The BLACKCAPS are confident they’ve ticked all the right boxes in their build up to Thursday’s first Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.
The team’s been in Africa for over two weeks now, acclimatising to the conditions and slowly preparing themselves.
Paceman Tim Southee believes their week long camp in Pretoria, followed by a three day warm-up in Harare has them primed to perform.
“The week’s training in Pretoria was well worth it, especially with us coming out of the winter,” Southee said, following the squad’s first training at the Queen’s Cricket Club in Bulawayo.
“It meant we could really hit the ground running when we got to Harare and I think that showed in our performance, where we played some really good cricket over the three days and had plenty of time to adjust to the conditions.”
Southee said the nature of the Zimbabwe wickets means they will have to grind the locals out rather than try and blow them away.
“It’s going to be the long game and I don’t think things are going to happen quickly.
“It’s going to take a lot of hard work and a lot of toil, especially from the pace bowlers to get those rewards, but its something we’ve trained for since we’ve been here - we know we’re going to have our work cut out and it’s going to be a tough series.”
Interestingly, despite his successful eight year international career, the Bulawayo Test will be Southee’s first on African soil and he’s energised by the new challenge.
“It’s always exciting to come to somewhere you’ve never been before. It’s good to be back with the boys and I’m raring to go.”
The Test will also act as a changing of the guard, as Kane Williamson takes over as New Zealand’s 29th Test captain.
“With Brendon (McCullum) being a part of the last 101 Test matches for New Zealand - it might be a bit strange for people to tune in and not see him there, but it’s an exciting new era,” Southee said.
“Kane’s captained the side well in the limited overs stuff and I’m sure that will flow on into the Tests.”
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