'Majority Of Our Group..'- Daryl Mitchell Aims To Leverage WC Experience In Bangladesh Tests
Daryl Mitchell had a successful World Cup 2023 [X.com]
New Zealand are gearing up for their opening match in the ICC World Test Championship against Bangladesh this week, drawing on their recent experience in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup held in India. The BlackCaps aim to leverage this experience to adapt to the distinct playing conditions in Bangladesh.
Mitchell reflects on World Cup experience ahead of Bangladesh Test series
Their journey in the 50-over World Cup concluded with a 70-run defeat against India in the semi-finals. Now, the focus shifts to the longer format as they face Bangladesh in a two-match Test series starting in Sylhet on Tuesday. This series marks New Zealand's first assignment in the current World Test Championship cycle.
Ahead of the BAN vs NZ 1st Test, Daryl Mitchell, who was in great form in the World Cup 2023, highlighted the need for quick adaptation to the unique conditions in Bangladesh.
Despite the unfamiliarity, Mitchell expressed confidence in the team's ability to handle these challenges. He stressed the importance of staying focused on immediate goals without looking too far ahead while acknowledging the fascination of participating in significant matches.
"Conditions are foreign to us as Kiwis so it is about adapting as quickly as we can to these surfaces, and getting stuck to win little moments. It is what we are speaking about. We are not looking too far ahead. At the same time, you want to be part of those big games. That's why you play Test cricket," said Mitchell.
Mitchell's exceptional performance in the World Cup, 552 runs with two centuries, contributed to New Zealand's advance to the knockout stage and earned him a spot in the official ICC Team of the Tournament.
Reflecting on the transition from the World Cup to Test cricket, the 32-year-old noted the necessity for greater patience in the Test format.
He anticipated adapting to the turning surfaces in Bangladesh, drawing from the team's recent experience on similar pitches in India. Mitchell concluded by highlighting the importance of flexibility and readiness to tackle the challenges of the first day of the Test series.
“It would have been a big change if we came from the green wickets of New Zealand straight to Bangladesh. But for the majority of our group here, they have been in the World Cup. They have been practicing on slower and turning surfaces so it helps us in this Test series. A bit more patience is required going from white ball to Test cricket. You can breathe and relax a little bit. The surfaces are turning. We will keep adapting. We will see what we get on day one," concluded Mitchell.
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