T20 WC: Chapman ready to leave a ‘Mark’ whenever called upon

CHENNAI: All-rounder Mark Chapman acknowledged that breaking into a “settled” New Zealand eleven would be extremely difficult, but said that all players, including those on the bench, must stay on their toes during the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Chapman has been picked in the New Zealand squad for the global showpiece, which will run from October 16 to November 13 in Australia. The former Hong Kong international was part of the Kane Williamson-led ‘Black Caps’ contingent that reached the T20 World Cup final in the United Arab Emirates last year, but did not feature in the eleven in any of the matches.

“It is no secret that the team has had success recently, so making it to the eleven is not easy. But, things happen quickly in tournaments like the World Cups – unexpected events, injuries and what not. So, it is about the whole squad being ready to play and contribute whenever called upon,” Chapman, who was in the city representing New Zealand A in the recent three-match one-day series against India A, told DT Next.

“I am very excited for the World Cup. Global tournaments are what you look forward to playing… being part of the squad again. Playing in Australia will present a new challenge and it is something that I am looking forward to,” added Chapman, who made his New Zealand senior team debut four years ago.

Chapman also said that New Zealand should look to carry the momentum which it gained in the previous T20 World Cup. “We have a settled squad. There are not many changes from the squad that played the 2021 World Cup. We came up short in the final (losing to Australia). Hopefully, this year, we can compete well as a group and reach the final rounds.”

‘I am fully fit now’

The 28-year-old Chapman missed the first two matches of the 50-over assignment against India A, but got invaluable game time in the third and final contest. “I was nursing a tight calf. The medical team was being a bit conservative. Thankfully, I am fit now. It was great to be out there... playing against a quality opposition,” added Chapman.