With rain looming over the Australia-New Zealand Super 12 match in the T20 World Cup at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday, both the teams may have to make some last-minute changes in their respective playing XIs if the match is expected to be shortened.
But New Zealand captain Kane Williamson is optimistic about running his full quota of overs on Saturday’s match despite the threat of 90 per cent rain, saying it is hard for people to anticipate a lot of things before they get real.
“Naturally you prepare for 20-overs (matches) and then try and adjust to what is in front of you. Also with the weather around, we have to look at the pitch as well to see what could have been done to prepare for the pitch.
“There is no doubt that they are an experienced crew, and they will put a lot of time into it, but nature often has a role to play. There are a few factors to consider, and I think a lot of things have to be done pre-emptively. It’s hard to do unless you turn around and really have a little understanding of what we’re seeing. This could improve as the season improves, so we’ll have to wait and see,” Kane Williamson said in a pre-match press conference.
Williamson declined to hint on his playing XI for his Super 12 campaign opener, citing the weather and a possible brief game. Kane Williamson said about this, ‘We have not even seen the pitch. It was all covered this morning. We will not confirm 11 yet, because if it is smaller, it will likely change. So we just have to wait and watch tomorrow closer to the match and take a look at the pitch.”
New Zealand’s preparation for their tournament opener was not the best, losing to Pakistan in the final of the tri-series at home and being bowled out for 98 against South Africa in their first practice match at Allan Border Field, followed by the second. The practice match against India at the Gabba was washed out.
Also, Daryl Mitchell is not available for selection for Saturday’s match as he is still recovering from a broken finger.
“Preparation is always different no matter what happens, even if it’s perfectly planned. It was nice to have those games back home, some really competitive cricket, and then it was nice to be here in Australia and put in some preparation.
“It’s a balance between doing more and trying to make sure people are fresh, and I think you factor in something uncontrollable. We’ve had a bit of a season and all that, as it is today. It Good. People are really excited and excited for the start of the competition.