Black Caps lock in testing 2021 tours
After a stunningly successful summer, just six more tests await the top-ranked Black Caps in 2021, with a potential UK bonus and a T20 World Cup. Mark Geenty reports.
NEWZealand Cricket is close to locking in the Black Caps’ international schedule for 2021, featuring two tests apiece in England and India, with potential for some players to be on the road for nine months.
NZC chief executive David White hailed the performance of the test side in rising to the world No 1 ranking for the first time, and outlined what was next after white-ball visits by Australia and Bangladesh in February-March.
White told Sunday News that details were being finalised to play two tests in England in early June, after the Indian Premier League.
The Black Caps also remain in contention for the World Test Championship final, pencilled in for Lord’s that month, depending on Covid-19.
New Zealand are then committed to away series against Bangladesh (Twenty20) and Pakistan (T20 and one-day internationals) before the T20 World Cup in India in OctoberNovember, followed by two heavyweight tests against Virat Kohli’s side, who are 14 home tests unbeaten.
That would keep the Black Caps away until December when Bangladesh and South Africa are next summer’s main touring sides, pencilled in for two tests apiece and limited overs’ matches.
After playing four home tests in five weeks, it means there are just six more this year for the world No 1.
White said of the England test tour: ‘‘We’re doing that to assist England, they’ve had a challenging time and we’re more than happy to do that.
‘‘Member countries helping each other is very important and I’ve got to say a big thanks to West Indies and Pakistan for coming here and supporting us. It is challenging to go through quarantine and we’re very appreciative of that.’’
Asked whether that meant they would visit Pakistan for the first time since 2003, White said the possibility of some games being in Pakistan ‘‘has not been finalised but is certainly on the table’’.
Covid-19 still casts a shadow over international cricket and senior Black Cap Trent Boult raised concerns in an ESPNCricinfo interview around bubble life as a father of two young children, with potential for nine months on the road this year. That also depends on whether NZC decide to return home from England and the players undergo 14 days of managed isolation before heading back to the subcontinent.
‘‘It’s something we’re very conscious of,’’ White said. ‘‘We’re starting that planning next week with our high performance team and [coach] Gary Stead and [manager] Mike Sandle looking at managing the workload of the players, but also their time away from home and what’s reasonable.
‘‘We’ll be sensible with our approach and player welfare from a physical and mental point of view is critical.’’
England will be the first Black Caps tour in 14 months, since they cut short their Australian visit last March with Covid-19 taking hold around the world.
For now the test side are on the top of the world after the 4-0 home summer sweep over West Indies and Pakistan, six straight test wins and 17 at home unbeaten.
White said of Kane Williamson’s team: ‘‘Quite outstanding, a combination over a number of years of a very good high performance programme, a strong A programme and very consistent selection. We are very fortunate that we have a number of world-class players all playing for New Zealand at the same time.’’
Home tests against opponents other than Australia, India or England typically lose $400,000
Member countries helping each other is very important and I’ve got to say a big thanks to West Indies and Pakistan for coming here and supporting us.’ DAVID WHITE
and were a financial headache for NZC, but White admitted the strong attendances in Wellington, Tauranga and Christchurch signalled something of a turnaround.
With Government backing amid the pandemic, being the only country with unrestricted crowds was a huge bonus.
Having budgeted for a $4m loss this year due to managed isolation costs, and a pledge to maintain funding for all levels of
cricket, White was delighted with the turnout, which had left them ahead of budget.
‘‘On the back of the increased crowds and our new broadcast arrangements in New Zealand and overseas, test cricket is going to be very viable in the future.
‘‘Clearly a strong performing team helps that and the guys have been outstanding. I’m very
positive about the future of test cricket and it will be a big focus for NZ Cricket moving forward.’’
He labelled the inaugural Boxing Day test at Bay Oval a success, but said it was too early to say it would be locked in there in future.
Discussions were already underway at ICC level about a new Future Tours Programme from 2023 onwards, and White said they would ‘‘absolutely’’ explore three-test series, which had disappeared from the home schedule.
The inauguralWTC had also sparked interest, particularly with the Black Caps in contention for the final, and that would continue although there was widespread agreement the format needed tweaking.
Currently, it means two-test series count for double points per match than a four-test series.