Hyderabad: New Zealand do not have encouraging results to show coming into the Test series against India but all-rounder James Franklin is confident that his side will put up a good show in the two-match series.
New Zealand were routed by the West Indies before coming to India in all three formats of the game but Franklin said that the side is looking to make a fresh start as they have brought in a few changes in the team and support staff.
"We are coming from a tough tour of West Indies. But it's always a new beginning with a new coach (Mike Hesson) and a couple of new faces in the squad. I think the guys are looking forward to take on a strong Indian side in their home conditions," Franklin said.
The all-rounder said his side have talented players and they are targeting to wrest the initiative by doing well on the first day of the Test matches.
"Overall we have got talent in the side and we will work out with our strategies to come up and play well against India. The idea is to compete session by session and we will take it day-by-day, but the first and foremost thing is to play well on the first day," he said.
Franklin, a left-handed batsman and seam bowler, said the Black Caps can only succeed if their players can execute the plans properly.
"Having talent is not enough… We have to perform to our potential. We have to apply ourselves in the middle. "
Asked about his target in the series, Franklin said: "I'm trying to contribute in any form of game by scoring runs or taking wickets."
Asked if he was better accustomed to the Indian conditions after playing in the Indian Premier League for Mumbai Indians, Franklin answered in the affirmative.
"I spent quite a bit of time playing in India in the last couple of years by participating in the IPL and the Champions League. Obviously, it helps if you play the games...But, at the end of the day, it is what you do in the middle on that day." the 31-year-old observed.
Asked on Laxman's replacement, Subramaniam Badrinath, Franklin said: "He looks good...hopefully he does not score too many runs against us."
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