How do you take Bangladesh as an opponent? Is that an advantage that you have recently beaten them?
I think we’ve played Bangladesh a lot over the last couple seasons, we sort of know how they go about things, and recent tournaments, they have obviously played really well in the Champions Trophy a few years ago, then obviously their game here a few days ago. We know what threats they have on their side but hopefully we can stick to the things that we do well and keep going on the momentum that we built up a few days ago.
Bangladesh beat South Africa in their first match — Bangladesh shocked South Africa. What do you think?
Bangladesh played a really good game of cricket. I think the way they went about things in that first innings, to put a good, competitive score on the board and then obviously apply that pressure with the ball.
They played a fantastic game. They will be coming in here with a lot of confidence about how they went about things against South Africa, so hopefully we can stick to our things that we do well and I guess challenge them all the way.
You had Ajaz Patel bowling to you the day before. Was that a good preparation knowing you’ll face a left-hand spinner in Shakib?
I think so. It’s always valuable when you have, I guess, a like for like bowling to in the nets. We know what sort of bowler Shakib is. He’s had obviously a lot of success around the world for a long period of time, and he wasn’t in New Zealand in our last home summer series. I think it’s important that, I guess, we, I guess get used to a left-arm spinner, and we are certainly looking forward to the challenge of facing him tomorrow.
A day/night game today. Are you expecting that to make much difference?
I’m not 100 per cent sure on that. You know, sometimes it does under lights get on a little bit, so that is a fresh wicket out there. I’m not 100 per cent sure what we’ll look to do, but if the dew does come into play towards the end of the evening, I think it’s important that we try to adapt to that. We’ve played in conditions like this before the ball, I guess skids on or the dew plays a factor. So it's important that we, I guess if it does come, try to adapt with it.
Have you finished your side?
We are going in with the same side. So yeah, obviously I think the way we played in the last game, I think, you know, bodes a lot of confidence for the group. I think the way the bowlers went about things, you know, they challenged the guys, or challenged Sri Lanka much from ball one, and I’m sure the same side is looking to hopefully repeat that today.
Boult is out to injury and Ferguson —three bowled 150 round. Do you think that in the conditions — some grass will be there, do you think that is challenging for the batsman or top order?
I think Bangladesh are a quality side who I guess can adapt to conditions really well. I think, you know, for our bowling attack, we are used to bowling on our surfaces that do offer a little bit in terms of if there is a little bit more grass. Hopefully we can apply that pressure that we are used to, and I’m sure Bangladesh will be coming up with plans to, I guess, try to counterattack our seam attack, and I'm sure it's going to bode for a good contest.
Early days yet, but what’s been the most difficult thing about the World Cup so far for you?
We’ve only had one game so far. We managed to play a good game of cricket against Sri Lanka, but I guess the important thing about this tournament is you play — we play nine games at nine different venues around the country. It’s important to, I guess, adapt to every surface, every team, as quick as possible. The way we usually play a series back home, you play two or three games against a side and you’re able to work out the way they go about things.
— Courtesy © ICC Business Corporation
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