New Zealand ‘down on confidence’ heading into World Cup: Doull
By ANISunday, February 6, 2011
AUCKLAND - Former New Zealand fast bowler Simon Doull reckons the national team is looking like a ’side down on confidence’ going into the World Cup on the Indian subcontinent.
Doull’s comment comes after New Zealand lost the six-match ODI series against Pakistan 3-2.
“Picking over the Black Caps carcass after a third consecutive one-day series loss isn’t a pleasant task. The positive spin would be that new coach John Wright has found a few things out about his personnel heading into the World Cup,” Doull wrote in an article for Stuff.co.nz.
“The series against Pakistan was always designed as a tune-up for the World Cup. Results-wise, it was massively disappointing to lose at home like this. Individually, there were a few moments, but collectively the side just didn’t click with any consistency,” he added.
The 41-year-old, however, is confident that if the team can get a roll on and regain some confidence they will be dangerous in the two-month tournament.
“New Zealand always command some respect heading into tournaments such as the World Cup. But in the past we have gone in with a bit of reasonable form. Yesterday’s effort will have helped but, right now, our opponents will see us as being a little down and believe that if they can put the pressure on we will fold,” Doull wrote.
“But the Black Caps still have a little star quality that will always make them dangerous in one-off situations,” he added. (ANI)
