Here is the full extract from New Zealand batsman Mark Chapman ahead of their match against Pakistan in Colombo.
(Reporter:)
Mark, two things. One is that teams batting first have had a bit of an advantage at this venue so far, although Zimbabwe were chasing 180 against Sri Lanka yesterday. So from that point of view, and it’s a night game, do you think the draw could be a factor? And when you go into a Super 8 fight, you didn’t have that much time to bat in those conditions. So could that be the problem?
(Mark Chapman:)
Yeah, I think lot always plays a factor in the subcontinent, depending on the conditions. To be honest I haven’t seen the goal yet so I don’t really know what the pitch looks like so I think it’s quite difficult for me to comment on it now. But yes, I mean there will be discussions behind the scenes with the senior management group about what we want to do and then also understanding if dew will play a role. And then in terms of batting in those conditions, while we haven’t played in Sri Lanka yet, for a lot of the guys here, they’ve played a lot of cricket. So I don’t see it as a very important factor. I think the guys understand what they have to do on slower wickets and corners. So we are pretty confident that we will face whatever conditions are ahead of us.
(Reporter:)
Guys, your batting has been clicking for a while now. You only had a chance to bat twice in this tournament. But on the bowling side, it’s – you’re all running out of runs. Do you attribute that to the pitch in India, or do you think it’s something that maybe you should work on?
(Mark Chapman:)
Yes, I wouldn’t necessarily say runaways, but I think what we saw in India was that the pitches on – especially the red soil – were conducive to batting. So it was quite tough for the bowlers. Margins were quite small. I mean, you’ve seen a lot of games close to 200 on a regular basis. So I think the bowlers have definitely struggled a little bit, and I think it’s obviously a little bit different here with the slower nature of the pitches. Bowlers will hopefully get a chance to show off their art properly. And I know spin in particular will likely play a role here. So yeah, we’ll wait and see how the pitch plays out.
(Reporter:)
New Zealand is a very good place to bat in these conditions, especially against the spinners. So Pakistan also has a very good spin attack, especially if we talk about Usman Khan, he has been the talk of the tournament. India has also prepared specially for him and do you think and are you saying that New Zealand will prepare specially for him or it will be normal for every other spinner Pakistan?
(Mark Chapman:)
I mean obviously Usman Tariq has quite a unique action with the way he stops at the crease so I mean that’s something to consider. But for us, as you mentioned, Pakistan have a number of really good spinners in their side, so each of them poses their own threat. So Pakistan is one of the teams that we’ve played probably the most over the last couple of years. So we know very well what they will bring. So for us it’s just about being really clear that we want to play as a team.
(Reporter:)
Just a few things. I hope the knee is ok. It looks pretty tight. And secondly, you’ve done really well in certain subcontinents. So the issue of playing spin is definitely not something New Zealand cricket is worried about. But if you could talk about how your specific role in the middle order because it is, now the pitches are slowing down, there will be a tear and the Sri Lankan fitness, they help the spinners. So, if you could talk about how you prepare against spin, is that something that, I mean, yeah, it’s a power hitting game, but is there a particular way of playing against spin that you go through your routine?
(Mark Chapman:)
Yeah, I think especially here, given the slower nature of the pitch and also the slightly bigger boundaries, you definitely have to change your game plan. I think for me personally, batting in the middle I could potentially be in a power play or very little power play. So I think against spinners specifically, it’s probably looking at different options in terms of whether you use more of a sweep shot or a reverse sweep, whereas I think in India, where it doesn’t spin as much, you can focus on straight boundaries a bit more. So, yeah, I think every batter has their own method, but I think for me it’s looking at different areas of the country to hit. And obviously there are big pockets too, so it’s not just sixes here. Lots of twos, lots of fours and running hard between the wickets is also really important, especially if it’s not a very high score.
(Reporter:)
Mark, everyone is criticizing the ICC Super 8 stages because all the best of the other groups are in group 1 and from second place they are group 2. Do you think it’s a bit unfair that all the toppers are in one group and the others are in another group? And secondly, add that you already mentioned Pakistan’s bowling, but New Zealand’s top order is doing quite well. So it can be dangerous for Pakistan?
(Mark Chapman:)
Yeah, I mean, I think when it comes to planning and scheduling, that’s not my domain and I have to comment on that. So to be honest, I didn’t think much of it. And then when it comes down to it, obviously Pakistan’s bowling has gone really well, but obviously our batting has also gone well. So I guess guys just come in, make their plans against their bowlers and then try to execute it on the day.
(Reporter:)
How much of an advantage is it to play all three of your Super 8 matches at the same venue?
(Mark Chapman:)
Yeah, I mean, absolutely. I think when you’re playing in these tournaments, I think one of the challenges is jumping from place to place and adapting. And I think playing all three games we’ll be learning each game as we go. So yeah, I think it’s pretty nice for us to be able to turn around in the same place and the same place, similar places and adjust. So, I mean, tomorrow is our first game, so we’re going to have to adjust anyway. But we will look at that later and understand the conditions a little better. So I think yes, definitely something we’re not complaining about.
(Reporter:)
In terms of team news, is Santner feeling good as he missed the last game as he was a bit unwell? And are there any other concerns?
(Mark Chapman:)
Yeah, Mitchi Santner, he’s looking pretty spry so I think he’s pretty excited to be back on the park. Unless he gets sick at the last minute, I think he’ll be there. Lockie has apparently left us. I think he’s currently on his way back, so yeah, I think he’s potentially landing tonight. So we’ll see how he gets out of that flight. So yeah, I can’t confirm or say if it will be at 11 or not. I’m not too sure to be honest.