Online Reporter
NEW Zealand cricket coach Rob Walter believes the team’s adaptability is paving the way for their success in Zimbabwe.
New Zealand went through the T20 Tri-Series unbeaten, scoring a three-run win over South Africa in the final in Harare on Sunday.
Walter, who is on his first tour in charge, said the players adapted well to the local conditions.
“Played on three different pitches through the series and all three of them played differently,” Walter told RNZ.
“The way the guys were able to adapt to the conditions and the opposition was excellent, both with bat and ball.”
Walter used 18 different players during the Tri-Series.
Tim Seifert, Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway were the top three run scorers in the tournament, while Matt Henry grabbed 10 wickets.
Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi had the best bowling economy rate of 5.75, with Zak Foulkes just behind him on 6.31.
Conway wasn’t originally named in the squad for the Tri-Series, but was called up to replace the injured Finn Allen.
He made the most of his opportunity, averaging 45 over four games.
“Dev is a quality player and sometimes form can be a bit wanting, but ultimately these guys will shine at some point,” Walter said.
“It was good to see him expressing himself and playing with some nice freedom.
The Black Caps now prepare for a two-Test series against Zimbabwe starting in Bulawayo tomorrow.
Zimbabwe have played seven Tests so far this year. Their most recent was a 2-0 loss at home to South Africa.
They lost the first Test by 328 runs and the second by an innings and 236 runs.
“They’ll certainly be a better team in this series, they’ve got a couple of players coming back that will definitely strengthen what they look like.
“We’ll be paying attention to our standards so we’re looking to deliver a really good performance across the two Test matches.”
Test series, Queen Sports Club, Bulawayo
First Test: July 30- August 3
Second Test: August 7-11
Black Caps Test squad
Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Michael Bracewell (first Test only), Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Nathan Smith, Will Young. — RNZ.co.nz/Sports Reporter.
