The Wellington weather came to the quarter final party, with more of the same predicted for tomorrow’s match. The BLACKCAPS trained under magnificent blue skies at the Basin Reserve ahead of tomorrow’s knock out encounter against the West Indies.
It was a slightly shorter session than usual ahead of a big match, with plenty of football being played and the official team photo being taken.
Team wise, Brendon McCullum declined the offer to name the side the day before, saying “We need to have another look at the wicket tomorrow, but it's safe to assume that barring Adam Milne coming in for Mitch McClenaghan, then the team would remain unchanged.”
The West Indies have never won at Westpac Stadium in an ODI v the BLACKCAPS, and will need no motivation to make history tomorrow. Chris Gayle took part in training today, taking in fielding drills and taking out one of the Basin’s fence pickets during throw downs – without wanting to focus on one man in the opposition, McCullum was glowing in his praise of the big Jamaican opener.
“(Chris is) very good. We obviously played a few seen seasons together at Kolkata. We spent a lot of time playing against each other over the years as well, and we've had good times off the field too. He's obviously a great character. The game is richer for his experience and his involvement, I think we've seen some of the hands that he's played over a number of years. He's obviously a very destructive player and a real character off the field too. He's a guy which International Cricket is lucky to have.
Heading into the knockout stages of a World Cup unbeaten is unchartered territory for the BLACKCAPS – for all the talk about home advantage, the build up and taking things one game at a time, it all starts again tomorrow at Westpac, and it’s something the skipper is well aware of.
“In this many game it has a funny, funny way of biting you if you take your eye off the ball. We know what works for us. We need to go out there and make sure we're nice and calm in our mindset, and make sure that we know what's on the line but still be able to execute the skills that have served us so well over a number of games now. In seven hours the game can turn on a knife edge.
"In horse racing, a big horse racing fan, if we miss the start it doesn't mean we're out of the race. I think the horse has never been better, and we've got every chance in this game to be able to go out there and win even if things aren't a hundred percent. That's something we probably can't say about too many New Zealand teams in the past that's encouraging,” said McCullum.
The BLACKCAPS game plan has been well sign posted, with three of the tournament’s top wicket takers on one hand, and an array of batting options, who can hurt teams in a variety of fashions. The style of cricket has been long in the planning, and McCullum is confident his team has a very strong formula.
“Firstly, we want to play that brand of cricket. We've identified that that's what's going to make us a team which is going to be tough to beat. I can't see that changing. I would hope it doesn't change. I think just because there is pressure on a game it shouldn't take you away from what is your best opportunity to win. That style of cricket we're playing has obviously served us well. Things don't always go according to plan. Then you obviously have to move into plan B.
“But I think we've got the players, not just skill-wise, but also the characters within the group that can quickly adjust to that as well. But I think it's safe to assume we'll still try to play an entertaining and attacking brand of cricket, and I'm sure West Indies will do the same. So I'm sure it will be a great game,” said McCullum.
