Bracewell optimistic about BLACKCAPS

BLACKCAPS coach John Bracewell was excited about the team’s long-term prospects on their return from the ICC World Cup.

Bracewell helped steer the team to the semi-finals where familiar foes Sri Lanka claimed victory in Kingston.

However, he believes the squad has learned from the Caribbean campaign and the lessons will be invaluable.

“The guts of our team will be about 32. I think in terms of experience and maturity, they’ll be hitting their peak,” he said.

“The progress we’ve made this season on dealing with things internally, the enthusiasm the team has shown for leadership and the for the specialist coaches who have come in, has been rejuvenating for all of us, as a group.”

The coach added Sri Lanka’s overachievement and the peerless current form of defending world champions Australia saw the tournament pan out as ratings suggested.

“The team performed to its ranking,” he said. “Australia performed to its ranking, Sri Lanka performed one above its ranking, South Africa performed below it.

“So most of the teams were true to form and that’s the way it was. I wouldn’t look into it deeper than that.

“I think Australia steam-rolled everybody. They got their timing right and they were bay far the best side there. There are no excuses to offer.

“We were far below Australia, and so was everyone else.”