One big Kiwi family

New Zealand are a side that hovers under the radar. In big tournaments they aren’t considered favourites, their players are more utilitarian than mighty, their coaches aren’t superstars and they aren’t a glamourous unit. After winning the Spirit of Cricket Award, skipper Daniel Vettori spoke about the need and the desire to win big tournaments.

New Zealand are a game away from winning some silverware. The question often posed in team meetings is: “What are you going to do to become a better cricketer and what sacrifices are you going to make?” New Zealand teams have always worked hard but now they are realising what it means to be successful consistently.

The team over the past year has recruited people who add value to their support staff. One of them is Shane Jurgensen, a former Queensland and Tasmania bowler. Having an Australian in the camp isn’t a worry for the New Zealanders as Jurgensen is believed to be adding value to the side. Kate Stalker is from South Africa. She is the team physio. Stalker spends a good time in England with cricket teams. If one of the boys needs a niggle to be sorted out Stalker is always at hand.

In January, David Currie got a call from New Zealand Cricket CEO Justin Vaughan to take over as manager of the side. Currie has been with the country’s Olympic and Paralympic teams over the years. He went to the Sydney Games, to Athens and then Beijing. He also was the chef de mission at the Commonwealth Games in 2002 and 2006. Currie is also heading to New Delhi in 2010 and to the London Games.

The bosses in New Zealand cricket wanted someone from a non-cricket background to bring a fresh touch to the way the team was managed. “We have created an environment that enables a high level of performance. There has been an effort to bring in a new training ethos. It is about getting players to do things that makes the team successful consistently and helps them become better cricketers,” Currie said about this New Zealand side.

A joint fielding drill, that involves the entire team, is part of team bonding sessions. Team members have also been assigned tasks that in other squads are done by liaison officers and logistic managers. Each member is given a responsibility. One player is given the duty of handing out allowances, one is in charge of the national flag and another has to ensure that travel and accommodation arrangements are in place. “It never hurts to help yourself. The players do enjoy these small assignments given to them,” Currie added.

There is no media from New Zealand following the team at the Champions Trophy. So videos of the players candidly talking about the tour are posted on the New Zealand Cricket website. The players watch these videos to relax and have a good laugh.

The management also encourages players to tour with their family. Vettori is here with his wife Jane and four-month-old son James, while James Franklin has brought his son Charlie along. “Guys are becoming fathers and it is nice to see everyone bonding and being happy,” Currie said. For now, the Kiwis look like one big happy family.