Wickets the challenge
WICKETS will figure large in the Black Caps’ minds this week.
After getting into a dominant position in Wellington, they were unable take a wicket on day four, before rain helped Sri Lanka through to a draw.
That is not lost on Trent Boult, who prepares to lead the bowling attack in the second test, starting today in Christchurch.
While ‘‘pretty happy’’ with his pace, the leftarmer is hoping to generate more movement than in recent summers.
The past few tests have been a lean patch for Boult, who has taken just five wickets at an average of 69.2 in his past six test innings.
‘‘I’d like to see the ball swinging around a little bit more,’’ he said on Newstalk ZB.
‘‘It literally hasn’t swung bar the [last summer’s] pink ball test.
‘‘It hasn’t really swung around like it did in the olden days . . . since the World Cup.
‘‘[But I’m] happy with the way it’s coming out, the rhythm, too, is relatively good, and I’m hoping for another big summer.’’
Hagley Oval has been a happy hunting ground for Boult.
In five tests at the venue he has taken 28 scalps — more than any other player — and helped New Zealand to four victories.
Continuing that wickettaking run will be key, particularly later in the week.
‘‘We need to find a way to get 20 wickets. That’s the beauty of test cricket, that’s the challenge.
‘‘As a bowling unit, that’s what we’re always working on. We’re trying to find alternate ways to build pressure and get wickets.
‘‘We know we’ve got the skills in the tank — the experience and the balance in the side there to cash in.’’
The side is coming off a series win against Pakistan and a dominant performance a week ago — despite the draw.
‘‘It’s been exciting,’’ Boult said.
‘‘It’s been nice to have a few new guys in the side.
‘‘That was the greatest part [of the series victory over Pakistan] — guys come into the side, take it in their stride, puffing their chest out a bit and getting the job done.
‘‘I look back on a few memories when we were struggling to put the performances together, and have been involved in a few form slumps.
‘‘But it’s a new age of cricket. It obviously turned with Brendon and his style of leadership — going out there and being aggressive — and Kane’s just furthered that on even more.
‘‘We know we’ve got a lot of depth here and a lot of competition for spots, so it’s cool.’’
A few showers are expected in Christchurch today.