Andy Moles
The BLACKCAPS coach talks about the playing Scotland, being the "dark horses" and their chances of winning the tournament.
On the upcoming match v South Africa…
“We’re really looking forward to it. Its going to be a fantastic opportunity to show where we’re at with our game. South Africa are one of the pre-tournament favourites so we know we’re in for a tough game. They’ll be well prepared and well coached. They have a tough captain so were expecting a very hard game, but we’re up for it. The boys have been practicing really hard and we’re looking forward to the opportunity to show exactly where we are with our game at the moment.”
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On building momentum…
“We’ve spoken about that. We’d like to go in with some momentum moving forward into the super eight stage. It’s an opportunity for our players to have real tough competitive practice before we move into the super eight’s so it’s a great opportunity and it has come at just the right time.”
On Daniel Vettori’s injury…
“He’s having a scan today so we’ll know more this afternoon. We’re still hopeful he’ll come through but he hasn’t bowled the last couple of days. There’s a little bit of pain in his shoulder so we’ll know more later on this afternoon.”
On the benefit of the BLACKCAPS flying under the radar…
“I think it does a little bit. If we play well the attention will come and that’s the way we’re approaching it. We know we’ve got a dangerous side and other teams, I know respect us and think we’re a dangerous team as well. So while the focus is on the opposition we can just go about our business and if we play good cricket we’re capable of beating anyone so it suits us to fly under the radar a little bit. We’ve just got to make sure we play good cricket.”
Can anyone beat anyone- is the field level?
“Batters are understanding the risks that can be taken. People understand now that boundaries are the things to get, not just singles to keep the scoreboard ticking and I think over the next few years teams will get better and better and that goes for the teams that are further down the rankings. They’re getting better and catching up with the top sides. You only need two or three good batters to turn a game around on its head and I think the competition will get tighter and tighter.“
On preferring to play over Bangladesh…
“No we believe when we play well we can beat anybody and yes statistically if Holland were in our group it would be easier but anyone can win a game on the day. We just have to make sure we look after ourselves and use our own skills to the best of our ability.”
