New Zealand team assembles for ICC Under-19 World Cup 2002

The New Zealand Under-19 cricket team will assemble at the New Zealand Cricket High Performance Centre in Lincoln, Christchurch tomorrow to begin its preparation for the Under-19 World Cup.

New Zealand Cricket is hosting the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2002, which starts on January 19.

New Zealand will be one of 16 teams competing for the World Cup, currently held by India, and coach Mark Greatbatch says his side is determined to give a good account of its self.

"The boys know what a fantastic opportunity they have.

"Playing for your country in a tournament of such prestige is an honour, but to be able to do it at home in front of family, friends and New Zealand cricket lovers is extra sweet.

"The next fortnight for us is going to be focused on getting our mental and physical preparation peaking for our opening game against Sri Lanka on January 19," he said.

The squad is being housed at Lincoln University, giving them direct access to the outstanding cricket facilities at the New Zealand Cricket High Performance Centre.

"For the next month and a half the squad is going to eat, sleep and dream cricket. In a tournament situation that kind of focus must be maintained for the duration because it only takes one slip-up to lose your chance."

The first objective of the New Zealand team is to win their pool, although the top two teams in each pool move onto the Super League section and keep in the hunt for the World Cup title.

"We've got Sri Lanka, Namibia and Zimbabwe in our pool," said Greatbatch.

"We know Sri Lanka has an outstanding team and from what I've heard the other two sides have some excellent players too, so we are going to have to play good cricket from the start if we want to progress in the tournament, said Greatbatch.

New Zealand has a practice game this Friday at Lincoln against a Canterbury XI.

The 16 teams have been divided into four groups with the top two teams qualifying for the Super League and the bottom two moving into the Plate Championship. Starting on January 19, Under-19 World Cup games will be being played in Christchurch, Auckland and Dunedin.