ST PETER’S (Antigua), March 31: New Zealand coach John Bracewell believes his attack are starting to reap the rewards of their work with bowling guru Dayle Hadlee as they bid to reduce their extras count at the World Cup.
During the course of their seven-wicket win against the West Indies on Thursday, the Black Caps sent down just three wides and not one no-ball.
This was a marked improvement on the 24 no-balls delivered in their three previous games.
With the set-up of one-day cricket favouring batsmen thanks to over limits on bowlers, fielding restrictions and frequently shortened boundaries, former New Zealand off-spinner Bracewell knows his attack can't afford to donate runs.
Dayle Hadlee, the brother of New Zealand great Sir Richard and a former Test cricketer himself, has been working with the Black Caps attack primarily to cut down on their illegal deliveries.
“I was really pleased with the way we held our discipline - it was a team effort that went through to our bowlers in particular, try to string those dot balls together and put them under some sort of pressure,” Bracewell said on Friday as he reflected on the victory over the World Cup hosts.
New Zealand's next match is against Bangladesh here on Monday.—AFP