New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson sweeps men in blue 3-0 in the ODI series, however, defends one of the Indian pacers states him as ‘world class-threat’
New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson had a sigh of relief after his men clinching off the ODI series against India 3-0, with a five-wicket win in the final match. The victory healed the wounds caused in their preview T20 series against the men in blue.
Williamson said, “We are expecting all of those guys to be fit for the first Test and they’ve been tracking nicely. It’s an exciting opportunity against one of the best sides in the world,”
“It’s part and parcel of the game that you get guys who get injuries. We’ve obviously had a lot of that in recent times to deal with but there have not been any excuses. Guys have come in to try and play the roles that they’re given to the best of their ability and learned a heap along the way,” he added.
However, the team struggles due to various players getting injured. Though Williamson reaffirmed saying it won’t affect much for the upcoming test series, also the 3-0 victory has boosted their confidence more. The Test series starts in Wellington on February 21.
“Obviously, a different side and a different format. Throughout a series, you’re always trying to touch on areas as a group. It’s a different format but there are some parts guys will get confidence from going into that series. “The focus does change but I know the guys are looking forward to that series.”
The Kiwi skipper also applauded his side’s effort in getting India whitewashed in their first ODI series since 1989.
“Although we were 2-0 going up into this, there were certainly those expectations coming into this game to try and implement those things and also learn from those past performances that we had against India who are obviously one of the best sides in the world.
“It was an outstanding effort and a very clinical effort from the guys and I think the way we fought back with the ball was outstanding and the partnerships throughout that chase were brilliant as well.”
“It’s obviously disappointing when you lose. You always want to win. But there was a heap of good things in the T20I series. We all saw the fine margins that were out there in terms of the results.”
When asked about the 2023 World Cup and his team’s current scenario, the skipper replied,
“That’s such a long way away (the 2023 World Cup). Then you have injuries and you bring guys in. There were some brilliant opportunities for guys who grew throughout this campaign and played some major roles as well.
“Injuries aren’t ideal but there are still silver linings that guys come in and get opportunities to develop their games against one of the best teams in the world,”he said.
Williamson also lauded the opponents especially their bowling unit saying,
“We know that Bumrah is a world-class bowler in all of the formats. So he’s a threat when he has a ball in his hand but I think there’s too much to look into it. He’s obviously back into his cricket after a period of time off as well. But from what I saw, he’s bowling very nicely.”
