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New Zealand coach Gary Stead’s biggest concern may be getting a phone call from his boss, David White, to talk about low-paying clients.
The first test of the summer against the West Indies ended before lunch on the fourth day at Hamilton, continuing a recent trend of early home test results.
When India was defeated in the two-test series at home earlier this year, the first test ended on day four and the second game ended in the middle of the allotted five days.
Kai Schwoerer / Getty Images
Head coach Gary Stead has plenty to smile about after another New Zealand test win at home.
It’s not that Stead feels like it’s a trend that he should apologize for.
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“I guess that’s a bit out of our control too,” he said as his teammates enjoyed a day off Monday.
“Certainly there have been some shorter tests, but there has also been a lot of drama in them. Hopefully the fans continue to get their money’s worth. “
Stead acknowledged that the Black Caps, having won seven of their last eight home events, have developed a confidence in their ability in New Zealand that adds to their performances.
“It’s certainly something we don’t talk about externally.
“But last year’s performances also in the way we beat India I think gave the team a lot of confidence.”
Before the first test of the new season, Windies captain Jason Holder said his team’s game A would have to be better than the hosts’.
While the visitors were well off that mark, Stead felt his charges were near their best.
“A very clinical performance at all times, when you lose the throw and they insert you… there are always some nerves about how long the wicket will do.
“I think the court played very well at all times, it kept a good rebound and that was nice for us.
“Kane’s innings were obviously very special. I think he showed his skill, his temperament, his patience, all in one inning,” Stead said, calling Williamson one of the best hitters in the world.
“Our partnerships that the guys built with Kane was the reason we did what we did and put ourselves in a position of strength.”
Stead said there was a feeling of nervousness when imposing the tracking.
Kai Schwoerer / Getty Images
Kyle Jamieson was part of a dominant New Zealand bowling attack at Seddon Park.
“If the pitch flattens too much, you’re asking your bowlers too much, but I thought the way we kept the pressure going for long periods of time was excellent.”
The hosts at Seddon Park used a swing / seam attack to perfect spin to fire the Windies twice, giving Stead plenty to ponder ahead of the second test that begins at Basin Reserve on Friday.
“They all have slightly different abilities in what they offer. I think they complemented each other well and kept a lot of pressure on the West Indies. I think everyone is playing well enough that it’s hard to know that you separate them right now. “
He also felt that Kyle Jamieson’s skill with the bat (in his first three tests, Jamieson has had 144 runs averaging 72) added an additional dimension to the picking possibilities.
“Since Colin de Grandhomme was unavailable, he gave us the opportunity to see this in another way. While now not in the Colin de Grandhomme category [with his batting]I guess it’s something that we hope he will continue to strive to be there in the future. “
Stead was hopeful that BJ Watling would pass his race tests on his injured hamstring on Monday to regain his place in the XI, and rookie Will Young will be lost if Watling returns and Tom Blundell to return to a starting spot. .
