Published: Feb 08, 2015, 05:38 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 08, 2015, 05:38 PM (IST)
Former New Zealand cricketer and noted commentator Simon Doull believes that this is the strongest New Zealand side heading to a cricket World Cup. In his cricket column for Stuff.co.nz, Doull further wrote, “We haven’t got anyone in that side who will let us down. They are very confident and I like that. It is a long time since we have had a New Zealand side that has been confident. They aren’t arrogant but just confident in their own ability.”
Doull believes New Zealand are learning to be a good favourite side and backing their ability. Doull stated that the Kiwis are not just relying on one or two guys to stand up for the team and everyone has been in a good form, which is terrific news leading into a World Cup. He is confident of the batting line-up which bats deep with Daniel Vettori batting at number eight.
However the former Black Caps bowler warned the side of stern competition.
“A hurting Australia is always a worry. They are still playing great cricket and the off-field issues don’t ever seem to worry them.
They will be there in the semi finals and more than likely in the final. They are a good enough side to do that,” mentioned the 45-year-old.
The other team he feels will make it to semi-final is South Africa.
“South Africa will be in the semi finals but the worry will be on the bowling side. Where do they get someone to bowl those tight overs once Dale Steyn is done?
There won’t be turn in the wickets for Imran Tahir and Morne Morkel has as many bad days as he does good days. Their batting is stronger than any team in the competition but will they be able to restrict sides?” added Doull.
He called England the “dark horse” and wrote that India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have good batting line-ups but bowling is a major worry for them.
