Gary Stead: Black Caps coach on the side's historic first-ever series win over India - Holiday Breakfast

It was hardly surprising Mitchell Santner woke up sore the morning after his match-winning heroics. Twenty-nine straight overs while bowling the Black Capsto a famous victory would have that effect.

Santner’s 13-wicket haul inspired a 113-run win in Pune on Saturday, recording the third-best figures by a New Zealander and the third-best for any bowler against India.

The spinner held up an end while shutting down the hosts’ chase, battling a side strain that required stretching between overs. A maiden series triumph within reach, Santner was the constant and content to later pay a physical price.

“The side was all right last night – I was numbing it with a few beers,” he said. “But this morning it’s a little bit sore.”

The good news for Santner is the Black Caps can now enjoy their historic success and rest weary bodies before gunning for a series sweep.

“It’s ideal that test only went three days,” he said. “It took a toil on the rig, I bowled 29 overs in a row which is very foreign for me. I’m usually used to four or 10.”

Such is the limited life of a spinner combining black cap and red ball, knowing that no matter their ability or achievements offshore, a summer played on green pitches can still leave them superfluous.

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