New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson thinks his Test captaincy debut is little thought as he focuses on thriving in Zimbabwe’s conditions. He became New Zealand’s 29th Test captain. Williamson is taking nothing for granted ahead of the first of two Tests in Bulawayo starting from today.
As a captain at limited overs level, the 25-year-old said he has given his Test milestone little thought. “We’ve been so consumed with the preparation that I haven’t felt a huge amount about it. It is tough to win here. Certainly, Zimbabwe are well-equipped in these conditions because they’re so familiar with them. It is about thinking on your feet, to make those quick adjustments. It’s going to be a tough challenge and we may have to find different ways to skin it,” he said.
The Black Caps may consider fielding three spinners – Ish Sodhi, Mitchell Santner, and Mark Craig – to accompany new ball pair Tim Southee and Trent Boult. If a third seamer is picked, it will be a tight call between Neil Wagner, Doug Bracewell, and Matt Henry.
It is nearly two years since Zimbabwe played their last Test, against Bangladesh, with their lack of experience and several injuries making them ripe for the picking. Williamson is looking inwards, demanding a positive performance in New Zealand’s first Test for five months.
“The team has improved a lot in recent years and that is the focus still, to continue to improve.We’re certainly going to play in a way that gives us the best chance,” Williamson said.
Southee said of a Black Caps Test side without McCullum. “Brendon obviously having been a part of the last 101 Test matches for New Zealand, it will be a bit strange for people tuning in not to see him as part of the Test side,” he told.