Nagpur, Feb 24: New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori today said that it has been quite difficult for them to focus on the big game against Trans-Tasman rivals Australia after the devastating earthquake that rocked Christchurch on Tuesday.
"It's been an incredibly hard build up. For a lot of guys coming to train gives them a chance to get their minds of other things. But then, it's a big game in the World Cup. It's a Chappell-Hadlee game which means a lot to people back home," a sombre-looking Black Caps captain told the mediaperson in a press conference which was over within seven minutes.
The World Cup clash between the two sides here tomorrow has been named a Chappell-Hadlee game as there are no bilateral ODI series lined up this year.
Vettori admitted that it is indeed a 'helpless' situation for the squad as they are not being able to take a stock of the situation back home.
"It has been difficult but we have tried to put things into perspective. Not only the people of Christchurch but the whole country has been affected by the incident. The team feels helpless in such a situation."
Already two of their support staff members -- physiotherapist Dayle Shackel and trainer Bryan Stronach -- have left for Christchurch from Chennai after getting reports about their homes being damaged.
Vettori conceded that it has been difficult without their regular support staff members but their difficulty is nothing compared to what Shackel and Stronach are going through.
"It's difficult but it's nothing compared to what they are going through. They have gone back home to look after extent of damage caused to their houses and to take care of their families. We have got a local physio (Sanil Koyili) who has been great so far. We have to adjust till they come back."
The left-arm spinner said that the match against Australia will be a lot tougher but they can take confidence from their victory against Kenya in Chennai the other day.
"It's a different and a lot tougher challenge though we will take confidence from our comprehensive win against Kenya."
New Zealand beat Kenya by 10 wickets with their pace duo of Hamish Bennett and Tim Southee sharing the maximum of spoils.
The New Zealand skipper attributed the success of his pacers to the induction of South African speedster Allan Donald, who is working as bowling consultant for them.
"Allan Donald brings in wealth of experience but the main thing is the confidence he has given to our bowlers. Tim Southee and Hamish Bennett worked really hard with him and enjoyed his expertise. Basically he brings in a lot to the table."
Vettori termed the wicket as a good one and predicted a high-scoring affair.
"It's a good wicket. We played the Irish warm-up game here where lot of runs was scored. It's a day game so dew won't be a factor. However, the pitch might get slower as the game progresses."
About Nathan McCullum opening the bowling, Vettori said, "That's an option we tried in the last match. There is nothing different you do on sub-continent pitches. You try and bowl straight. Wicket to wicket. The key is to put the pressure consistently. Execute your plans time and again which is a tough thing."
About the umpires overlooking some of the no-balls bowled by Australia during their last match, the Kiwi skipper said, "The referrals are there but the umpires got to be consistent. If it's a no-ball, it's a no-ball."
Although New Zealand have had a poor streak in ODIs having had a 11-match losing streak and winning only three of their last 20 one-dayers, Vettori feels that bowlers have done a good job of late. PTI
