New Zealand Anticipates England's Aggressive Approach in Upcoming Test Series
“They’ve got an attacking brand that they like to play and I'm sure it will be no different in terms of how they like to approach it,” Latham said upon his return from India. “We’re looking forward to it. It’ll be a great challenge.”
New Zealand is preparing for a tough challenge as they face England in a three-match Test series starting November 28 in Christchurch. Despite England’s recent setback in Pakistan, where they lost 2-1, New Zealand expects their opponents to maintain their aggressive, attacking style of play.
England's bold approach to Test cricket, known as 'Bazball,' has been a topic of much discussion after their defeat in Pakistan, with former captains Nasser Hussain and Michael Vaughan questioning whether the strategy is sustainable. However, New Zealand captain Tom Latham remains confident that England will stick to their attacking mindset when they visit New Zealand.
“They’ve got an attacking brand that they like to play and I'm sure it will be no different in terms of how they like to approach it,” Latham said upon his return from India. “We’re looking forward to it. It’ll be a great challenge.”
New Zealand enters the series full of confidence following their 3-0 whitewash of India, which has reignited their hopes of qualifying for the World Test Championship final. Currently, the Black Caps sit fourth in the standings, behind Australia, India, and Sri Lanka. England is placed sixth.
Latham emphasized that while the World Test Championship remains a big motivation for New Zealand, their primary focus is on performing well in the upcoming series. “If we’re able to play some good cricket, then those sort of things take care of themselves," he said. "But for us, it’s just about enjoying our cricket as much as we can."
The series will offer New Zealand a fresh challenge with England’s aggressive approach and the vastly different conditions in New Zealand. Latham is looking forward to the exciting opportunity ahead.
