Brendon McCullum’s confident that a much improved BLACKCAPS side will show up at the WACA for the second Test against Australia.
The tourists were soundly beaten in the opening encounter at the ’Gabba, but McCullum said that’s no reason to change the things that have worked in the past.
“I’ve got heaps of confidence in our guys and that we are going to be able to bounce back pretty quickly.
“One of the beauties of this team is that when we do perform, we don’t get too high, and when we aren’t at our best and we do get beaten — we don’t get too low.
“We’re quite a level team emotionally. We know that the skills we possess and the game plan we have serves us really well, if we go out there and implement them.”
McCullum and his men arrived in Perth on Tuesday evening and held their first full practice on Thursday afternoon at the WACA.
Temperatures are set to soar into the mid-thirties over the weekend, and McCullum acknowledged that won’t be the only heat they’ll face.
“It’s another opportunity. You come to Australia and play against a very good Australian team in their own conditions and it’s a real test of how good you are,” he said.
“It’s going to be tough, it’s going to be hot, and it’s going to ask different demands of us.
“It’s going to ask us to stay with the Australians for a decent period of time, and then to have the confidence to put the hammer down when the opportunity arises. And that’s exciting, and I’m sure the guys are up for it.”
There’ll be one forced change to the side after allrounder Jimmy Neesham headed back home for management of his back, while champion pace bowler Tim Southee faces a late fitness test to ensure he is over his back troubles.
McCullum said they’re still deliberating on the side, Neil Wagner and Mitchell McClenaghan both in Perth and itching for a call up.
“But I’m confident taking in whichever XI we’ve got,” McCullum said.
“Tim's earned the right to be trusted. Over a long period of time he’s been an outstanding bowler for us, and he showed in the first Test how valuable an asset he is, not just with the ball in hand, but as a leader in the group. So we’ll give him every opportunity.”
The BLACKCAPS take on Australia in the second Test at the WACA Friday 3.30pm New Zealand time (10.30am local time in Perth), live on SKY Sport.
