NEW DELHI, (Reuters) – New Zealand have the best possible opportunity to put their poor build-up behind them with a victory against Kenya, probably the weakest team in the World Cup, in a Group A match in Chennai tomorrow.
Daniel Vettori and his team mates head into the tournament without the usual look of a team renowned for punching above their weight, especially in major tournaments.
The team has been whitewashed by Bangladesh and India before they lost a home series against Pakistan and the string of defeats prompted the board to hand over the coaching reins to John Wright, hoping he will replicate the success he had as India coach from 2000-2005.
A pasting New Zealand received in their warm-up match against India did not help their preparation either nor did sickness which hospitalised spinner Nathan McCullum but they can expect a cakewalk against Kenya at the M A Chidambaram Stadium.
Since qualifying for the Feb 19-April 2 tournament two years ago, Kenya have been through a prolonged slump and they would require a miracle to upstage the five-time World Cup semi-finalists.
TAKING OVER
Wright has warned the players not to expect his knowledge of the Indian conditions to win matches for them but he seemed to have already made an impression on the players since taking over the job just two months ago.
“John’s batting expertise has been the major thing that he has brought to the side so far,” Scott Styris said.
“He’s been great for the batters in the side because he’s given them some clarity about how to go about their innings.
“We’ve got some tremendous strikers of the ball who are still learning how to build an innings since they are very young.”
Kenya should not have the wherewithal to silence the New Zealand top half comprising Brendon McCullum, Martin Guptill, Jesse Ryder, Ross Taylor and James Franklin.
In the bowling and fielding departments as well, a huge gap separates the sides and Kenya will rely on all-rounders Steve Tikolo and Thomas Odoyo to ensure they are not disgraced.
