New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum sounded like a very optimistic man at the pre-match press conference in Adelaide. McCullum said that his side was all geared up for the first-ever Day and night test and in all probability, would name an unchanged XI for the test.
“The way we started this Test series, we were a bit nervous and that can be for a number of reasons,” McCullum said. “It can be excitement a lot of the time. We don’t often get the opportunity to play such big series and test ourselves against the best in a long period of time. “We walked into this series as well-prepared as we thought we could be, but almost a little bit nervous and that affected the way we were able to execute our skills,” said McCullum.
“Overall, the batters tend to get better as we get deeper into a season, which is kind of scary for guys like Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor. But I think overall our guys go in with probably a little bit more confidence than when we started the tour,” McCullum added.
The Blackcaps captain also spoke about the overrates that would be in place for the day and night test. “Over-rates will be interesting as well, I think, heading into this Test match. It doesn’t get dark until 8 o’clock so there’s really only an hour, potentially an hour and a half, of the ball under full floodlights as well. Again, there’s a tactical element that needs to be included in that.”
Dismissing that Australia had an added advantage of already playing with the Pink ball, McCullum said, “Australia have had more pink-ball work than what we have but, geez, does it really matter once you get underway?” “Once you’re underway the advantages or disadvantages are kind of irrelevant . . . we’ll try to play the game similar to how we play other games.
“There’s a lot been made that it’s almost unplayable during those times, but it’s just a little bit more challenging during that stage. It doesn’t mean you can’t get runs, or survive, and ensure you’re there to bat the next day when conditions will be easier. “It is a quirk of this Test match, but there’s some good players on show who I’m sure can negotiate those challenges.”