New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson says, “Walking through the long room, getting used to the slope” on experiencing the Lord’s
Kiwis start their first training session in England trying to soak in the atmosphere of the ground, the famous slope and the Long room. New Zealand will face England in first Test from June 2 -4 at Lord's.
New Zealand has started their practice sessions in England, at Lord’s. New Zealand will face England in the first Test from June 2 at Lord’s.
The South African-born, left-handed batsman Devon Conway looks ready for New Zealand’s debut and big Kyle Jamieson looks almost certain for taking the field for the first time outside New Zealand in Tests.
With the practice session underway, New Zealanders didn’t train hard. But we’re more in awe of the Lord’s – The venue and everything that it brings with it. The following Cricbuzz report describes their experience at the iconic cricket venue Lord’s – The Home of Cricket.
“First time today so that was a pretty cool experience to try and soak in everything about the ground and the history that comes with it,” Jamieson told New Zealand Cricket about the experience. “Just walking through the Long Room and going to the nets and standing out in the middle and even just getting used to the slope.
“There were a few photos taken, even Rossco [Taylor]. It shows even if it’s not your first time it’s still a pretty special place to be. Guys were just trying to soak up the ground and its history, it’s all around you, even on the walls.
“I am certainly focused on this Test coming. It’s pretty special to be part of a Lord’s Test and be part of the England tour and the final as well.”
Rachin Ravindra too was in awe. “I’ll be sending a couple of videos home and showing them what I’ve been up to, and if it’s everything they thought it was. It is,” he gushed. “Walking out to the middle, fully kitted up, I’ve seen it all. I did a full 360 of the ground and took a moment to understand how special the ground is and it’s a great feeling to be here.”
“We have spent some time in our rooms not doing a heck of a lot,” he said while speaking to the media. “But we also had six weeks of pretty competitive cricket before that over in India. We’ve had the last week as well to get out on the grass and play.
“We’re mindful of not trying to fit too much in and push the envelope too much. It’s not like we haven’t done anything for two or three months. It’s about managing the next couple of days.”
With Trent Boult not available for the two Tests, Jamieson acknowledged he’s keen to share the new ball with Southee. “I haven’t thought about it too much,” he said. “Tim and Trent have been exceptional for such a long time. Their record speaks for themselves. They’ve led New Zealand in many tours and many wins. It’s pretty cool for me to sit behind them and watch and learn.
“Taking the new ball is something I would like to do. I do it all the time in domestic cricket. But if my role isn’t that, I am just happy to be in the park. Taking the new ball with Tim? Great. If not, I am happy to bowl the second change or the third change. Wagner is also a leader within this group. Whatever role comes up for me, I am just trying to grab it with both hands.”
New Zealand and England will lock horns in the first Test at Lord’s from June 2-6. The second clash will be played at Edgbaston from June 10-14 where crowds will be allowed in stadiums up to 70 % of seating capacity.
Trivia: Lord’s the very ground where both these teams played the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup Final of 50 over format where England won in the famous super-over.