Cricket: The colder the better for NZ cricketers

By Richard Boock

The New Zealand cricketers are hoping for a chilly reception - literally - when they arrive in England on Monday to begin preparations for the World Cup.

The decision to stage the tournament in Britain's traditionally cool spring has not endeared itself to many of the contenders, but the Kiwi squad apparently consider the timing of the tournament one of the few elements in their favour.

Assuming New Zealand can beat Bangladesh and Scotland, they then need to eliminate either the West Indies, Australia or Pakistan to make it through to the Super Six section of the tournament - a task which seems to be getting more difficult by the day.

A month ago, Pakistan - racked by bribe and match-fixing inquiries - were in dreadful shape and the West Indies were being humiliated by South Africa, but both have staged remarkable recoveries to loom once again as title contenders.

The West Indies recently bounced back against an Australian side who remain one of the tournament favourites, while Pakistan put their domestic concerns on the backburner as they swept all before them in the Champions Cup at Sharjah.

New Zealand begin their campaign against Bangladesh at Chelmsford on May 17, before playing Australia at Cardiff on May 20, the West Indies at Southampton on May 24, Pakistan at Derby on May 28 and Scotland at Edinburgh on May 31.

"The conditions will be a key factor in our performance," New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming said from Christchurch last night. "And we're not exactly unhappy about when the tournament's being played.

"It's hard enough as it is, having to play the Windies, the Aussies and the Pakistanis, so if it's a bit cool and the wickets are on the slow side that'll suit us down to the ground."

Fleming noted that both the West Indian and Pakistani resurgence had occurred on the respective team's home soil, and suggested the ride for both might not be as smooth on the road.

"They both improved at home, but the acid test for everyone is how they perform abroad. And in this particular case, you'd have to say that the West Indies and Pakistan - in particular - will have to make a far bigger adjustment than we will."

The Kiwis are scheduled to play their final warm-up match at Lincoln Green in Christchurch today before departing for England on Sunday, and Fleming said all squad members were fit and looking forward to the event with quiet confidence.

Craig McMillan was over his hand injury, Chris Cairns was moving freely after rupturing a calf muscle, Fleming's groin was improving steadily and Nathan Astle - ranked this week as the world's seventh-best one-day batsman - has not been troubled by the broken thumb sustained over the summer.