Imlach embracing the challenge as WI gear up for New Zealand Test

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (CMC):

As the West Indies cricket team puts the finishing touches on their preparations for the first Test against New Zealand, wicket-keeper batsman Tevin Imlach expressed a confident and focused mindset, acknowledging the unique challenges of New Zealand conditions while backing his team to compete.

Speaking on his birthday, ahead of the series opener at Hagley Oval on Monday, Imlach was candid about the adjustment required for the Caribbean players.

“Well, it’s been good so far. It’s a different condition from what we are accustomed to back home. “It seems to seam around a little bit more, bounce around a little bit more. So, just getting used to that, especially wicket-keeping, it does move around a bit after it passes the batter as well. Those are the things that I’m working on right now. I’m enjoying the challenge.”

Despite the foreign environment, the mood in the camp appears positive. Imlach reported that the entire squad is firing on all cylinders ahead of the crucial match.

“The team looks like it’s in a good place. As far as the bowlers are concerned, they look ready to go. The batters look very strong. The scores were really good in the practice match. So, yeah, the team look like they’re in a good space.”

With West Indies cricket holding a beloved place on the world stage, Imlach emphasised the importance of every series and the team’s burning desire to deliver victories for their loyal supporters back home.

“Every series is important. You want to win cricket games, you wanna win games for your family and win games for the supporters back home. “We wanna do well as a group, as West Indian players, I anticipate that this one will be competitive as well.”

The key to success, according to the young Guyanese batsman, lies in sustained consistency, a trait the Windies have shown in patches but will need to master over five days.

He outlined a simple yet effective game plan for both bowlers and batsmen to counter the Black Caps.

“Over the years, we’ve done well in patches. I think, this time and this series, it is important to stay consistent. “Once we do those good things for long periods, put the ball in good areas for long periods, test their patience, that’s very important in the longer format.”

He added a crucial note for the batting unit, highlighting the need to convert starts into substantial scores. “With the batters as well, you know, we concentrate well for a start, and sometimes we get out, so we must continue. When we get that start, push on as well. So it’s consistent throughout.”