There’s no time for conservative cricket, says NZ skipper Williamson
Kane Williamson knows what it is like to be part of a thrilling one-day series in England, but the New Zealand captain hopes there will be a better result for his team as his side prepares for the Champions Trophy.
New Zealand led 2-1 in a bestof-five one-day series in 2015, but England rallied to win 3-2 in one of the most memorable international series in recent times.
The two will meet again this summer after being drawn with Australia and Bangladesh in Group A, and Williamson is adamant his side will repeat the attacking brand of cricket it displayed two years ago on English soil.
The group has a familiar feel to it, with New Zealand drawn against England and Australia four years ago, when it failed to reach the knock-out rounds by coming third.
MAJOR TASK
Williamson is set to lead New Zealand into his first major 50-over tournament as captain, having taken over the reins from Brendon McCullum in 2016.
The 26-year-old has fond memories of the last time he took on England away from home, although he insists it will have little impact on the result when they meet next week.
“Any time you have those experiences against opponents you are coming up against in similar conditions, it is the same side too, it is only a good thing,” he said.
“But you don’t tend to look too much into it in tournaments like this – it is a one-off game and both teams will be playing with freedom and hope it comes off.
“But there is not much time for slip-ups or conservative cricket.”
In contrast to the 50-over World Cup, the Champions Trophy does not allow sides to start slowly.
New Zealand open against Australia at Edgbaston on June 2 before tackling host England at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff four days later.
Cardiff is the scene again for their final group game, against Bangladesh on June 9.
“It is such an interesting tournament because it is such a short tournament,” said the Kiwi skipper.