India's 500th Test: Sweep shot is a key weapon against spinners, says McMillan

KANPUR: Craig McMillan knows a thing or two about batting in Indian conditions. A nimble-footed player, he tackled spinners like a ballet dancer, at times going out to meet the ball, at other times staying rooted in his crease. He enjoyed a dream run during the two-Test series here in 2003, scoring 237 runs and getting out only once against a spin attack comprising of present India coach Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh.
The 40-year-old New Zealand batting coach enjoyed the way the two Kiwi batsmen - skipper Kane Williamson and Tom Latham - played the Indian spinners on Friday. "It was a good day for us. Both Williamson and Latham tackled some quality spin bowling quite well," he said. "A lot of cricket is yet to be played. First our bowlers did a fine job yesterday, and now it's the turn of the batsmen to build on it."
McMillan praised Williamson and Latham's positivity at the crease. "They made the most of the scoring opportunities, though both the Indian spinners (R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja) tested them by bowling in good areas. They overcame a lot of challenges, and that augurs well."
Talking about the use of the sweep shot, the Christchurch born McMillan said that it was an individual preference. "If you are facing quality spinners, sweep shot is a key weapon. But, at the end of the day it depends on the choice of the individual. Some are comfortable with it, some aren't." McMillan said it was important to use the depth of the crease properly.

"Playing deep in the crease and also using your feet properly are vital in order to be successful against spinners." In this regard, he felt his players came out with flying colours.
India's batting coach Sanjay Bangar said teams from outside the subcontinent use the sweep shot to good effect, unlike Indian batsmen who prefer to step out and play. "They are playing to their strength, and that is natural," Bangar said Meanwhile, Bangar said he was a bit disappointed that the home side couldn't press home the advantage on Day One, but was hopeful of India reclaiming the advantage.
"It was a bit disappointing that five to six batsmen got starts, but couldn't capitalize. We should have scored more," he said. "Our spinners bowled well today, though were unlucky not to get wickets. India were also in a similar situation (when Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara had put on a good second-wicket partnership) yesterday. And, this is a sort of track where a wicket can open the floodgates. It's difficult for a new batsman to get in."
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