The cricket world is all excited to witness some unmissable red-ball action. In a tight Test schedule in the Asian sub-continent, New Zealand is all set to go on with all intense. As New Zealand prepares for six Tests in the sub-continent over two months, former captain Kane Williamson recognizes the significant challenges they will face.
Tight Schedule is a Challenge for the Kiwis:
The thrilling season of Test cricket is coming back in the Kiwi cricket. The upcoming red ball schedule of the New Zealand side will be packed. In the upcoming two months, they are scheduled to play six Test matches in a span of 2 months. The Kiwis will play all those Test match in the Asian condition which is set to throw challenges to them.
This eight-week tour begins with a one-off match against Afghanistan, followed by series in India and Sri Lanka, and concludes with three Tests against India. Former captain Kane Williamson admitted that this extensive series in the sub-continent is uncharted territory for New Zealand.
Williamson said, “ You know such a volume of Test cricket that we don’t usually get, and obviously in this part of the world.”
Williamson Highlighted the Challenges:
New Zealand’s performance in Asia has been disappointing, with just 16 wins from 90 Tests. Their record in India is particularly poor, with only 2 wins from 36 Tests. Efforts are underway to improve this. Kane Williamson emphasized the need for New Zealand to adapt their playstyle to Asian conditions and acknowledged the challenges of long-form cricket in the region.
The Kiwi legend said, “I think it’s absolutely about trying to adjust your game because we’re not here consistently in this format. We go through quite long intervals of not playing here.”
Later he added, “So you know it is trying to sort of familiarise yourself again and for us, our last Test match was sort of six or eight months ago. So you know, as a team it’s really connecting with that again as a red-ball group and looking to apply our skills, our plans as well as we can.”
On the First Even Test Match Against England:
Afghanistan and New Zealand are standing just one step ahead of a new milestone. On September 9, both nations will play their first-ever Test match in Noida. Afghanistan will host New Zealand in one off Test match in Noida. With that, a new side of the Test cricket will be inaugurated.
Williamson was eager to tackle the challenge ahead. He looked forward to New Zealand’s first-ever Test match against Afghanistan, starting a new chapter in their cricketing journey. He said, “It’s really important that we look to grow as a unit. It’s nice and clear on how we want to play over here.”
Later he added, “We always know that it’s a tough challenge whenever you play in these parts of the world, slightly different from back home. But you know always a great experience and playing against a really, really strong side.”
As they are eyeing the World Test Championship qualification, Williamson said, “In some ways, it’s like tournament sport, isn’t it? Even though it’s over a longer period of time in the Test Championship, but the value of games is high. The context around Test cricket with the Test Championship is really key and it’s brought out a lot of really exciting games. And so naturally having six Test matches together is a big part of our Test Championship calendar and one that we’re excited about.”
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