The New Zealand captain Kane Williamson speaks his thoughts ahead of the 3-match ODI series against India starting from 25 November 2022 to be played at Eden Park, Auckland. He talks about after the T20 World Cup, the focus shifts towards 2023 50 over World Cup to be played in India.
Williamson talked about the increasing volume of cricket that could be a reason for low attendance during the recently concluded England- Australia ODI series. He spoke about how bilateral series need more attraction for the audience to witness matches.
“It was unfortunate to see, but it also shows the volume of cricket that’s being held. Because no doubt the ICC tournaments are incredibly popular and there has been a lot of cricket on. They (Australia) also had a World Cup on. So, there was a lot on in their country too,” Kane Williamson said on the eve of New Zealand’s opening ODI against India.
The 3rd One-day international match between England and Australia at MCG saw a handful of people witnessing the game. New Zealand lost the T20I series to India by 0-1. The first match was washed due to rain.
“So, we must ensure there is a lot more context as possible in games, especially the bilateral series,” Williamson further added.
Kane Williamson will try to do well with the bat in the ODI series
New Zealand was hammered by 65 runs in the 2nd T20I match played at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui on 20th November. Thanks to an unbeaten 111 off 51 balls, Surya Kumar Yadav India posted 191 for 6 in 20 overs. His batting in the T20I format has been the talk as Kane Williamson made 61 off 52 balls as New Zealand lost the match by 65 runs. Williamson did not take part in the 3rd T20I match as it ended in a tie on the DLS method.
Kane Williamson talked about there is a lot of ODI cricket to come as the teams would focus on the 2023 World Cup to be played in India. Asked by Indian journalist Vimal Kumar, about the way England is playing the T20I format and ODIs, Williamson talked that they are trying to implement the style and would be looking to show their skills against a decent Indian side in the ODI series starting tomorrow.
He also talked about how the team is focused on the current series. Williamson said that there was less ODI cricket, mostly T20Is with some Test matches. The series is a part of the ICC ODI Super League. New Zealand is currently 6th in the points table and would be hoping to gain points for direct qualification for the 2023 World Cup.
“I don’t know where it will settle, but there are always conversations about trying to make it more appealing in any context like rule change, etc so…,” Kane Williamson concluded.
England’s T20 World Cup triumph has intensified the debate on split coaching and picking different players for different formats and the Kiwi skipper feels the packed schedule also has a part to play with players needing rest.
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