Australia v New Zealand: Michael Vaughan lauds Kiwi captain Kane Williamson’s tactical smarts
Former England captain Michael Vaughan says New Zealand will frighten Australia this series, in large part because of the tactical smarts of their captain.
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Don’t be fooled by the shy guy demeanour - New Zealand captain Kane Williamson is the sharpest tactician in world cricket.
So says Michael Vaughan, himself lauded as a tactical mastermind after plotting England’s epic Ashes victory over Australia in 2005.
“Kane Williamson is a typical understated Kiwi but I think he is the best tactician in world cricket,’’ said Vaughan, who will commentate Thursday’s first Test between Australia and New Zealand for Fox Cricket.
“He reads the game quicker than anyone else. One of the reasons New Zealand have played in the last two World Cup finals and are the No 2 Test team in the world is that they plan really well and play very consistent Test match cricket.
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“The thing about New Zealand is that they are very smart cricketers. They all have good cricket brains.
“They can frighten Australia in this series. I don’t think they will win it but they will play the smart game so you never know.
“One thing I can tell you is that they will try some things that are out of the box. Look at the way Neil Wagner cleaned out England’s tail. He changed his angles. He knew the right time to bounce them’’.
This would not be the first Australian team to be tested by Kiwi resourcefulness.
Former Kiwi Test keeper Ian Smith spoke on Wednesday of how the Kiwis’ 0-0 series against Australia here in 2001 was forged on the back of clever planning which included the bold decision to let a large amount of Glenn McGrath’s deliveries go after research revealed that barely any of them would hit the stumps.
The Kiwis, who only landed in Perth on Monday, face a formidable task to adjust from the low, slow, true decks of their homeland to an Optus Stadium pitch likely to provide more bounce than they are used to.
Despite several net sessions, they will be doing well to cope with the bounce and searing heat with one forecast tipping the temperature around the centre wicket block to reach 50 degrees.
“If it’s 50 degrees it could be quite challenging for anyone at the ground player or not,’’ Williamson said.
“It’s a dry heat but we will have to monitor it’’.
Key batsman Ross Taylor, who got thumped on his right hand in a net session on Tuesday, is fit to play though a decision on fast bowler Trent Boult, who had been battling a side strain, could be left to match morning after he was asked to have a final session in the nets on match eve.
Originally published as Australia v New Zealand: Michael Vaughan lauds Kiwi captain Kane Williamson’s tactical smarts