September 25 Wednesday 2002
Bond sees McGrath, Pollock as role models

COLOMBO: After demolishing Bangladesh with a brilliant spell of fast bowling and capturing four wickets, Kiwis bowler Shane Bond said he was "not too happy with his rhythm.

"I look up at guys like Glenn McGrath and Shaun Pollock as world class, and that is where I'd like to get to. I'll have to work hard to reach that level around the World Cup time." The winning captain Stephen Fleming said win against Bangladesh was only convincing statistically, and he was not too happy with tentative batting.

Fleming pinpointed problem with New Zealand one-day cricket as the lack of ability to convert starts to big scores.

He was quick to add that successful teams in the tournament have had someone getting a hundred up the order and making big scores to help chase or set big targets. About their performance in ICC Champions Trophy, Fleming said. The skipper is a disappointed man that they could not defend the trophy they won in Kenya. He made no excuses though. New Zealand had some success against the all-conquering Aussies last summer, and Fleming explained the recipe for success against the Australians.

It was indeed quite disappointing to see Bangladesh batsman taking a few steps back against likes of Mills and Oram. Bangladesh fly out to South Africa Wednesday to play two Tests and three ODIs. Fleming reckons that Bangladeshis have some work to do to stay in the game with South Africans. It was a disappointed Bangladesh captain Khaled Mashud. After Kiwis had dealt knockout punch, there was nothing much for the skipper to say.