New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum aware of Bangladesh's pace threat

Brendon McCullum aware of opposition pace threat

New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum has stated that Bangladesh fast bowlers will pose a real threat for his batsmen in their last Group A fixture in the World Cup 2015. Bangladesh confirmed their place in the quarterfinals after defeating England in their last game, with eight of the ten England wickets taken by their fast bowlers and rest two run-outs. New Zealand are also in the next round after winning all of their five games.

“I think what we saw the other night with a couple of the guys there, the threat that they pose with ball in hand for their quick bowlers is a lot more dangerous than a few years ago,” said McCullum.

Rubel Hossain led the Bangladesh bowling attack by taking four wickets against the Three Lions.

“Tomorrow’s going to be tough. The quick bowlers are going to ask us some questions, especially if it juices up a little bit. But we’ve faced some good, quick bowlers over the last little while too,” said McCullum, who has three half-centuries, including the fastest World Cup fifty, off just 18 balls.

We’ve been tested considerably throughout the tournament: McCullum

McCullum disagreed that his team have yet to be really tested in the competition, he said that they have already been tested throughout the tournament but the scorelines might not suggest that they have.

“We have been tested, and I think we’ve come through those tests. Scorelines may not suggest that we have,” said McCullum. “I think we’ve been tested considerably throughout the tournament, and I think we’ve found a way to get ourselves through those situations and it’s really a pleasing aspect.”

“We’re going to be tested over the next while as well, and we’ve just got to make sure that we still glean the confidence from what we’ve been able to achieve, remain incredibly stoic.” he said.

Bangladesh has improved a lot over the last few years: McCullum

McCullum praised the progress Bangladesh team made over the years.

“I think the development of their skills in general has improved a lot over the last few years. They’ve always been tough at home as us losing seven games would testify,” said McCullum.

“But their ability to now travel - and they don’t always get the performance on the board - I think you’re seeing their skills set develop as well.”

Ross Taylor’s a world class player: McCullum

McCullum backed the former captain of the Kiwis to come good at the rest of the tournament.

“His form is not a major concern. He’s been short of opportunity throughout this World Cup, just through the nature of us bowling as well as we have and obviously chasing down the runs,” said McCullum.

“He’s a world class player. I’ve said it time and time again. The number three and four punch we have on our team I wouldn’t swap them for anyone around the world.” he said.

The Kiwis middle-order batsman Kane Williamson is fit after suffering illness but fast bowler Adam Milne is unlikely to play this match and might be replaced by the left-armer Mitchell McClenaghan.