Ross Taylor insists New Zealand is ready for a trial by spin against Afghanistan on Saturday as it looks to keep its winning momentum going in the World Cup.
New Zealand, which was finalist in the 2015 edition, has relied on its paceman to get favourable results, but Taylor believes tackling spin will be key against the Asian minnows at Taunton.
“I think against Afghanistan, they have a lot of spin there, so something to factor in,” said Taylor, who has recorded three 40 plus scores in his last four ODI innings.
“But two from two, that was what we wanted to do and we were able to do it.”
Taylor believes that Ferguson, with his express pace, is the key man for the Black Caps.
“Lockie, he just gives you that X-factor. Obviously our fastest bowler.
“He is going to be a key factor for us if we’re going to feature in this tournament,” said Taylor.
“I think he’s creating pressure for the guy at the other end (to take wickets),” he added.
Ferguson’s pace partner Henry said that Afghanistan are a “dangerous side” and New Zealand will treat them with “utmost respect“.
Afghanistan, which is playing just its second 50-over World Cup, has lost its two games in the tournament so far but not without a fight.
Leg-spinner Rashid Khan leads the charge with Mohammed Nabi, who returned figures of 4-30 with his off spin in their previous loss against Sri Lanka.
But it’s the batting that has let them down as they were dismissed for 152 in their revised chase of 187 in a rain-hit game Cardiff on Tuesday.
“We need some improvement in the batting, we need more partnerships,” Afghanistan skipper Gulbadin Naib said after the Sri Lanka loss.
Afghanistan medium-pace bowler Mirwais Ashraf, who was part of the team’s campaign in the previous World Cup, said the senior batsmen need to step up or give way to youngsters.
“We’ve seen the same things play out in both of the matches so far.
“There have been too many mistakes and some players aren’t batting very responsibly,” he said.
“I think it’s time to give a chance to some of the other seamers and batsmen in the squad now as we look to turn things around, starting with the game against New Zealand.”