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Untitled Document
 Vincent's return to form relieves Fleming
23rd Mar 2007 12:32 IST
Agencies
Taming Canada was never going to be a challenge but New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming is happy that his side stormed into the Super Eight with a clean slate and opener Lou Vincent found his form in Thursday's Group C match of the World Cup.
"It has been a good week", Fleming said after leading the side to a 114-run win against Canada. Fleming's contribution with the bat was 64 and he forged a 142-run opening stand with Vincent, who struck 101.
"Even today, we were put under some pressure with the new ball. But Lou Vincent hit some runs and we have come through the week pretty well", he said at Gros Islet in St. Lucia.
Fleming said one of the challenges ahead of his side was to rid itself from niggles and hoped the break would help the team.
"We have to get back to full strength. This has been a stop-start tournament where you had three games in five days and then a break. We've got some niggles and hope this break would help us. The side has good balance," he said.
Meanwhile, Vincent was a relieved man too after avoiding a hat-trick of ducks in this match.
"Three ducks would have been a good start to the tournament," he joked.
Vincent admitted he was struggling with early morning conditions and said, "It was a very important phase. To get there in the morning, you have to stay positive, hang out there and never mind the damage."
Canada captain John Davison, who struck a 31-ball 52 for a losing cause, was also happy with the team's show.
"We batted well today and got some decent partnerships in the innings. We had a great time here and we plan to come better prepared next time," he said.
Davison was severe on Kiwi pacer Michael Mason, hitting him for five boundaries in a seven-ball over and the opener seemed relished it.
"It was good to get couple of boundaries and it was good to put pressure on the big boys too," he quipped.
Johnson also praised the International Cricket Council (ICC) for promoting cricket in Canada but felt the game needed support from the government and corporates as well.
"ICC is obviously putting in some funding but we need some infrastructure and it's a matter of getting some corporate or government dollar," he added.
Canada's outgoing coach Andy Pick, who takes over charge of England's under-19 squad, was also happy with the way his wards fought.
"We came here with a different milestone to reach and to get 249 against New Zealand is a big day for us. Our performance against England and here today gives the right picture. We have improved a lot, especially over the last six months.
"This was probably the last match for a few players in the side and I think they would go with a decent memory," he said. |
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