New Zealand´s cricket crew captain Tom Latham speaks throughout a press convention on the Rajiv Gandhi Worldwide Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad on January 17, 2023, forward of their first one-day worldwide (ODI) cricket match towards India. — AFP/file
KARACHI: New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham expressed confidence in his crew’s preparation and flexibility forward of their ICC Champions Trophy opener towards Pakistan in Karachi, whereas offering an replace on all-rounder Rachin Ravindra’s restoration from a head harm.
Talking at a press convention on Tuesday, Latham stated Ravindra, who sustained a “nasty injury,” will practice later within the night because the crew assesses his availability.
“Rachin will train tonight, and we’ll get a bit more of an indication of how he’s going. His recovery’s going well, but we just need to make sure things are all right since it was a head injury. He’s going through the protocols, and we’ll wait and see,” Latham stated.
New Zealand, who’ve performed extensively in Pakistan over the previous three years, are banking on their familiarity with the circumstances to realize an edge.
“Anytime you’ve been in conditions you’re coming up against is an advantage. We’re lucky we’ve been over here and played in Pakistan quite a bit,” Latham famous. “For us, it’s always about eliminating any surprises around conditions and teams. Both sides have information on each other, and it’s going to be a cracking game.”
The opening match of the Champions Trophy holds particular significance, Latham stated, notably towards the host nation. “The opening game of the CT is really special, and to be playing against the host nation is going to be a great occasion. We’re looking forward to it,” he added.
New Zealand head into the event on the again of a powerful efficiency in a latest tri-series, the place your entire squad gained helpful time within the center. “It’s nice to be performing. Throughout the tri-series and the warm-up game, everyone within the squad has had some time with the ball or bat,” Latham stated. “We were put under pressure in all three games, and we managed to overcome that. It’s nice we’ve got the results, but it’s also nice we’ve been able to handle that pressure, which will hopefully hold us in good stead.”
The crew’s spinners, Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell, have been pivotal in controlling the run charge and constructing stress within the center overs, Latham highlighted. “The spinners were fantastic through the middle. In one-day cricket, if you’re not taking wickets, you’ve got to control the run rate, and those two guys did it fantastically well,” he stated. “The fast bowlers and spinners have had some great hit-outs in the tri-series, and hopefully that will hold them in good stead for what’s coming up.”
Latham additionally confirmed that quick bowler Kyle Jamieson, who’s en path to Pakistan, won’t be accessible for the opener however will be a part of the squad for the rest of the event.
He added that adapting to the circumstances and surfaces can be key, noting the variability of the pitches in Karachi. “The surface we played on here against Pakistan looked slightly different to the one Pakistan played on against South Africa. We’ll have a look at what the wicket’s like today, but it’s about adapting as best we can,” he stated.
“We’ve played three games here and a warm-up game, so the guys are reasonably familiar with the conditions. It’s about playing our brand to the best of our ability.”
Latham acknowledged the historical past of intently contested matches between New Zealand and Pakistan, each in ICC occasions and bilateral collection. “Whenever we come up against Pakistan, there have been great battles and great games. It’ll be no different tomorrow,” he stated. “Both teams have knowledge on each other and how they’re potentially going to approach the game. I’m sure it’s going to be a packed-out crowd here in Karachi, and they’ll have plenty of support. We’re really looking forward to the challenge, and I’m sure it’s going to be another great game.”
