Spare a thought for the BLACKCAPS Test players. While the world’s attention was on the 50 overs World Cup, the likes of BJ Watling, Neil Wagner and Mark Craig were keeping sharp in the Plunket Shield, then putting the work in at Lincoln’s training base to prepare for the tour of England.
It’s a return to the whites off the back of a remarkable come from behind win at the Basin to beat a determined Sri Lanka outfit – the BLACKCAPS now sit fifth in the ICC Reliance Test rankings and are keen for a crack at the number four (England) at their place.
It’s not going to be easy, according to off break bowler Mark Craig: “I know England are going to be very, very tricky to beat over there in their home conditions, so we’re going to have to be on point to beat them.
“We’re obviously going over there to win, so we’re just doing what we need to to make that happen. All the boys are a bit sick of playing in the nets, and are looking forward to getting out in the middle against the county sides, building up to the first Test at Lord’s,” said Craig.
After his storming debut in the West Indies last year, Craig is in second year of playing Tests for his country, having established himself as the first choice BLACKCAPS Test spinner. He’s confident he can keep the momentum going in conditions traditionally more conducive to seam bowling.
“It’s a similar role to playing at Hagley and the two Tests against Sri Lanka we played here. It’s a supporting role, about tying up and end for the big boys running down the other end.
“The Duke ball does make a difference for me, it’s obviously a lot different to the ones we use here at home. Luckily I had a crack over there last year playing some county stuff, so I’m a lot more used to bowling with them now. Tim and Trent? I think they could swing anything, they could swing a square ball.
“I’m not looking to change too much in the way I go about things, or look too far ahead, I’m just focused on what I can do to help the team, said Craig.
The tour kicks off with a NZ XI v Somerset warm up on 8 May, with the first Test starting at Lord's on 21 May - see the full schedule.
