Black Caps shift focus to Pakistan
KIWIS UP TO THIRD AFTER WINDIES SWEEP
New Zealand stand-in captain Tom Latham said yesterday their sole focus was the upcoming Test series against Pakistan despite their 2-0 sweep of West Indies putting them in contention for a place in next year’s World Test Championship final.
New Zealand moved into third place on the table for the World Test Championship when they completed an innings and 12 run victory over the West Indies in the second Test at the Basin Reserve.
The top two sides will face each other in the final at Lord’s next year.
The two ahead of New Zealand, Australia and India, will start a four-match series in Adelaide on Thursday.
“When you look too far ahead you can sometimes get caught out,” Latham, who stood in for the absent Kane Williamson, said.
“Our focus will shift to Pakistan and whatever happens post that we’ll assess.
“The goal at the start of the Test Championship was to get to that final, and if we play well we give ourselves a chance and it may be a possibility.”
New Zealand dominated the West Indies in both Tests, posting big first innings totals after being put into bat in bowler-friendly conditions.
Their bowlers then scythed through the tourists’ first innings to set up their big victories.
New Zealand head to Auckland today to begin preparations for three Twenty20 matches against Pakistan before a two-Test series begins in Mt. Maunganui on 26 December.
In order to remain in contention for the Test Championship final they must also sweep Pakistan and hope other results go their way. Latham said their good form and knowledge of home conditions would give them every chance.–