The BLACKCAPS came home disappointed after not kicking on in the recent ICC World Twenty20 competition in the West Indies, however lessons have been learnt and their attention now turns to the up coming tour of the sub-continent.
BLACKCAPS top order batsman Martin Guptill is currently in Auckland, ensuring he is prepared, both mentally and physically, for the up-coming tour to Sri Lanka. “Having had a couple of weeks away from international cricket has given me the opportunity to recharge the batteries and reflect on the disappointing Twenty20 competition,” he said. “It was hard facing a loss in the Windies bit now I have what I need to prepare for the next tour of Sri Lanka and make it as successful as possible.”
Guptill said it’s important to reflect on what has happened and to move forward in a proactive way to ensure the players learn and move on. He’s optimistic about the up coming games. “The guys have all had their time to reflect on the past tournament and are looking forward to the next tour and putting up a big fight in different conditions.”
The last time the two teams met was on American soil in Miami, and Guptill believes it was good preparation for the conditions in the sub-continent. “Sri Lanka is very tough to play in their own conditions and India are equally difficult,” he said. “Having played in Sri Lanka this time last year and the conditions in the West Indies and Miami, I think the guys have a better gauge on how to play there, so we can put in a good fight.”
Guptill is looking forward to proving he’s still got what it takes to be an international cricketer and is working hard to reach his goals. “I want to be a top scorer for the BLACKCAPS and score my first overseas hundred during this tour,” he said.
