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Justin Langer's Postcards |
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MONDAY 6 March 2000
Touring in New Zealand almost feels like home
Touring can be pretty tough, especially for the guys who have wives and
kids at home, but when you tour a place like New Zealand it is
significantly easier to handle. Arriving in Auckland on Thursday night
it became quickly apparent that this tour is going to be just like
travelling around Australia. Having been here seven years ago I didn't
remember how similar the two countries are in so many ways.
There isn't the cultural shock of armed bodyguards like Pakistan, or
metal detectors in the hotel foyer like Colombo. Nor are there the
social dilemmas of South Africa or the beggars on the streets of India.
The air here in New Zealand is fresh and clean as are the streets, parks
and beautiful green countryside.
The five guys joining the one-dayer touring party couldn't have picked a
better day to arrive as it happened to be the day New Zealand were
rejoicing the triumph of the 2000 Americas Cup. The streets of Auckland
were like the celebrations of New Year's Eve at Circular Quay in Sydney.
There was much festivity and rejoicing with street parties erupting all
over the city.
Unfortunately the celebrations ceased early for the good guys as the
one-day team lost their last game of the six-match series. Although it
was disappointing to lose on Friday their efforts over the past three
weeks, and for that matter since they won the World Cup Final on June 20
in London, has been nothing short of superb. Walking into their
changeroom there was a real sense of confidence and good humour as the
boys rolled to their world record achievement of 13 straight one-day
victories.
It is strange coming into the tour late but I guess it is accepted
practice now so both teams understand the protocol and get on with the
business at hand. Our business now is to prepare for the upcoming Test
series where we have an opportunity to break a few records ourselves.
Having won seven straight Test matches it would be perfect to leave
these closer shores with another three Test match victories under our
belts. By playing our best cricket there is no reason why this can't be
achieved, especially after the way we have played our Test cricket over
this summer.
Our preparations are under way with a four-day game which kicked off
yesterday against Northern Districts. On the same ground on which we
will play the third Test match, all of the guys have gained excellent
centre wicket practice so far. Yesterday all of the bowlers took a few
wickets after Stephen, Junior and Kaspa, were rested for this first
game. Until now the most significant contribution has come from Damien
Martyn who smashed a brilliant hundred in his first first-class game for
Australia in five years. His innings ensures that he will play wear the
baggy green cap on Saturday; something he has been working very hard
for, for a very long time.
From Hamilton, New Zealand
JL
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