But while Latham doesn’t want the team to rest on their laurels after such a high level, he accepts there is a need to strike a balance between moving forward and channeling the confidence that comes with any series win in India, let alone a clean sweep.
“It was an incredible couple of weeks what we were able to do in India,” Latham said Wednesday. “Coming here, as cliché as it may seem, is a thing of the past. It’s about coming here and focusing on the challenge that awaits us.
“New conditions, new team. For us, it’s about trying to get as much confidence as possible out of that series. The way we played, the approach we tried to take in that series in conditions that were difficult. Knowing that we can do it in everything the world is the trust that we must have here and, obviously, it is a pleasure to return home to familiar conditions.
“That was the most pleasant thing: the way we did things there, in difficult conditions. We talk about it all the time: adapt to the conditions and try to adapt as quickly as we can. It is important that we come here and try to do what as quickly as possible.
“Many teams from around the world have gone there and wish they had done the same, but it’s much easier said than done. I have great admiration for what Tom and his team were able to do in India.”
Ben Stokes, England captain
“I think even though we are facing them in a series, we have to put our hands up and give huge credit to New Zealand for going to India and winning all three matches the way they did.” said the England captain.
“I think it’s huge for world cricket. India have been a huge force in their home conditions and New Zealand went there and won 3-0, not only is it great for New Zealand cricket but it was huge for cricket in “That a touring team has been able to go and beat India because I don’t remember a time a team has been able to do that.”
“We don’t need any more motivation than to go out there representing our country, but I think you have to appreciate what New Zealand were able to do in India. A lot of teams from around the world have gone there and wish they could have done it.” “I’ve done the same thing, but it’s a lot easier said than done. I have great admiration for what Tom and his team were able to do in India.”
Latham also backed Smith to make a strong impression on debut. The bowling all-rounder won the race for the final seamer’s spot over Jacob Duffy. Smith has impressed domestically over the past few years and was rewarded with a contract with NZC in September before making his international debut against Sri Lanka earlier this month.
England will know a little about him after he took 27 County Championship wickets for Worcestershire, while scoring three half-centuries. It was a season that attracted a few more admirers, including Division One champions Surrey.
“He’s someone who can move the ball both ways in the air and hit the wicket reasonably hard,” Latham said. “He balances our bowling attack pretty well with the other three guys. And he can bat a bit – he’s an all-rounder in bowling, which definitely helps the balance of our team.
“He’s someone who has produced results over a period of time for Wellington – he’s been the national player of the year for a couple of seasons in a row. “It’s great to have someone like that who has earned his place and certainly deserves to be in this XI. “We’re looking forward to getting behind him tomorrow.”
Vithushan Ehantharajah is associate editor of ESPNcricinfo
