Perennial overachievers aim to upset odds again
NEW Zealand have a habit of punching above their weight when it comes to major international tournaments.
Brendon McCullum led his side to a valiant runnersup spot at the 2015 World Cup when they were beaten by seven wickets by Australia and they reached the semi-finals in the two previous tournaments before that.
And in the Champions Trophy they have reached the latter stages in two of the last three tournaments.
So it is understandable that they are not paying too much attention to Wednesday’s fivewicket defeat by Bangladesh at the end of the tri-series in Ireland.
New Zealand finished top – above Bangladesh and Ireland – but coach Mike Hesson says the Black Caps side will look very different when the Champions Trophy comes around.
With Kane Williamson, Martin Guptill, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme and Mitchell McClenaghan all set to return from competing at the IPL in time for the first game at Edgbaston against Australia next Friday, New Zealand promise to be a far stronger side.
“They’re quite separate (tournaments).We’ve used a lot of different players which has been great for our development and also guys in the squad who haven’t had many playing opportunities have got plenty,” Hesson said.
“Everybody is confident heading into Champions Trophy and we’ve also used guys in different roles. Depending on the balance we go with, we’ve been able to give guys opportunities.”
Just six of the New Zealand XI who were beaten by Bangladesh – the first victory over the Black Caps away from home in 17 attempts – will likely feature against Australia. Guptill, De Grandhomme, Williamson, Boult and one of Southee, McClenaghan or Adam Milne are likely to come in.