New Zealand head coach Gary Stead remains optimistic about his team’s chances of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) final once again. Despite New Zealand’s current third-place ranking, Stead believes his side has what it takes to secure a spot in the final, having already won the inaugural edition in 2021.
Stead acknowledged the challenges ahead, as New Zealand faces five crucial Test matches – two against Sri Lanka followed by three against India. The series will be pivotal for the team’s WTC final hopes. New Zealand’s record in Asia, however, adds another layer of difficulty. With just 16 wins from 90 Tests in the region, and only two victories from 36 Tests in India, the Kiwis face a tough task.
Even with these statistics, Stead is determined and hopeful. He said New Zealand is currently placed third and is desperate to reach the WTC final again. Having been there before, the team knows what it takes, and they are eager to do it once more.
Stead also emphasized the importance of adapting to different playing conditions, particularly in Asia. He mentioned that the surfaces in Galle, Sri Lanka, will be different from those they will face in India. Adapting to these varying conditions is essential for New Zealand’s success in the upcoming matches.
The New Zealand team will first head to Sri Lanka for two Test matches in Galle before returning to India for a three-match series, set to be played in Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai.
