New Zealand all-rounder James Neesham stated that India have benefited from playing major tournaments in familiar subcontinent conditions. Neesham pointed out that the conditions have suited subcontinent teams in recent years and added that upcoming tournaments are expected to follow a similar pattern.
India are set to host New Zealand in a five-match series before the ICC T20 World Cup, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka in February and March. The series will be a crucial opportunity to fine-tune combinations ahead of the upcoming event. New Zealand will have a chance to adapt to subcontinent conditions.
I Won’t Be Talking About It Before the Tournament – James Neesham
James Neesham said that he did not want to reveal tactical secrets ahead of New Zealand’s tour of India. Neesham stated that it is difficult for visiting teams to beat top sides like India at home, but adapting to local conditions will be a major focus for the Black Caps.
“If there is any tactical plan, I won’t be talking about it before the tournament, that’s for sure. They’ve obviously had some good results over the last few years, helps that there have been a few tournaments in very favourable conditions for subcontinent teams,” Neesham said, as quoted by Hindustan Times.
“This tournament will be no different in that respect. It’s tough to knock over strong teams in their conditions and we’ll be talking a lot about that through that series in the next couple of weeks,” he added.
We Didn’t Have Any Cricket Leading In – James Neesham
James Neesham said that the upcoming series against India is valuable preparation for the World Cup. He stated that New Zealand will still aim to compete hard and win matches, but the bigger focus is on using the games to prepare for the World Cup by finding the right combinations and clear roles.
“Not necessarily focusing on that series, it’s still international cricket, you still want to perform well and win games, but it’s no secret that it’s a bit of a tune-up for the World Cup coming off the back of that,” Neesham continued.
“As much as we’re looking at India’s team and tactics it’s about finding our own combinations and getting comfortable as a team, because leading into the 2024 World Cup in the West Indies we didn’t have any cricket leading in.”
“It was a challenge to figure out the tactics for our own game rather than what our opposition was doing. We’ve learnt our lessons, and we’re going to be going in off the back of a lot of cricket. Looking forward to getting there and getting together with a bunch of guys with a lot of experience playing together,” he added.
We Don’t Have Any Control Over The… – James Neesham
James Neesham said that New Zealand have a difficult draw at the upcoming World Cup, where they are grouped with South Africa and Afghanistan. Neesham described it as another challenging group but added that teams have no control over group decisions.
“It’s a tough group, we don’t have any control over the drawing of the groups for world events. It would be nice to be in that position, but we have to play with the cards that we’re dealt. In the 24 World Cup, we were in a tough group as well, so a few tournaments running which is interesting,” Neesham stated.
New Zealand have been placed in Group D for the T20 World Cup, alongside South Africa, Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Canada.
They will begin their campaign in Chennai, where they face Afghanistan on February 8, followed by a clash against the UAE on February 10. New Zealand will take on South Africa on February 14 before playing their final group-stage fixture against Canada on February 17.
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