It's really great to be back in Dunedin for international
cricket - particularly with the enlarged ground.
It has made a huge difference to see the University Oval
boundaries pushed back and, if the practice pitches are
anything to go by, then the game promises to be a good one
for batsmen.
New pitches take time to settle in but I know Tom Tamati, the
groundsman, has worked hard to get things right and I'm
confident we will see the best pitch yet.
The boys from Zimbabwe struck a very confident Black Caps
unit in Napier and it was fantastic to be part of a team that
was totally clinical and ruthless. It was the best possible
way to back up from the historic win in Hobart, and the only
down side was the injury to Ross Taylor.
I feel very sorry for him as it is a great feeling to have
momentum and be itching to get to the next game and chalk up
another win.
However, it does give me the opportunity to lead the team,
which I really look forward to - especially on my home ground
in front of the Otago crowd.
I enjoyed captaining the Otago Volts this summer in the HRV
Cup and it allowed me to see how I reacted in pressure
situations and how others responded to my leadership.
Like anything else in cricket, captaincy is all about
confident decision-making and clear communication. I hope
nobody expects the one-day series to be a continuation of the
test match.
We certainly will be trying to heap pressure on the Zims, but
we will also know that they have some good recent one-day
form and will be a very different proposition from last week.
It's really exciting to see a number of new guys in our squad
who have all played their way in with excellent domestic
performances.
The HRV Cup produced some great cricket and, with all the
established Black Caps playing, it certainly ensured that
successes were hard earned and that there were no easy runs
or wickets on offer.
I hope the people of Dunedin come out in good numbers today,
because we are very determined that our winning ways will
continue, with plenty of skilful and exciting cricket.
- Written by Brendan McCullum
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