The BLACKCAPS began their tour of England with a win – the New Zealand XI defeating Somerset by 66 runs in Taunton. There were a number of standout performances from the visitors; Ben Wheeler claimed a five wicket on debut, Mitchell Santner struck a patient and powerful 94 in the second innings and Mark Craig completed the match with a five wicket bag. BLACKCAPS coach Mike Hesson summed up the performance which continued an unbeaten run to 13 matches against Somerset.
Was is it a good work out for you at Somerset?
Yeah we will be better off for it. It was a little bit scratchy at times, but there were enough good things there. I thought our tempo with the bat. The guys that got in, got runs so I am pleased with that. With the ball, we were a bit inconsistent.
What did you make of Mark Craig and his contribution to the match?
The ball didn’t spin until he bowled really. He was the only one who turned it off the straight. He got good turn and bounce, generally out of the foot holes and always looked likely. He is a wicket taker. He occasionally leaks runs but he’ll be better off for this having not bowled for at least two months. To get a nice little five-for I am sure he will get some confidence from that.
Do the two left arm seamers come into the equation for the Lord’s Test?
Corey Anderson, with James Neesham not playing, gives us another left armer in that mix as well. Off spinners always complete them [the left armers nicely]. Mark will be playing for us in the Test no doubt so it is just a matter of getting him in good rhythm and being confident.
What did you make of the debutants?
Delighted with all three really. Jacob [Duffy] swung the ball from straight, which is a good skill to have over here. He was nervous but he will be pleased to get through that first game. Ben [Wheeler] and Mitchell [Santner] were outstanding really. Ben didn’t bowl a bad ball in his first spell and created a lot of opportunities. He even came back with the old ball well. It was a really nice start from him. Mitchell, to be put into bat at No.3 with Martin [Guptill] injured, he played with beautiful tempo in the second innings particularly. In tough conditions as well. We saw how powerful a striker he is as well so hopefully we see more of that in the one day games coming up.
What is the situation with Martin Guptill at present?
He is on track to play next week. All going well in the next few days we are hopeful that he will get a start in the next game.
How do you think BJ Watling fared with his tactical nous throughout this match?
He did a good job. He manoeuvred his bowlers nicely. It was a bit different as we were trying to give different guys different opportunities, but he read the situation well and he’ll be better for the hit out. When you haven’t done it for a while, you need to get back into the groove and I thought he did a very good job.
When are the IPL players coming back into the squad?
They are coming in, in ones and twos. It depends when their last game is and for some that is before the 18th. Matt Henry has been released and he arrived in England today. All of the others will arrive in dribs and drabs from the 16th.
