New Zealand’s tour of India a few months ago was quite an interesting one. After being battered by the hosts in the three tests which ended in a whitewash, the Kane Williamson led unit did considerably well in the ODI’s. The young New Zealand side might have lost the ODI series 3-2, but gave the hosts a real tough fight. The Kiwis earned hard-fought victories in Delhi and Ranchi as they successfully defended two moderate totals.
Their upcoming series against Bangladesh will surely be a challenging one, as the Tigers are now a far more accomplished ODI side. As far as Bangladesh is concerned, the motive of excelling now away from home will be a massive factor and that could well motivate them to do well.
Ahead of the ODI series, New Zealand coach Mike Hesson admitted that his side would look the make the most out of their wins in India. “I think it’s been good the guys have had 10-12 days home playing some domestic cricket,” Hesson said. They are getting some confidence back, and on the back of a couple of wins in India. It wasn’t too long ago that had some pretty good memories.”
Hesson also backed skipper Kane Williamson to do well in the series, who just returns from a break. “It’s been nice to be able to give him a break,” Hesson said. “It’s a tough ask playing all three forms of the game and you’re captain as well. I’ve left him alone, to be fair, to enjoy his break rather than getting annoying phone calls from me all the time. He’s certainly fresh and ready to go.”
The New Zealand coach made an interesting observation, as he said that the hosts would look to rotate their pacers for the upcoming ODI series. “It’s always a balancing act with guys that play all three forms, especially the bowlers,” Hesson said. “We’ll give them a chance to get their loads up so they’re ready to go for the Test match.”