Their comparatively lean playing calendar could be one reason for New Zealand being considered one of the less "glamorous" teams in the Champions Trophy tournament says captain Stephen Fleming.
"I don't think we are a glamorous side, but we are certainly a good one," Fleming said yesterday in New Delhi,where the Black Caps are preparing for their first game in the Champions Trophy.
He said the Black Caps were playing just eight one-day internationals this year and only two tests, against Sri Lanka, in the next 12 months.
But coach John Bracewell said that the fault probably lay in the side's lack of consistency abroad.
"We have to be more consistent in winning outside New Zealand to be a more attractive proposition," Bracewell said.
He said the team had started making progress in that direction with two tri-series wins against India in Zimbabwe and West Indies in England.
Fleming said the scheduling had turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the Black Caps and ensured that the players were fresh for the important season ahead, beginning with the Champions Trophy.
New Zealand won the trophy when Kenya were hosts in 2000.
"We have had ample rest and are raring to go to the battles ahead.
"Eight of the players, mostly batsmen, played English county cricket, while the bowlers took it easy," Fleming said.
His opinion was seconded by all-rounder Scott Styris, who also said the team fell short in the glamour stakes.
"We cannot compare ourselves in this regard with Australia, India, Pakistan and England, and do not play in such frequent series," he said.
The break has also ensured New Zealand a full-strength side for the mini World Cup.
"Shane Bond is back to full fitness and that is a big plus for us.
"He has to be taken good care of because of the huge workload that his role demands of him," Fleming said.
Prolific batsman Nathan Astle rued that they would be playing only two practice games ahead of the Champions Trophy.
"We have two practice games before our first match against Pakistan, but we could have done with a few more matches to adapt to the heat and other conditions prevalent in India at this time of the year," the batting opener said.
