New Zealand all-rounder Peter Fulton is not worried about the 0-4 defeat the Kiwis sustained the last time they were in Bangladesh, acknowledged that the home side was a formidable unit in home conditions but remained confident that the Kiwi’s – who have been solid in the last six months – could obtain good results in the upcoming series between the two sides.
“Bangladesh is a strong team here. We have competed against some good teams in the last six months, particularly England. That gives us confidence,” said Fulton.
The 34 year old batsman was disappointed that the first day of a three-day practice match had been washed out as he had looked forward to spending some time in the middle. “It is a bit disappointing because of the rain, and we had the whole day’s play called off. Hopefully it will clear out and we will have a good hit before the first Test.
“We want to bat for one day, so that all our batters get a hit. We would also want a day in the field, to get our bowlers used to the heat and different conditions as well,” he said.
Fulton was well aware of the different conditions the Kiwi’s would be facing and explained the measures they had taken to adjust to them. “We have tried to replicate as much of the conditions as we can, but it is quite hard to do it in the New Zealand weather. It is not quite the same. We have had a good week in Colombo, where the preparations went pretty well.
“We are assuming (the pitches) will be low and slow and it will spin. We have talked about that, we have an idea of what to expect. But we will go in with an open mind. If it is different from that, we will be prepared,” he said.
The current New Zealand side is relatively inexperienced, particularly in subcontinent conditions, but Fulton did not see it as a problem and looked to the top order to lead the way. ”I feel there’s responsibility for all the top six batters. If we get big scores, which is our responsibility, it will help the bowlers.
I don’t think it will be too much of a factor. Most of our guys have played in the subcontinent before, and quite a few of them have been in Bangladesh too,” he said.
Fulton was wary of the threat posed by left arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan. “We have to face as much left-arm spin in the nets as possible. We know he’s a good bowler, but we just have to play more bowling of left-arm spin or off-spin in the nets.”
Peter Fulton has played 15 Test matches in which he has scored two centuries and two fifties.
Friday, March 21, 2025
