The BLACKCAPS are switching their focus to Zimbabwe, after wrapping up a successful training camp in Pretoria.
Based at the TUK’s University facilities, the squad has had ideal conditions for the week long training block, where they’ve tested themselves against each other and achieved a lot according to experienced wicket keeper BJ Watling.
“It’s been a very productive week and the boys are building nicely for the first Test against Zimbabwe,” said Watling.
“It’s been brilliant to get used to conditions that we’re likely to face – bit more turn, bit of reverse and things like that.
"The boys have come out here and tried to get as much practise done as possible, worked hard and I’sure we’ll be ready to go for the three-day warm-up in Zim."
Aided by former New Zealand Test player Kruger van Wyk, who coaches at the facility, the BLACKCAPS have been able to practise on pitches similar to what they will face in the upcoming Tests in Africa.
They were also able to contest an interesting day’s open wicket session, where the batsmen and bowlers squared off over three dummy sessions under Test conditions.
The team flies out to Harare on Wednesday, where they will play a three day warm-up against an Invitational XI, before back to back Tests against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, starting July 29th and August 6th respectively.
Watling’s itching to get the whites on.
“The boys are pretty fizzed to get out there. Its been three or so months since we played a Test and you can tell from this week the boy are pretty excited.
“We can’t wait to get back out there."
