In Bangladesh cricket, though, the two series wins were big milestones. They were celebrated long and hard. Some of Litton’s current team-mates cut their teeth at the highest level with those series wins. Everyone in Bangladesh remembers it. Except Litton, it seems.
Or perhaps, Litton and Ferguson play so much cricket these days that they had simply forgotten about what happened so many years ago.
“I didn’t know that (New Zealand haven’t won here since 2010),” Ferguson said. “Yeah, look, every series we play, we play to win. Bangladesh is very good in their home conditions and it is a huge challenge here. The boys are very much prepared to take the series out. However, we know it starts with the first ball in the first game. So, it’s important for us just to focus on what’s coming up tomorrow and try to adapt as quickly as possible to the conditions.
“For some of us, we haven’t played here, so we’ll have to adapt quicker. But certainly leaning on the knowledge of the guys who have been here previously and leaning on Jurgo about how to play the game and construct our innings with the bat and then try to defend it with the ball. Or vice versa. But it’s going to be a great challenge, and hopefully we can do better than what you just said (about Bangladesh’s long unbeaten run at home).”
“It is a huge honour for myself to be captain. Obviously, I am just in an interim position while our other three captains are away,” he said. “But I am very privileged to be in this role. As a fast bowler, I guess things do change, but I think at the same time it brings a lot of benefits. Talking to bowlers, working out plans, obviously being in their shoes a lot of the time, in the pressure moments. So that’s the strength that it brings. But certainly just carrying on the great leadership we’ve had with Black Caps, and try to take that forward during the series.”
Mahmudullah was first rested in April this year, before it became obvious that the selectors and team management didn’t want him in the side. They have, however, brought him back for a last look before they pick the World Cup side by the September 28 deadline.
“They are both senior players so they will certainly help me in every way possible,” Litton said. “They are returning after a while. I don’t want them to take any pressure. They should enjoy the game as it usually allows you to have more chance of success.
“(Mahmudullah) Riyad bhai’s role will depend on the situation. If we lose early wickets, he will play his game for the remaining 30-35 overs. He is a very mature player. He will score runs at any given opportunity.”
Ferguson acknowledged that players were being rested by both sides but said the Bangladesh side has “a lot of power”.
“Bangladesh has a very strong side and we’ve been doing our homework on them,” he said. “They’ve got a lot of strong players still playing in the side. I know a few are being rested and that’s the nature of it.
“Similarly with our side, but we certainly feel there’s a lot of power within the Bangladesh side and some crafty players. So we’ll be prepared for it tomorrow. We’ll just take it as it comes.”
The first ODI series between the sides in Bangladesh in almost ten years comes at a critical time for both sets of players. New Zealand will be looking at possible back-up options for the World Cup with injuries affecting some of their top players while Bangladesh have a few spots open in their 15. New Zealand also have their record to fix in this country, but they could yet have to wait. There has been an unusually long monsoon in Bangladesh this year. September is usually drier, but rain breaks could give Litton and Ferguson chance to catch up on highlights from 2010 and 2013.
Mohammad Isam is ESPNcricinfo’s Bangladesh correspondent. @isam84