Cricket: Black Caps loss doesn't bother Bracewell

1.00pm

Coach John Bracewell was not too concerned after the Black Caps lost their one-day practice cricket match in London overnight (NZ time).

They were bowled out for 159 chasing Sri Lanka's 171 for nine.

The match was New Zealand's final game before their opening ICC Champions Trophy game against the United States on Friday (NZ time), but
Bracewell said while the batting was poor, it was indicative of a slow, flat wicket which he described as a club wicket.

"Both coaches and captains would have disappointed in the batting effort, but we were pleased with how our bowlers went," Bracewell told NZPA.

"We also backed up with some pretty good fielding."

Hamish Marshall top scored for New Zealand with 33, while Sri Lanka rotated their batsmen, using 14 in total.

Bracewell was pleased with his bowlers with Darryl Tuffey, Kyle Mills and Jacob Oram all putting in good spells.

Bracewell felt the shock result of the United States beating Zimbabwe in another pre-Champions Trophy match would be the tonic the Black Caps needed ahead of their opening match at the Oval.

"The United States beat Zimbabwe chasing 270 in 48 overs. That will shake our guys out of any complacency. I can assure you and if it doesn't it bloody well should."

Bracewell was expected to name his starting side tomorrow, with Ian Butler the only player in doubt as he recovers from the flu.

- NZPA