Kane Williamson, right, training at Bay Oval ahead of Monday's clash with the Windies. Photo / George Novak
Kane Williamson, right, training at Bay Oval ahead of Monday's clash with the Windies. Photo / George Novak
Kane Williamson is eagerly anticipating leading his Black Caps team against the Windies in front of an expected sold-out Bay Oval tomorrow.
The Tauranga local was not thrilled to have to sit out the last two ODI and first Twenty20 matches but it has made him even more determined todo well in front of his family and friends.
"I enjoyed the break but it is nice to be back for sure. It was a planned thing and we try to utilise it to have some time away but it is exciting to get back with the guys and get back to training," Williamson said.
Completing a hat trick of series wins in tests, ODI and Twenty20 formats against the hapless Windies would be a bonus but is not the Black Caps motivation, Williamson said.
"That would be great but our focus without doubt would be to build on the performances we have done so far. We know that in this format the West Indies Twenty20 side is one of the best sides in the world and we know that at any time they can really turn it on.
"They are extremely dangerous whenever you play against them in the T20 format and they have won a number of events. We know they are a big threat every time they come out and we know we are going to have to be good again."
Williamson has only played a handful of games for Bay of Plenty and the Black Caps last summer at Bay Oval but is impressed with the improvements.
"It is a nice-looking ground and it is great to be able to play international cricket in your backyard effectively. It has been brilliant and the pitch has come a long way, with a really good surface this year and now with the lights up it will be a great spectacle.
Glenn Phillips stood out in Nelson in the Twenty20 victory on Friday night, with the 21-year-old Aucklander top-scoring with 55 from 40 balls and snaring three catches and a stumping with the gloves.
"He has been brilliant on the park but also off the park. He came out to India and showed some real promise and is a great guy to have in the group," Williamson said.
"He's just a bit of an Energizer bunny, extremely quick, runs around and makes things happen in the field. As we saw in the last game a real talent with the bat as well."
Williamson is pleased with the increased depth of capable international players for the New Zealand selectors to consider.
"One of the bonuses I suppose of having guys have small breaks is the fact we are able to get other guys game time at the highest level. It does help with the depth on the scene that the guys have come in and performed really well which has been great to see."
