Published: Nov 20, 2015, 06:00 PM (IST)
Edited: Nov 20, 2015, 06:00 PM (IST)
Sydney: Former New Zealand batsman Craig McMillan has said that his side are extremely excited about playing the historic first day and night Test with the pink ball against Australia in Adelaide. Describing the pink ball Test as ‘important’ for the sport, the current batting coach said that his side had been working hard and looking forward to the match. The 39-year-old admitted that there was a lot of excitement in view of experimenting with the new ball and also because of a different situation, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. Meanwhile, McMillan lavished praise on his side, saying that the players had gained needed confidence following their brilliant performance during the second drawn Test at Perth. Scorecard: Australia vs New Zealand 2015-16, 3rd Test at Adelaide
New Zealand are currently trailing 0-1 in the three-match series against Australia and will take on the hosts in the third Test, which starts at the Adelaide Oval on November 27. McMillan had earlier dig at Mitchell Starc after the latter bowled the fastest recorded ball in Tests. MaMillan said that he doubted the accuracy of the speed gun. Starc then challenged McCmiilan for a net session. READ: Australia vs New Zealand 2015-16, 3rd Test at Adelaide: What to expect from 1st ever Day-Night Test
Starc said, , “I’m happy for him to face me in the nets tomorrow if he wants.” Speaking about the chances missed by the Australian fielders, Starc said that it is frustrating for a bowler when catches are dropped, and added that given the flat nature of the pitch, Australia needed to take their catches in order to get ahead. “They’re always frustrating aren’t they. Nobody means to drop catches but when the wicket’s this flat and the Kiwis are batting as well as they are, it’s important we take our chances.” READ: Mitchell Johnson to become coach?
Starc, responding to McMillan’s statement, offered to bowl to McMillan in the nets to prove to him just how fast he was. Starc cheekily said, “I’m happy for him to face me in the nets tomorrow if he wants.” Speaking about the chances missed by the Australian fielders, Starc said that it is frustrating for a bowler when catches are dropped, and added that given the flat nature of the pitch, Australia needed to take their catches in order to get ahead. “They’re always frustrating aren’t they. Nobody means to drop catches but when the wicket’s this flat and the Kiwis are batting as well as they are, it’s important we take our chances.”
