Sri Lanka will face an improved BLACKCAPS team after the lessons learned during the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy, according to coach John Bracewell.
The BLACKCAPS face the talented tourists in four One-Day Internationals in December and January. The West Indies also visit for a Twenty20 match, five One-Day Internationals and three Tests starting February.
And despite a 2-1 series defeat to the world champions, the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy provided two of the best cricket games ever seen.
The series also delivered an important message to the BLACKCAPS – as outlined by their coach.
“We’ve learned that aerial cricket is now accepted part form of the game,” he told www.BLACKCAPS.co.nz.
“We know how to play in the air and the in control. With the pitches the way they were, you can dominate, you can still rotate the strike.
“What was most pleasing was how we advanced our batting game on each occasion. It was very rewarding to see guys who had struggled when batting against the odds improving. I think that shows quick learning.”
The coach also noted how his players had adapted to the new ODI rules.
“Under the new rules we can play another batter, and we needed to learn who we can use and in what roles,” he commented.
“For example, it has allowed Chris Martin the opportunity to return to international cricket. Before now, he has only played about seven One-Day Internationals; the last was almost five years ago.”
Sri Lanka’s side contains a plethora of stroke makers, much like Australia, and Bracewell felt the BLACKCAPS attack must plan accordingly, conceding: “We know we need to be cannier and more ruthless with our late order bowling.”
The National Bank Series against Sri Lanka begins in Queenstown on December 31.
For ticket information for The National Bank series, .
