The BLACKCAPS headed to Brisbane over the weekend to start their training camp in their build up to the ICC World Twenty20 competition in the West Indies.
Returning Paceman Kyle Mills has joined the team across the ditch after remaining on the sideline the whole summer because of injury. He talks with blackcaps.co.nz about his road to recovery and our chances in the international competition.
What are your thoughts about being selected?
It’s been a goal of mine even though I haven’t been playing during the recent series. I’ve been going through some intensive rehabilitation. Hopefully I can repay the team with some good performances.
Can you tell us about your injury and your road to recovery?
I tore two tendons in my shoulder and had to have them repaired. I also had a tendon repaired in my right knee. It put me in a tough position for rehab. I was meant to be out for five and a half months, but I’ve been aggressive with my rehab and will be back in less than four and a half.
It must be tough sitting on the sideline watching your team mates play against the likes of Australia and Bangladesh, how do you keep yourself motivated and in a positive mind frame?
I guess I was really focused on rehab and I had my family around me for support. It was frustrating in the Australian series; I wanted to be part of the intense battle.
What are some of the challenges you’ve had to overcome during your time away?
I guess the injury and getting the fitness up. I would have been doing a lot of running, but because of my knee I couldn’t. And because of my shoulder I couldn’t work on my upper body strength either. That was the most frustrating thing but I had to be aggressive.
What are your thoughts on the Twenty20 competition? Do we have a fighting chance?
We’ve got a really good chance and we’ve got a similar squad to the last Twenty20 competition. Hopefully this squad can stay fit. We’ve got more than a chance with a pretty explosive batting line up and experienced bowlers.
What are you looking forward to the most regarding the West Indies?
I have never been over there. It’s the only country I haven’t been to with cricket. I’m looking forward to the culture and the way of life. I want to understand how they do things over there and how they support their cricket.
