New Zealand player Will O’Rourke takes a wicket during the Third One Day International against Bangladesh in December 2023. Photo: Photosport
The Black Caps' ODI cricket drought is finally over.
New Zealand's last game in the 50-over format was almost a year ago, a nine-wicket win over Bangladesh in Napier on 23 December.
Since then it's been a feast of T20 and tests for the Black Caps, including an historic test series win in India, and a dismal T20 World Cup campaign.
The side will return to 50-over action tonight when they meet Sri Lanka in the first of a three match series.
Black Caps coach Gary Stead says it's simply the nature of the modern game.
"That's what world cricket is, you go between three formats and you have to move quickly, the test series we had in India seems like months ago now."
With the T20 World Cup taking place in June, One Day International's have been given a back-seat in 2024.
"There is not a World Cup for a period of time but we have a Champions Trophy coming up so will see a short burst of ODI's. I love the ODI game I think its a fantastic format, but with the cycles now, it's probably par for the course and something we are getting used to."
With a change in format has also come a change in personnel.
New Zealand player Will O’Rourke shakes Bangladesh player Najmul Hossain Shanto at the end of the Black Caps last One Day International on December 23. Photo: Photosport
The Black Caps are fielding a second-string side in Sri Lanka, with the big names preparing for home summer against the English starting in December.
"There is a different set of guys over here getting their opportunities to show their capabilities at this level."
The campaign in Sri Lanka gives a glimpse into the future of the Black Caps, with rookies stepping up to defend a sub-par total in the second T20 on Sunday, and square the two match series.
"It's exciting for us in the long term. You see the likes of Zac Foulkes show some calmness under pressure. Mitch Hay had a fantastic game with the gloves, so I think it's a good sign for our domestic game that it's producing guys that can come in and perform immediately at international level."
With white ball cricket exclusively T20 so far this year, Stead said players will benefit from more time in the middle.
"We have been playing on some difficult wickets in the T20's, so I think find your tempo in ODI cricket is a real shift, makes it easier to find that balance with the bat between scoring runs and surviving."
Stead expects spin to again play a major part in sub-Continent conditions.
"They have some very good spinners and I am sure it will be a big part about how we go shaping our team as well.
One man who won't be taking part however will be seamer Lockie Ferguson, who, fresh off a hat-trick in the T20's, has been sent home to get scans on his calf.
Black Caps vs Sri Lanka
First One Day International
10pm Wednesday 13 November
Dambulla
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