New Zealand’s pace bowlers will be able to have an impact in the series against Bangladesh despite spin-friendly conditions, Black Caps bowling coach Shane Bond said on Sunday.
‘Even though the wickets are low and slow, I think history suggests that the quick bowlers have done well against Bangladesh,’ said the former New Zealand paceman.‘Bangladesh are, no doubt, very tough in their own conditions and good players of spin bowling.
‘So I think it’s going to be hard work; it’s going hot and the wickets are going to be flat, but [the quick bowlers] still have to have an aggressive mindset, and be willing to bowl short deliveries and pitch the ball up.’
Bond also said that the biggest challenge facing his team would be the weather conditions, rather than the wicket itself.
‘I think in general terms, [when] playing in the subcontinent the hardest thing is the heat and the humidity. The boys have prepared well; they had been to Sri Lanka before they were here so they have adjusted in terms of heat and humidity. It’s still tough day-in, day-out.’
The 38-year-old, considered New Zealand’s best fast bowler since Richard Hadlee, was optimistic about the future of New Zealand cricket, identifying two fast bowlers to watch.
‘Much of our squad here are 22-23 years old – four-five years down the track it’s going to be an exciting time for New Zealand cricket.’
‘I think someone like Tim Southee has the potential to be the best fast bowler in the world. He had an outstanding year last year.
‘He is not playing the first Test, but you’ll see the best of him in the coming years,’ he said, adding that Southee, one of a number of New Zealand first-choice players out with injuries, was on the mend.
Bond also spoke glowingly about Trent Boult, who will feature in the first Test against the Tigers on October 9.
‘I think [Boult] is someone to keep an eye on; he is going to be dangerous over here. I think he had success in Sri Lanka swinging the ball and caused their very good batting order a lot of problems.
‘If he [Boult] can swing the ball and bowls full length like he can, I am sure he can take wickets.’
-With New Age input
