Recent upsets have Black Caps on guard
They are at an historic lofty perch in the test rankings, but if the Black Caps needed a reminder not to get ahead of themselves they only need to look at recent weeks in the world of cricket.
Fifth-ranked England falling 2-1 to the eighth-ranked West Indies in the Caribbean was followed by an even bigger upset in sixth-ranked Sri Lanka becoming the first Asian team to win a test series in South Africa, sealing a 2-0 whitewash at the weekend.
The Proteas’ stumble was enough for New Zealand to overtake them into a best-ever placing of No 2 in the test rankings. And while those standings don’t mean a whole lot in the greater scheme of things, they will indeed take on more importance come the middle of the year, when the new World Test Championship begins.
The Black Caps’ final assignment before then is a three-test series against lowly Bangladesh, starting in Hamilton tomorrow, where they can solidify their position behind rankings leaders India.
But with the visitors languishing at No 9, and coming off a 3-0 thumping in the ODI series, New Zealand must be careful of complacency.
Recalled leg-spinner Todd Astle believed those recent underdog triumphs were good for the game, to keep the interest healthy for the fans, but noted his side now had to be the ones not to slip up.
‘‘We’re certainly not taking them lightly,’’ he said. ‘‘Last time they were here they put in some good performances. And they’ve been able to beat England. And so for us we’re wanting to be at our best, and hopefully we can do that and have a good series win.’’
For Astle, he won’t be short on motivation. He returns to the squad after a knee injury ruled him out of the series against Pakistan in the UAE and the subsequent home matchup with Sri Lanka; and while it’s a different format, any good deeds produced could also potentially help his cause in booking a ticket to the ODI World Cup.
‘‘I’m more excited, than anything,’’ he said. ‘‘It’s been a long time between drinks with my test performances – I started in 2012 [against Sri Lanka in Colombo] and then another one in 2016 [against Pakistan in Christchurch] and then another one in 2018 [against England in Auckland].’’
Coincidentally or not, those three tests all resulted in big wins for the Black Caps. Now Astle gets set to line up at Seddon Park – a ground he remembers more for his batting than anything, with a maiden first-class hundred achieved there – and looks to back-up what has been recent seam bowling dominance on green pitches.
‘‘I know my role can vary greatly in New Zealand conditions, as a spinner. So I just try and get on with whatever role I’m needed to do, be it first innings, second innings, what the wicket looks like. So I’m just trying to put all those distractions, and other variables, out of my mind and go out there and give it my best shot.’’