“People are getting behind the brand of cricket that we’re playing”
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
New Zealand pace bowler Tim Southee has announced that the Blackcaps’ drive to have a highly successful World Cup campaign has gone through the roof since they will be playing in front of their fans on home soil.
Since New Zealand have enjoyed a lot of success as of late, their fan base has started to expand significantly.
“It’s great to have that public support, and I don’t think you can help but embrace it,” Southee said. “We’ve played some great cricket leading up to now. People are getting behind the brand of cricket that we’re playing. I think it’s an exciting brand. It’s getting people to the grounds and, I guess, watching on TV.
“The World Cup is a chance to get the country right in behind us. We saw what happened with the All Blacks in the 2011 Rugby World Cup. That was great to be a part of as a rugby fan. Hopefully we can do our part as cricketers over the next two months, and enjoy and embrace what a special time it’s going to be.”
Southee also admitted that “the last two summers have been a lot of fun” since the national team have excelled in all three formats of the game.
“The last two summers have been a lot of fun to be part of,” Southee said. “All three formats, we’ve had a lot of success. We speak a lot about it being the time of our lives, and the last couple of years have been great memories that will stick with the guys for a long time. Hopefully the next two months will as well.”
Southee added that New Zealand have become one of the most dangerous teams in world cricket since they have numerous match-winners in their squad.
“That’s the sign of a good team,” Southee said. “You’re not relying on one or two guys to stand up. There’s been different guys standing up over the last 18 months. It’s testament to the team environment, and guys expressing themselves and doing well.
“At some stage everyone has had their chance to be a match-winner. You’re not relying on certain people. Every guy is going out there to be that person. You can’t do it every day, but it’s good to know that there is someone there to pick up the slack if someone can’t. We saw that yesterday with the way Martin Guptill played. He’s been training the house down, and for him go out and get those runs and that confidence bodes well.”