Adaptability key as New Zealand prepares for West Indies series opener

New Zealand pace bowler Jacob Duffy says adaptability will be the key to success as the Black Caps prepare to face the West Indies in the opening One-Day International (ODI) at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, on Saturday.
Speaking to members of the media after the team’s training session at the Providence venue on Thursday, Duffy acknowledged that the Guyanese conditions are expected to differ significantly from those in New Zealand but stressed that the visitors are ready to make the necessary adjustments.

“It’s tough without a ball being bowled yet, but it looks a little bit different to what New Zealand wickets look like,” Duffy said.
He noted that while some members of the squad are unfamiliar with the conditions, others have valuable experience playing in Guyana, including during last year’s Global Super League (GSL) and previous International Cricket Council (ICC) tournaments in the Caribbean.
“There are a few guys that have been here before with the Stags last year in the GSL and a few guys from the World Cup a couple of years ago. But I guess one thing we always talk about as a Black Caps group is being adaptable, reading the conditions, getting a gauge on them and going from there.”
Duffy expects the Providence surface could produce lower-scoring contests than those typically seen in New Zealand.
He shared, “It might be a little bit lower scoring than what we’re used to, but we’ll have to adapt on the fly.”
The three-match ODI series comes on the heels of New Zealand’s historic Test series triumph over England, a result that has injected confidence throughout the touring party.
Reflecting on the team’s recent success, Duffy related that the achievements in England have created a positive atmosphere within the squad.
“Watching that Test series from back home was awesome. It sort of made you proud to be a little bit of a Kiwi,” he noted.
“The guys went a little bit under the radar there, but to win a historic Test series in England doesn’t come around all that often.”
Duffy explained that several members of the Test squad enjoyed a short break before linking up with the ODI group and have arrived refreshed for the limited-overs campaign.
“They had a wee break over there, a little bit of a refresher. But like you said, you’re on to the next one, and I know they’re excited to play one-day cricket.”
He believes the momentum generated from the Test victories can provide an important boost heading into the series against the West Indies.
“They bring their confidence in from a winning standpoint. They come in with confidence and are ready to go again.”
New Zealand will be aiming to carry that winning mentality into Saturday’s opening encounter as they begin their ODI campaign against a West Indies side eager to make home advantage count at Providence.