Wellington: New Zealand coach John Wright revealed that his side will emulate England’s blue-print for beating Australia in their own den when the arch-rivals meet for two Test matches in December.
“We have got a fair idea (of how to beat Australia), England provided a really good example of how to bowl at them particularly last year, and the batting of Alastair Cook was exemplary at the top of the order, he was very patient, played very straight. So England did provide in some ways a template of how to play best against Australia,” Wright was quoted as saying by ‘cricinfo’.
The Kiwis have not won a Test in Australia since 1985 but with the current side, Wright expected a swing in their fortunes this time around.
“You look at that and then you look at your own side. To be honest, game-plans at this level are not that complicated, we know we have to bat four sessions, and we have got to find a way of taking 20 wickets. We would like to keep as settled a line-up as we can. I think we have got the basis there, we have to be patient, but there’s some very talented young players who look like they might have an opportunity to succeed at the next level,” the former India coach said.
New Zealand’s last Test resulted in a narrow win over minnows Zimbabwe, but the team will be bolstered by the return of the swing bowler Tim Southee and the aggressive batsman Jesse Ryder from knee and calf injuries, respectively.
“You can only go there in good form and with belief, it is a big step up from Zimbabwe. Australia have got a good record in Brisbane, but that’s what we are hoping to create, that belief that if we apply ourselves and work really hard, and win our sessions, that we will be very competitive,” he said.
Wright also said the visitors expected to be challenged by pace, and forsaw the 18-year-old fast bowler Pat Cummins playing a significant role in the Australian attack. (UNI)