Zimbabwe's batting coach Lance Klusener is confident that his side can bat out the final day of the second Test against New Zealand. Going into day five, the hosts are three down and are still 329 runs adrift of the target of 387.
"We are pretty confident we can bat for the day," Klusener said. "The pitch is pretty good and New Zealand have been in the field for a long time. From a team growth point of view, I am really looking forward to it.”
After being bowled out for 164 and 295 in the first Test, Zimbabwe have already managed 362 in the first innings of the second Test and the former South African all-rounder explained what it was all down to.
"We wanted to place a value on our wickets. In the first Test match, there were a couple too many soft dismissals. There were a couple that were a bit soft again here but we were prepared to grind out tough sessions and bat time. We want to make sure bowlers work hard for our wickets, like we had to do for theirs."
Klusener also believes the opening pairing of Tino Mawoyo and Chamu Chibhabha could be Zimbabwe's way forward.
"Since I have been involved, I've noticed we've always struggled to get a good platform. Tino and Chamu have settled things a little bit and take some shine off the ball. I am extremely impressed with them and hopefully they can grow as a partnership together."
With four specialist batsmen still to play, including Sean Williams, Prince Masvaure and debutant PJ Moor, Klusener still believes "their job is not finished."
"Craig was really organised. He had a good plan. That's where we need to get to with the other batsmen because it's one thing having a plan, but it's important to be comfortable with the plan."
New Zealand's Trent Boult praised the hosts for their resilience but warned that it would be a "a new challenge" to bat on the final day.
"The challenges is the pace. It's been a wicket that we don't find where we come from. It's a testing surface but a good test at that," he said. "I would have liked to take more wickets but that's the way it goes. I feel I am getting better with each spell.".
On the job at hand, he said: "We know it is a very slow and unresponsive wicket. Nice to come back here and only have to grab seven."
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