ICC World Cup 2019 | We’re forever underdogs and that suits us quite well, states James Franklin
Former Kiwi all-rounder James Franklin said in an interview that his country usually stays under the radar and is widely regarded as the dark horses rather than the favourites, a trait which suits them. He went on to talk about the team’s chances at the World Cup and Kane Williamson’s captaincy.
Former New Zealand cricketer and the only player to take a World Cup wicket on his debut ball James Franklin knows what it is to play when the stakes are high, having made 15 World Cup appearances for the Black Caps. An influential swing bowler and a power hitter in his days, he played his last match for the Kiwis five years ago. Speaking ahead of the start of the mega event, he admitted that the team does not mind going into the tournament as the underdogs.
“New Zealand are in a sweet spot. No-one’s talking about us too much. We’re forever the underdogs and that suits us quite well,” he said.
Currently sitting fourth in the ICC ODI rankings, New Zealand have been on a fine run, having whitewashed Sri Lanka and Bangladesh 3-0, though they lost 4-1 to the Men in Blue in the ODI series held in their own backyard. However, they exacted revenge with a pretty comfortable six-wicket victory in the warm-up game before losing to West Indies after failing to chase a grand target of 422.Â
Franklin admitted that the team may not be the world’s best at the moment, but they have performed satisfactorily over the years and have every chance of winning the World Cup if they manage to get momentum early on in the tournament.
“We haven’t been leading the world, I think England have been in front in recent years, but we’ve still been playing very consistent cricket. If we can get some form going over the next few weeks, there’s no reason why New Zealand couldn’t go on and win the World Cup. I think the New Zealand public and team will be confident they can go deep into the tournament,” he explained.
A major determinant of their success at the tournament will be how their key player and captain Kane Williamson does as he currently sits 12th in the ODI ranking for the batsmen. Having reached seven semifinals over the years, Brendon McCullum captained the team to their best ever finish in the last edition, leading them to the final only to lose to Australia. Williamson, however, is of a different breed, though no less efficient, believes Franklin.Â
“I think Kane has a quietness about him, but he’s assertive and he knows what he wants. In terms of his leadership, his batting is probably a reflection of it. It’s methodical, but sneakily efficient and world-class. I think his captaincy is exactly the same. I don’t think he’s a Brendon McCullum-style leader, when you see everything and it’s attacking. Kane is measured, but knows exactly how he wants to manage his bowlers, his batsmen and what he wants New Zealand cricket to achieve,” Franklin remarked.
