New Zealand look to 'bounce back’ in series despite loss to Australia and Southee injury
Monday 9 November 2015 13:52, UK
New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum is confident of a 'bounce back' despite injuries and big loss to Australia.
New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum has not given up on a first series win in 30 years over Australia despite defeat at the Gabba on Monday.
Australia cruised to a thumping 208-run victory to take a 1-0 lead in the three-test series on Monday after dismissing the last seven New Zealand batsmen before lunch on the final day.
The Black Caps were on the back foot after conceding 389 runs on day one, and their attempts at getting back into the match were hindered by a back injury to fast bowler Tim Southee, who was unable to bowl in Australia's second innings.
"Tim bowled very well for us despite his injury; we're hopeful that he'll be able to step up for that next Test match. We'll give him every chance; he's one of our leaders. All the other guys will be better for that run as well. We have shown in the past that we're a bounce back side." McCullum said.
New Zealand are already with injury troubles with all-rounder James Neesham, who batted on Monday, but a back injury has ruled him out for the rest of the series.
Left arm pace bowler Mitchell McClenaghan will join the squad in place of Neesham, while seamer Neil Wagner has already been called up as cover for Southee.
McCullum said there are some positives for New Zealand to take away from Brisbane, not least the form of top order batsman Kane Williamson, who scored 140 and 59 in two defiant innings.
"Williamson had probably the best hundred I've ever seen from a New Zealand international in the time that I've been playing, he can score runs in any conditions against any attack in the world. We've achieved some special things of late and it is going to take a special effort over the next couple of Tests to come out with the spoils." McCullum said.
The Black Caps skipper showed some of his own batting brilliance on Monday with a run-a-ball 80 featuring 10 fours and two sixes.
The innings, and effectively New Zealand's hopes of forcing a draw, came to an end in controversial circumstances when he was given out caught behind. Television pictures showing he had not made contact with the ball.
"That's cricket," he said. "Both Nigel Llong and Richard Illingworth are outstanding umpires who are allowed to make the occasional mistake, that didn't win or lose us the game."
Live Test Cricket
The second Test starts on Friday in Perth, where a loss would mean an end to New Zealand's run of seven Test series without defeat.
Australia and New Zealand's second Test, in Perth, is live on Sky Sports 2 from 2.30am on Friday morning.
