Players coming and succeeding right away are strength of the Blackcaps, opines Ross Taylor
Ross Taylor has shared that the fact that new players stepping up and succeeding straight away on the big stage has been the strength of the New Zealand side as he hailed their depth as the best he has seen. The Kiwis look all set to field two debutants in the series decider in Hamilton.
After thumping England in Mount Maunganui by an innings and 65 runs, New Zealand are looking to deliver the knockout blow in Hamilton where the sides meet for the series decider. But going into the match, the hosts have lost the services of Trent Boult and Colin de Grandhomme as they have been ruled out due to injury.
The two seasoned campaigners will most probably be replaced by two debutants. While it is confirmed that Daryl Mitchel will be debuting in place of Grandhomme, Jason Behrendroff and Matt Henry are the two candidates to replace Boult. Ross Taylor is impressed by the depth in the NZ squad as he hailed it the best he has witnessed. Taylor also pointed out that players who come into the team succeed right away and that has been the strength of the side.
"I think when I first started out and we had a guy on debut, we hoped the player would do well and now we expect the player to do well. I think that's a good place to be. It's probably been a strength of this side that the players have come in have succeeded straight away and put pressure on the incumbents. The depth is definitely the best it's ever been in my career I think," Taylor told Cricbuzz.
Mitchell, who plays for Northern District recently scored 170 not out in his only Plunket Shield innings this season, might have a tough time filling the big boots of Grandhomme. Grandhomme had an impressive outing in the series opener as he supported the team with both bat and ball.
"Colin de Grandhomme leaves some big shoes to fill but Daryl has some experience of international cricket at T20 level. He had a very good campaign around the first-class scene, too, so I'm looking forward to seeing how he goes."
The bigger question is what will the NZ team management prefer, Behrendroff’s pace or Henry’s experience. Taylor wasn't of much help as he pointed out that both the bowlers bring something different to the table and have big shoes to fill.
"Whoever plays - Henry or Ferguson - will do very well. They are slightly different bowlers. Lockie has that extra pace, but Matt has been outstanding for us with the new ball. They've both got their strengths. They have big shoes to fill, too, but both can do a great job and perform a similar role. Whoever we go with, we'll have a lot of confidence in."
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