The triumphant Black Caps squad will carry its ICC World Test Championship Mace on a week-long, nationwide tour of the country, starting July 26, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said on Wednesday. Kane Williamson and his team won the inaugural WTC final by beating India by eight wickets in Southampton in an exhilarating contest last month.
The tour is set to start in Tim Southee’s hometown of Whangarei on July 26 and will cover Auckland, Tauranga, Hamilton, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill throughout the week. This is so that members of the public have an opportunity to collect autographs and a team poster and be photographed with the unique trophy.
As quoted by PTI, NZC chief executive David White said, “It’s quickly become apparent that Kiwis want an opportunity to be part of, and to share in this historic achievement.” He added that the length of time since the win and time-out in managed isolation had not diminished the enthusiasm for a public celebration.
Selected players and support staff will assemble for the nationwide tour which will involve each of the cities on the route, starting with a small group including Tim Southee at his hometown of Whangarei. Will Somerville, Jeet Raval and Todd Astle who were all involved in the WTC campaign but were not present in England for the final will also be part of the tour. The trio will receive their winner’s medals retrospectively.
The Black Caps squad and support staff are currently serving in managed isolation and will be released on Saturday.
