Williamson’s focus is on Shield
Northern Districts will field a star-studded lineup in the opening round of the Plunket Shield, even if one of their Black Caps isn’t fit to start.
Tim Southee is recovering from a minor knee injury and has been left out of the team to face Otago at Bay Oval in Mt Maunganui from today as a precautionary measure. He is bowling in training and is likely to feature in round two next week.
In his absence, new Northern Districts coach John Bracewell will have to make do with the services of five Black Caps instead of six for his first match in charge – Kane Williamson, BJ Watling, Ish Sodhi, Neil Wagner and Trent Boult.
All told, 14 Black Caps are set to feature for their domestic sides over the opening two rounds of the four-day competition, before they head to the United Arab Emirates for series in all three formats against Pakistan.
For many of them, this week’s matches mark the start of a ninemonth journey towards the World Cup in England next June and July.
As far as Williamson’s concerned, however, it’s a case of first things first.
‘‘There’s a lot of cricket before the World Cup, and yes, it’s in the back of your mind a little bit perhaps like some of the tours coming up, but it’s most important to address what’s in front of you and do that to the best of your ability.
‘‘I think if you are doing that, day-in, day-out, then that helps prepare you for whatever’s coming next.’’
Williamson said he wasn’t viewing this match as a chance to get some practice in ahead of the UAE tour – where conditions will be different – he’s viewing it as a chance to contribute to an ND win.
‘‘It’s really important that each and every one of us who are going to be leaving with the Black Caps just come in and do their bit for the side, do their role, because at the end of the day, the conditions will be very different to Abu Dhabi or Dubai.
‘‘When that comes, the focus will change. Yes, there’s been some preparation for that, but it is important we look to address the game and our roles within the team as best we can, to try to help contribute to the side.’’
Williamson said he enjoyed being back with ND, and having the chance to play with ‘‘a lot of [his] best mates’’.
‘‘We’ve played together for such a long time, and although you spend a lot of time apart, when you come back you just feel like you’ve been a part of the team for a long time. It’s a very good team culture, obviously new leadership with John Bracewell there as coach, which has been fun.’’
While Bracewell is stamping his mark on ND, Williamson and the rest of the Black Caps are getting used to working with a new coach in that environment – Gary Stead, who was appointed to succeed Mike Hesson in August.
‘‘Naturally when there are new players or new support staff, coaches included, there is a slight transition, there are a few parts that will have to adjust, and that’s natural, but exciting as well,’’ Williamson said.
‘‘Both coaches have been really good in terms of preparation for what’s coming up, whether that’s with the domestic side or the international side, and I’m sure they’re both looking forward to getting stuck into their seasons.’’