The squad has also had to dodge the rain since arriving in the Caribbean across various groups but has managed two full training sessions, which have included centre-wicket scenarios in the absence of warm-up matches.
“You don’t always get ideal [situations] when people are coming from all over the world,” Stead told reporters. “And one of the things we have found here is jetlag probably hits you a little bit hard. I know a number of people have been up in the middle of the night, which isn’t great for your preparation, but thankfully we have enough time leading in being the 14th game of the tournament that guys can sort that out.”
As with many of the teams, there will also be a nervous eye on the weather with how any rained-off games could impact qualification, while shortened games could bring the jeopardy of DLS. New Zealand also have the challenge of starting with two huge matches against Afghanistan and West Indies in what is potentially the toughest group.
“Looks like the weather bomb that was hitting here has passed us by,” Stead said. “It’s definitely somewhat of a concern that in such a quick period of time of pool play that you want to play every match you can.”
“We’ll get an idea if that helps the ball slide on a little more…it will be interesting to see after tonight how that plays out,” he said. “We’ve tried to select a group of guys who we think are adaptable and can adapt to the different roles and situations in the match. When you look at our squad it’s been the strength of a number of players in the past, working out what par is on any given pitch.
“I do think there will be a difference between playing in the daytime and in the evening. I suspect there will be a high dew factor here to play in the evening and that’s certainly the news we are getting.”