Nabi backs skills and seam movement in New Zealand ODIs

Auqib Nabi said he is relying on seam movement, discipline and his domestic experience as he adjusts to one-day international cricket in New Zealand, after taking his first international wickets against the hosts following a difficult debut for India.

The Jammu and Kashmir seamer said he had expected a call-up in red-ball cricket before receiving an ODI opportunity. His debut against West Indies in Guwahati brought no wickets and cost 84 runs. He described the white-ball selection as unexpected, but said it had given him a chance to demonstrate his skills.

Nabi said pace can help a fast bowler, but he trusts the approach that brought him success in domestic cricket. New Zealand conditions, he said, require attention to seam movement. He added that bowlers must remain disciplined whether the pitch offers assistance or is flat, because loose bowling can lead to runs.

He took his first international wickets against New Zealand. In the second ODI, he claimed two wickets for 31 runs in seven overs, according to one account. Reports differ on the sequence of his selection for the series: one says he was retained after his West Indies debut, while another says he was initially named for...