India can spring a surprise in second Test vs New Zealand: John Wright

Former Indian cricket team coach John Wright has come out in support of MS Dhoni's side after they lost a close match against hosts New Zealand in the first Test at Auckland, and said that a reverse result could be seen in the second match at Wellington, starting Friday. (First Test, Day 4 highlights)

Wright, who coached Mumbai Indians to their first Indian Premier League title last year, said that India surely misses the services of legends like Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar, who had a special desire to win matches away from home. "It surprises me actually (that India have not won a Test abroad since June 2011); I did not realise that," Wright said on Monday in Bangalore. (Umpiring let Team India down: Gavaskar)

"Sourav (Ganguly), Rahul (Dravid) and Sachin (Tendulkar) were very keen to win away from home. They were very special," he added. (Dhoni: India's worst captain away from home)

Considering this is India's ninth visit to New Zealand for a bilateral contest, Wright expressed concern over their first-innings performance in the recently concluded Test match at Auckland but praised the team for getting themselves back into a winning situation towards the end.

"When you concede a lead of 300, it's very difficult to come back into the game. But they had an opportunity to win the Test (second innings). They needed one more partnership towards the end. The last 100 runs are always difficult to chase," he said. (Match scorecard)

The former Indian coach was quite sure the second Test in Wellington would bring a result, as he felt that the wicket there always had the ball moving around, and said that India have a chance to win because they also played well in South Africa in similar conditions. (India risk losing second spot in Test rankings)

"Given the conditions at Wellington, there will be a result. It is a fair wicket, the ball moves around. But India can stage a comeback; did they not play well in South Africa?" Wright added.

Wright, who has also coached his native New Zealand before quitting in 2012, lauded the efforts of Indian team youngsters on the tour, saying that most sides found it hard to perform well in the country.

"They have been pretty consistent. There are also some good youngsters coming through. New Zealand is generally a tough place to tour; most teams find it tough," he said.

Wright is currently in Bangalore to attend the Indian Premier League players' auction, in his role as Mumbai Indians coach.