Dambulla, Aug 11: For years New Zealand have been world cricket’s underachievers. Sporadic series wins and a lone Champions Trophy triumph in 2000 make up a trophy cabinet that should have held much more silverware. Being written off at the start of an event is nothing new for the Black Caps and their 200-run win over India on Tuesday was a reminder of what they are capable of.
A new high-performance manager and a solid work ethic have put the Kiwis on track for greater success.
“We are trying to be a lot more professional in the way we do things,” said Scott Styris who shared a 190-run stand with Ross Taylor on Tuesday.
“Performance manager Roger Mortimer has worked with a lot of Olympic athletes in New Zealand. He is trying to use that experience to improve our training system. We are trying to take notes in our preparation for the World Cup next year,” he said.
New Zealand might not have big names in their ranks here but that doesn’t make them any less competitive. At the same time, being unregarded does rankle. “We do not get respect from not only the opposition but the media as well, I guess. We have got some talented players, and really wanted to go out there and show people that we are still a good team,” said Styris.
The batting all-rounder who had not bowled for some time now is expected to send down six to seven overs of tight seam. “I still want to have a big role with the ball but I have a couple of niggles that are holding me back. But over the next few months, I will continue bowling. I have always been a batsman who bowls and I don’t see that changing,” said Styris.
“Our obvious aim is to keep doing well and if that also means an improved ranking we will take that,” added off-spinner Nathan McCullum. There should be no doubts on the effort from the side that handed out India’s fourth heaviest ODI defeat.