New Zealand mentor Gary Stead said becoming the number 1 side in Test is a ‘special thing’ and added that it is all about playing consistent cricket.
With an innings and 176-run triumph over Pakistan in the subsequent Test, New Zealand overturned Australia to turn into the main side in Test rankings. The Kane Williamson-drove side clean cleared Pakistan in the two-coordinate Test arrangement. They have likewise acquired vital focuses to reinforce their situation in the ICC World Test Championship standings.
New Zealand, with 118 rating points, is driving the graphs. They have achieved the feat without precedent for rankings history. Australia with 116 focuses remains at second spot followed by India (114), England (106) and South Africa (96).
“I think what has occurred, such a No.1 world ranking at the moment is a pretty special thing. There’s a lot of people and a lot of, I guess expertise. The guys yesterday paid tribute to those people who came before to get them to this stage,” ESPNcricinfo quoted Stead as saying.
“I’m very, very proud in the way they continue to look to get better and we won’t always be No. 1 because rankings change, and when you start a game, rankings mean nothing. So, it’s still about playing good consistent cricket. That’s the most encouraging and pleasing thing that we are managing to do that on a daily basis,” he added.
New Zealand has been the lions on their home ground. they have been unbeatable in their last 17 Tests. When asked about New Zealand being home-track bullies, Stead reminded that it’s not only their home turf where they have the upper hand. He said that they have had a fair share of overseas success, referring to the success in UAE and Sri Lanka in 2019.
“It’s the same ranking method they use for everyone,” Stead continued.
“Every place you go, it’s very hard to win away from home. That’s something we have talked about as a team that all test wins are special but especially ones you win away from home. Yes, we weren’t at our best last year versus Australia. But I can remember a few other test wins that we have done really well, in UAE and Sri Lanka, and they are just as special as the home ones as well.”
