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If New Zealand were able to make India follow-on on the final day of the second Test on Monday, it was because of one man: Darryl Tuffey.
With seven wickets in the match, on a track that was a batsman's delight, the medium pacer finally proved his credentials as a bowler who can perform overseas as well. For his efforts, he deservedly won the man of the match award.
"It was nice to bowl behind 600 runs in the first innings. It was pleasant to take seven wickets on a flat track," he said, reflecting on his performance in the match.
Tuffey revealed that the key to his success on the flat wickets was making the batsmen play.
"Instead of bowling short or fast, which negates the effect of the new ball, I concentrated on making the batsmen play. It gives you the chance of getting the edge. Every morning you have 6-8 overs to get wickets and it is very important that you make each ball pay."
Asked about the prize scalp of batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar, who he bowled through the gate in India's second essay, the medium pacer's sounded modest.
"Sachin is a volcano waiting to explode; he is always a threat. I hope he does not blow us apart in the one-dayers," he said, affirming the threat the little master poses in the upcoming tri-series, also involving Australia.
"Sachin is one player who can turn it around. I have enjoyed taking his wicket a couple of times in New Zealand also. It was thrilling," he added.
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