As the BLACKCAPS put on 331 and then had South Africa 6-62 in yesterday's ICC Cricket World Cup warm up match at Hagley Oval, confusion reigned on Twitter.
Do we get excited? Or not? This is South Africa! But it’s only a practice match!??
BLACKCAPS keeper Luke Ronchi, who was rested for the match, wasn’t reading too much into it: “Not really, I think everyone’s in the same boat, they want to get bowlers some overs, batsmen get some time in the middle and work out a few things. The results don’t really matter in those games, just as long as everyone gets what they need out of it, that’s the main thing,” said Ronchi.
Fast bowler Trent Boult, who did the damage with three early Proteas wickets was equally satisfied: “It was very clear that we wanted to get the most out of this opportunity. From our point of view it was a really good hit out, we started very well with the bat and got a good total obviously, and bowled pretty well together as a unit. We got washed out the other day at Lincoln, and felt we needed this hit out.
“I don’t think you can read too much in to the margin. It was a practice match at the end of the day and combinations and theories were tried among both teams in a way. They’re a quality side South Africa, and we all know how damaging they can be, and I’m pretty sure they will be going throughout this cup,” said Boult.
Not getting ahead of yourself has been a constant refrain from BLACKCAPS management through the summer, as one impressive result after another has been racked up. But don’t mention the F word around the team.
“I don’t know if we’re favourites, but everyone’s been saying we’ve got a good shot, and I think we’ve got to think that way, you don’t want to go in there doubting yourself, you want to go in with a positive mindframe knowing we can beat any side,” said Ronchi.
And so. All that’s left to do it final training sessions then game day on Saturday. Again, the team is just keen to get on with it.
“I think everyone’s really looking forward to it, I think there’s a bit of nervousness around the camp, at training the next couple of days people will be getting into their games and getting excited about what’s about to happen. Once Saturday hits it starts, and I think everyone’s going to be up for it and excited.
“We’re going to have 20 thousand odd people at Hagley, and to be in that ground when it’s chockka is going to be amazing,” said Ronchi.
“It’s been a long time coming in a way and I know that as a unit we’re really looking forward to Saturday and we’re eager to get stuck in,” said Boult.
