Blackcaps vs India: Pressure key to New Zealand comeback, says Trent Boult

Pressure is the operative word leading into the second one-day international against India on Saturday, according to Blackcaps quick Trent Boult.

The hosts are looking to bounce back after their abysmal display in the opening match of the series in Napier on Wednesday, where they only managed 157 runs in an emphatic eight-wicket loss.

Now Boult wants he and his fellow bowlers turn up the heat at both ends in Mt Maunganui, or they may found themselves at the mercy of the selectors and a newfound level of depth.

"In terms of our plans as a bowling unit, we want to be aggressive as we can and put pressure on them on the first few balls they face," Boult told Newshub. "They're quality batsmen and when they're in they're hard to get out.

"No one is complacent…especially in the bowling ranks. To have guys on the sideline like Matt Henry and Ish Sodhi, there is pressure on the lads who have been picked and that is healthy competition to have.

"I know in times we've struggled to have that and it is exciting come into a big six months for the ODI side."

The 29-year-old admitted they may have misread the pitch at McLean Park in terms of the composition of the bowling attack they opted for.

"You want to play the best bowlers who can take wickets. Ish [Sodhi] has done well for us, but where does he fit in in terms of who you don't play?

"It is one of those things. We didn’t read the pitch that it was going to turn like it did in Napier, but moving to here, it is usually a good wicket.

That said, Boult has complete confidence in whoever the selectors go with on a wicket that is renowned for producing runs.

"We want to be aggressive but limit the runs because big scores can be scored on this ground. I'm sure the guys who get the nod will do well and be successful."

The key lies with the early removal of the Indian dangermen at the top of the order, says Boult. No prizes for how he believes they best achieve that.

"The plan is to put pressure on them early in conditions they're not used too. If we can get a couple of wickets in the first 10 overs because we know what kinds of pressure it can put the rest of the team in the sheds. "

Newshub.

Join us at 3pm Saturday for live updates of the second Blackcaps vs India ODI in Mt Maunganui.