Wins against Pakistan lifted our morale before WC: Vettori

Nagpur, Feb 11 (PTI) The two recent wins against Pakistanat home has helped New Zealand overcome the past defeats andrestore their confidence ahead of the World Cup, skipperDaniel Vettori said today.

"Defeats in the last three series has affected our moralebut the wins against Pakistan has restored our confidence,"Vettori told reporters here.

New Zealand were thrashed by Bangladesh and India in the50-over contests when they recently visited the sub-continentand also lost to Pakistan 2-3 in their last outing in therun-up to cricket''s showpiece event starting February 19.

Vettori said the experience of having toured Bangladeshand India recently will come in handy for his team during theWorld Cup.

"We have been playing in the sub-continent for sometimeand that has helped us gain more experience," he said.

On the presence of John Wright, who had a successfulstint as the coach of the Indian team that made the final ofthe 2003 Cup in South Africa, with the squad, Vettori said,"John is an important asset for us. He has vast experience,knowledge of local conditions, crowd and people and thereforehe will be a good coach for New Zealand."

Asked about the team''s prospect in the World Cup, hesaid, "We will focus on every match."

Vettori said the hard-hitting Brendon McCullum will openthe batting for the side and added that the team may also usethe services of spinner Luke Woodcock to begin the bowling.

The Black Caps, who arrived in Nagpur yesterday, had atraining session at the Vidarbha Cricket Association stadiumat Jamtha, about 18 kms near here.

They will take-on Ireland in a day-night warm-up matchtomorrow.