But while Latham does not want the team to become complacent after such a high performance, he admits there must be a balance between moving forward and conveying the confidence that would come with a series win in India, let alone a clean sweep. .
“It’s been an amazing couple of weeks for us in India,” Latham said on Wednesday. “It may sound cliché, but coming here is a thing of the past. Coming here is all about focusing on what challenges lie ahead.
“New conditions, new team – for us it’s about trying to take as much confidence as possible from that series. The way we played, the approach we tried to take to that series in difficult conditions. We know we can do it. It’s nice to come home to familiar surroundings, as well as the confidence we need to embrace here and around the world.
“That was the happiest thing. It was the way we handled things there under difficult circumstances. We talk about it all the time. You adapt to the situation and try to adapt as quickly as possible. When we get here, we try to do the same as quickly as possible. do.”
“I wish many teams around the world could go there and do the same thing, but it’s easier said than done. I have huge respect for what Tom and his team have been able to do in India.”
Ben Stokes (England captain)
“Even though we are up against them in the series, I think we have to hold our hands together and give New Zealand enormous credit for going to India and winning all three games like they did.” said the England captain.
“I think it’s a huge thing for world cricket. India were a big force in their home environment and New Zealand went there and won 3-0. It was not only good for New Zealand cricket, it was a big thing for cricket in general. It was a big thing for the touring team. “I was able to succeed once when I went to India, but I don’t remember.”
“I don’t need any more motivation than to represent my country, but I think we should appreciate what New Zealand was able to do in India. Many teams from around the world would go there and wish they could do the same. The work has been done, but it is easier said than done. I have great respect for what Tom and his team have been able to do in India.”
Latham also made a strong impression on his debut by supporting Smith. The bowling all-rounder beat Jacob Duffy to win the race for the final seamer spot. Smith has impressed domestically over the past few years and signed for NZC in September before making his international debut against Sri Lanka earlier this month.
England will know a little about him after he took 27 County Championship wickets and scored three half-centuries for Worcestershire. It was to attract a few more admirers, including Division One champions Surrey.
“He’s a guy who can move the ball both ways in the air and hit the wicket pretty hard,” Latham said. “He balances our bowling attack very well with the other three players. And he can bat a bit too. He is a bowling all-rounder and definitely helps balance our team.
“He’s someone who has produced results for some time at Wellington. He’s been named domestic player of the year for several seasons in a row. It’s great to have someone like that take his place and certainly deserve a place in this XI. We’ll see tomorrow. “I look forward to joining him later.”
Vithushan Ehantharajah is the Editor-in-Chief of ESPNcricinfo.
