‘The Black Caps have a nurturing team spirit’

The last time New Zealand visited India in 1999, and played a match in Pune, David Trist was their coach. Four years on, Trist is now on the...

The last time New Zealand visited India in 1999, and played a match in Pune, David Trist was their coach. Four years on, Trist is now on the other side — somewhat of a host to the visiting Black Caps — as as consultant at the local Cadence Cricket Academy, where the tourists have been working out.

During his stint as Kiwi coach from 1999-2002, the New Zealand team made giant strides and a base was built-up for future coaches Denis Aberhart and Ashley Ross to work with.

The positive influence Trist has had on the team showed even as The Indian Express took him aside for a chat. Craig McMillan was one of several Black Caps to walk up and enquire, ‘‘You well Tristy? How’re you doing?’’

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Trist then settled down and looked on as the Black Caps had a knock.

‘‘It’s a bit nostalgic for me,’’ he said even as he cheered a Chris Harris v Jacob Oram match-up at the nets. His chat with current coach Ross prompted the first question. Has he been helping the Kiwis?

‘‘There have been absolutely no inputs from me. There was just an exchange of pleasantries. It’s the job of the current management team and I’m sure they will do well and fight back. I’m here just to assist them with the facilities they need. Just hope they like what we have put together for them (Kiwis).’’

The only thing he was willing to concede was that the team has made ‘‘good progress’’ since his time, but that ‘the new set-up have new challenges’. ‘‘The current series, for instance, is at a crucial stage. The next couple of days would be the crucial build-up time. If they are positive and flexible, our players can come good.’’

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He’s happy to talk about the players — he waxes about them — especially Fleming, with whom he’s worked for some time. ‘‘I have no doubt that he is one of the top three captains, if not the best. His greatest asset is that he’s flexible and can assess things very quickly depending on the different venues we (Kiwis) play.’’

What makes Fleming’s job easier, Trist says, is that his team is a mature unit. ‘‘I found, when I took charge, a new team culture, which I think is the new strength of the New Zealand team. This culture is very nurturing and helps a new player to settle down.’’ If there is a problem they face, it’s the frequency of injuries. ‘‘If Bond and Astle were around and Cairns fully fit, it would be a very tough side to beat’’, he says.

Finally, his best moment with the Kiwis? ‘‘Definitely beating India in the ICC Trophy final at Nairobi (2000). We beat Pakistan in the semis so that was also special.’’