Williamson Focuses on Subcontinent Adaptation with NZ Facing Demanding Test Schedule

Six Test matches, including three against India, are scheduled for New Zealand over the next several months. Senior batsman Kane Williamson says the team will need to adapt to the conditions on the subcontinent.

Beginning here on Monday, New Zealand will play a one-off Test match against Afghanistan to begin their Asia trip. The Black Caps will then fly to Sri Lanka for a two-Test series before playing three Tests against the hosts in India.

Williamson stated on Saturday that “we’re definitely going to be challenged in a number of ways (in Asia)”.

“However, since we have this block here, I believe it’s critical that we as a team strive to grow throughout, absorb the experiences that we’ll have over the next two and a half months, and get stronger as a result.

“Nice to be here preparing for the first Test and look forward to those small steps, getting more and more familiar as much as we can to those conditions and looking to try and put together our best cricket.”

With the exception of the match against Afghanistan, the remaining matches in the World Test Championship schedule are scheduled by New Zealand following their tour of Asia. They begin in November and run through November.

“In some ways it’s like tournament sport, isn’t it? Even though it’s over a longer period of time in the Test Championship. But the value of games is high. The context around Test Cricket with the Test Championship is really key.

“A significant portion of our Test Championship schedule is the six Test matches we have together. Williamson gave in. “You know, such a volume of Test cricket that we don’t usually get.”

New Zealand’s performance on the subcontinent is lackluster. The Kiwis have only won two of their 36 Test matches in India, where they will play four games.

“As a team, it’s really important that we look to grow as a unit, get nice and clear on how we want to play over here (subcontinent),”

“We are constantly aware that playing in these regions of the world presents a difficult challenge. A little different from home, but always an amazing experience to play against incredibly talented teams. Thus, a favorable chance for us.

You should definitely try to change your approach because this format isn’t what we’re here for all the time. And there are lengthy pauses between it playing here.”

One of the world’s best hitters, Williamson made his Test debut in India. The 34-year-old’s record in Sri Lanka and India is by no means exceptional, though. His average in 22 innings is 31.36.

The fact that we’re not here often in this format means that you should definitely try to modify your game. And there are lengthy pauses in which it does not play here. So, you know, it’s sort of getting back into the swing of things,” Willaimson replied when questioned about his preparation.

The former captain believes that against Afghanistan, spinners will once again rule the game.

“Yes, there are a few unknowns, as there hasn’t been much Test cricket played here. The spinners will undoubtedly have a significant impact, as they frequently do in this region of the world. Therefore, our only goal will be to alter as much as possible,” he continued.

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