New Zealand ready to battle hosts, says coach Walter

FE Team | Published: April 15, 2026 22:29:47

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter has acknowledged that his side will face a stern test in coping with the heat and conditions in Bangladesh during the upcoming series, especially after match timings were changed in line with the Bangladesh government's energy conservation measures, reports BSS.
"Obviously, it is different, but we expected that coming here," Walter told reporters.
"A couple of days before the first game is probably not enough to fully get used to it (the heat). There's not a lot you can do in that time. At the end of the day, it is what it is."
Despite the challenge, Walter insisted that his team must adapt quickly if they are to achieve their goal of winning the series.
"As a professional team, we have to overcome these challenges. We just need to be ready to deal with the heat-it's one of the factors we must handle," he said.
Walter also pointed out that the absence of dew due to daytime games could influence how matches unfold, potentially making it a more balanced contest between bat and ball, while also allowing pitches to slow down under prolonged exposure to heat.
"You don't have the dew factor to consider, which could make it a fairer contest. The pitch might slow up as the day goes on in these conditions," he added.
Beyond the weather, Walter identified the Bangladesh national cricket team as a formidable opponent, highlighting their well-rounded bowling attack as a key concern for the visitors.
"I think Bangladesh have some wonderful seam bowlers and they've covered all bases. We saw in the series against the West Indies how conditions can vary between spin and seam, and they've been excellent," he said.
Walter emphasized that New Zealand's approach will depend on reading the conditions during play.