How much assistance are you expecting out of that wicket?
Not really too sure. It looks pretty light. Obviously, there’s been a lot of weather around, but it’s just going to be one of those things that we adjust to as it comes. Looking forward to getting out there. We’ve obviously had a few quiet days. We can’t wait to get started.
You’ve only got three wickets so far. What would you put that down to?
We’ve got 30 wickets that’s the only main thing I’m worried about. As a unit we’ve been going really well. We’ve put the ball where we wanted, and we’ve put a lot of pressure on the teams that we’ve come against. If we can continue to do it as a unit then I’ll be happy.
Which South African batsman are you looking forward to bowling to?
We’ve got to respect all of them. They’ve got some classy players at the top of the innings. They’ve obviously had an interesting start to their tournament, so they’ll be hungry to come out and perform. Led by an experienced captain, they’ve got some dangerous hitters lower down in the order. We need to be on the mark with how we start 100 per cent.
Have you had to try a few other things during this competition?
I’m always trying to get better, first of all, but when the ball hasn’t swung, it’s always been the biggest challenge to try to get wickets and try to apply pressure. In terms of running on the wicket, it’s not really something that I’m worried about. I’m just trying to get close to the stumps and, I suppose, make the most out of the swing that is available.
This is essentially a knockout match for SA. Does that confer an advantage?
There have always been exciting games between NZ and SA over the past World Cups and past time that we’ve met each other. 2015, the semis at Eaton Park was one of the greatest games that the Kiwis have played. It obviously got a lot of attention back home, and it was a cool one to be a part of it. We’re looking forward to facing them.
Why do you think NZ has had the upper hand over SA at World Cups?
I’m not too sure. Like I said, they’re big games. Whether there’s a lot of pressure on them, I'm not too sure. For us, we know what works well. For me as a bowler, I’m sure I want to lead the bowling attack as best as I can. If we can do the things that we do well and we know that works well, put some early pressure on and get some wickets, then, hopefully they feel that pressure a little bit more.
NZ have come across as the nice guys. What do you think about that?
I don’t think we’re going out there to aim to be the nice guys of world cricket or put on a front of any sort. We’ve just been genuine and been who we are. Just playing the game in good spirits and enjoying it. That’s why I fell in love with the game and that’s why a lot of people follow the team is because we go out and have fun.
Has the NZ attack have been sufficiently challenged in the matches?
It’s definitely going to be a big challenge to see where we’re at. We’ve been lucky to be on a couple of new surfaces that have offered a lot to our style of bowling. The challenge is always going to be to see what we can do on the wickets that don’t offer too much, and that’s what we’re prepared for here. It’s a quality wicket. There’s been a lot of runs scored here, so it’s definitely going to be a good challenge.
Courtesy — © ICC Business Corporation FZ LLC 2018