Elliott: "We can fly under the radar"

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The success of cricket in Leicestershire and New Zealand has been built on similar principles and foundations over the years, so Grant Elliott would appear to be a perfect fit for the Foxes.

Somebody always produced the goods whenever the Black Caps required something in the ICC World Cup, including the highly impressive Elliott.

The now 36-year-old was recalled to the squad in January and performed superbly in the biggest games of the tournament. He made scores in the 80s in the semi-final and final against South Africa and Australia respectively.

Watching New Zealand play was reminiscent of the Foxes successful T20 campaign of 2011 where now Head Coach Andrew McDonald was part of a team that always found a way to get over the line.

Neither the Kiwis nor the Foxes were seen to be among the frontrunners by outsiders but a strong team ethic, coupled with consistent performances from skilful players who were under-rated by many, proved to be a winning formula.

Elliott is a good team man himself and can already see the similarities between his country and new county. He has no problem with being seen as the underdog this summer.

He said: “I was reading somewhere that the Foxes are not one of the favourites and that should motivate everyone in proving people wrong. It quite often helps to fly under the radar as a team because the media in cricket tends to focus on individuals.

“In T20, individuals can certainly take a game away from you but the reality is that they will probably win two or three games in the whole campaign. The successful teams will find the best way of making the most of their resources and find combinations early on in the tournament.

“It is important to find the best positions for players to bat and bowl and the earlier you get that sorted the better. You can have all of the right individuals as options but it is about getting the combinations right. I think we have the skill here, it’s just about getting the combinations right and having different people firing at different times.

“A big score from an individual can win the game but it’s not all about that. It can be that somebody gets a fast 20 up front or 30 off 12 balls near the end that changes a game. It is those sort of performances, with different people making contributions throughout the tournament, that tends to get you a place at Finals Day.”

Elliott’s experience was vital in a predominantly young New Zealand side and there was a blend of methods as well as ages in the dressing room. There were power hitters and workers of the ball, there were fast bowlers and a nice change of pace. Everybody backed each other up in the field or by supporting a partnership with bat or ball.

Like a racehorse, the squad had been given just enough running to allow them to peak exactly the right time. The preparation, including the canny timing of the recalls of Elliott and Dan Vettori, was spot on.

Watching Elliott dictate the run chase for New Zealand against his native South Africa was a pleasure. Although some of his strokes were muscled away, a lot of his batsmanship was done through timing and touch.

One particular shot in the closing stages, where he created a little space before driving a beautiful four over the head of extra cover, was an example of the control and perfect execution of the innings.

It is no surprise to learn that Elliott’s favourite players are those who caress more than crash and the all-rounder appreciates the fact that different styles have a part to play in the game.

Elliott said: “T20 is always about scoring quickly but there are different ways to do it. There is no real opportunity to consolidate in T20 as you have to keep the momentum going. If you find yourselves having to rebuild when batting, you don’t tend to go as quick as you should and often find yourself falling short.

“Clearing the ropes is obviously important but there are always gaps in the field, whatever format you are playing. I admire watching players like Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, who have been craftsmen for Sri Lanka for many years.

“They have very good strike rates but it’s not about brute force with them, they craft their runs. They are just as capable of constructing hundreds in T20 as those who have made a name for themselves in big-hitting.

“There is room for players who craft their runs but I have also taught myself to finish with a flurry of boundaries when it’s needed. I know where I’m looking to score my runs when the big shots are required.

“There are so many uncontrollables in T20 because of the nature of the game but you hope you can find yourself in enough good positions as a team and be at the crease yourself when those key moments arise.”

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