Series win mixed blessing for Trist (26 August 1999)

26 August 1999

Series win mixed blessing for Trist

Geoff Longley

New Zealand's 2-1 test series win against England is a mixed blessing for incoming Black Caps cricket coach David Trist.

Former Canterbury coach Trist, who returned to his Little River farm this week, is aware that public expectation of the New Zealand team will rise after the side's success.

But Trist said he had nothing but admiration for the team to have claimed the rare series win at the game's traditional home.

Trist was flying home, having completed a coaching assignment in Holland, when the last day in England was being played and was informed by the pilot of New Zealand's progress.

"It didn't look so good at 100 for two but they kept fighting and I was delighted for them."

Trist believes there is more improvement yet to draw from the team, but faces a daunting challenge to extract it next month in India, one of the toughest countries to tour.

"But it's a case of onwards and upwards and to reset the team's sights. Playing at the level they have succeeded at in England will probably not be enough in India.

"You have to be positive about touring India, to embrace the country and its culture."

Trist indicated that he may draw on the knowledge of former coach Glenn Turner touring the country to be as well prepared as possible for the two-month tour.

New Zealand last toured there when Turner was coach in 1995. He is married to an Indian, Sukhi Turner, and is well versed with the country and its customs.

Trist said New Zealand's record there of only two wins in 22 tests was poor and needed addressing. Trist begins his cricketing duties tomorrow when, along with new manager Jeff Crowe, he will have an extensive debriefing session with outgoing management Steve Rixon and John Graham.

On Saturday, Trist will be involved in discussion with fellow national selectors Ross Dykes and Rick Pickard, and skipper Stephen Fleming, as they finalise the 15-man team for India, to be named on August 31.

Trist envisaged few changes to the team from the bulk of the group that toured England, but declined to speculate on fringe players chances of selection.

"That would not be fair until I've had the chance to talk to the selectors and The Management team."

Trist will contact the selected players after they have had a break and he will also visit major associations during the next month.

Source :: The Christchurch Press (https://www.press.co.nz/)