The wettest May 10 in the UK since the Met Department began keeping records in 1862 put a wrench in New Zealand's preparation ahead of the start of next week's two-test series against the 'England. While head coach Gary Stead admitted to being frustrated with the lack of outdoor training time since his release from three days of isolation, he felt his accusations weren't totally out of sync after participating in a few camps in New Zealand.
“It's been a little frustrating because you come over and the guys just want to get a feel for the different conditions here,” Stead said on Tuesday. “I guess when you come to an English summer you always expect to go out every now and then. We were lucky with the build-up that we had in New Zealand. We practiced on wickets in grass, we also had two camps, so it's not like we're miles behind or anything like that.
“It's just a little different when you have a bigger squad and other things as well, with 20 or so players here, to manage their expectations when you're on the inside is a little harder. But I guess that we are trying something and we pride ourselves on our ability to keep up with the blows and adapt to what lies ahead, ”he added.
Due to the unusual downpours, the Black Caps' three-day intra-squad training match scheduled to start on Wednesday has been reduced to a two-day affair, with the head coach keen to give his players two days of training on field. grass before the practice match. On the brightest side, the group dubbed 'The Maldives Five' by Mitchell Santner, also including Kane Williamson, Kyle Jamieson, Chris Donaldson (coach) and Tommy Simsek (physio) who came from the Asian island after the suspension. sudden IPL. 2021, were able to join the team earlier than originally planned.
“It's been an interesting few weeks to say the least, but it's nice to go out and train and come back with the guys, it's a good job,” Santner said. "It's pretty slow in your room, but it needs to be done and we got here safely, and I guess that's all that matters."
Meanwhile, Trent Boult, who was returning home from the IPL, is expected to be available for the second test at Edgbaston, which starts on June 10, allowing him a competitive run ahead of the World Test Championship final against India. from June 18.
“Trent plans to leave New Zealand on June 3, which is the second day of the Lord's test match. So he will come to London and join the team somewhere as we head to Birmingham,” Stead said.
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