New Zealand coach Gary Stead exuded confidence as the squad gear up for the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup in the Caribbean and United States.
Despite setbacks due to injuries, both Finn Allen and Devon Conway show promising signs of recovery, raising hopes for their participation in the tournament.
Allen, known for his explosive batting, has been recuperating from a back injury, while Conway underwent surgery for a thumb fracture sustained earlier this year. Stead, speaking to reporters at the team’s training camp in Mount Maunganui, assures that Allen is progressing well, albeit with some lingering discomfort, while Conway, currently at the IPL, continues to hone his skills through regular training sessions.
With no warm-up matches scheduled before their World Cup opener against Afghanistan, Stead emphasizes the team’s rigorous preparation on diverse surfaces at Bay Oval to acclimate to the Caribbean conditions. Despite the lack of match practice, Stead trusts in the squad’s collective experience, including players seasoned in the Caribbean Premier League, to navigate the challenges ahead.
As New Zealand aims to make a strong start in Group C, Stead remains optimistic about the squad’s readiness, banking on the blend of talent, resilience, and preparation to propel them towards success on the global stage.
