’s how the New Zealand players rated:

Tom Latham: Was outstanding in the first test with his application, facing 428 balls and batting for more than 10 hours. Undone twice cheaply in the second when deputising as captain. Stats: 163 runs at an average of 40.75. 7 Will Young: Looks to have the ability to be a test regular, as expected of someone who has such a strong first-class history. Didn’t kick on when required, however. Stats. 115 runs@ 27.85. 5.5 KaneWilliamson: His worrying elbow injury forced him out of the second test – and the first two home tests versus Bangladesh – after battling displays in the first test. New Zealand need him fully fit. Stats: 42 runs@ 21. 5

Ross Taylor: A tour to forget. Went to India with no play under his belt since the world test championship victory and batted like it. Stats: 20 runs@ 5. 1 Henry Nicholls: His secondinnings resistance in Mumbai was his only contribution of note when the side needed more from an experienced test bat. Stats: 54 runs @ 13.50. 3

Daryl Mitchell: Pushed into action in an unfamiliar spot after Williamson’s withdrawal. Responded as he did in the T20 World Cup by showing quality and attitude. Stats: 68 runs@ 34. 7 Tom Blundell: Had some testing moments behind the stumps to the spinners in difficult conditions in both tests. Showed solid defence with the bat at times but couldn’t register a score of any note. A tough start as BJWatling’s replacement. Stats: 23 runs@ 5.75; 8 catches and a stumping. 4 Rachin Ravindra: A test series debut that gave glimpses of why he’s seen as a big part of future Black Caps teams. Technically adept with the bat and handy with the ball. Stats. 53 runs@ 17.66; 3 wickets@ 40.33. 5.5

Kyle Jamieson: Had the first setback to his incredible start to test cricket when below his best in Mumbai, after being a handful again in Kanpur. That was inevitable, given what’s come before. Stats: 6 wickets@ 30.33; 45 runs@ 11.25. 5.5

TimSouthee: Excellent in the first test in conditions that did not favour him and bowled without fortune in the second. Stats: 8 wickets@ 27.25. 7

Will Somerville: His batting in a nightwatch role was key factor in New Zealand drawing the first test. But the specialist spinner went wicket-less and was being treated with disdain by the end of the second test. A great late-career story to become a test player, but Mumbai appears to be the 37-yearold’s last. Stats: 0 wickets, 237 runs conceded. 3

Ajaz Patel: If you were being incredibly picky, you’d say Patel’s 10 wickets in an innings and 14 in a match came in a game the opposition still dictated. But that was hardly the likeable spinner’s fault. His name and Mumbai achievements – after helping stave off India’s victory charge in Kanpur – will forever be there on bold on NZ’s test honours board. Stats: 17 wickets@ 22.05. 9.5