Kiwi shrink claims biggest challenge for Black Caps is to manage expectations at CWC

A leading New Zealand sports psychologist has claimed that the biggest challenge for the cricket team would be to manage their mental game in relation to the expectations of being successful at the Cricket World Cup.

Dr. Gary Hermansson, who has helped New Zealand Olympic and Commonwealth athletes at eight games dating back to the 1998 Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games, believes that perspective needs to be placed on New Zealand World Cup squad's campaign.

Brendon McCullum's team were branded as a tournament favourite along with Australia and South Africa early in the buildup to the World Cup and enhanced those claims with some stunning performances over the last two months, Stuff.co.nz reported.

They continued their winning streak with their demolition of Sri Lanka in their opening cup game.

Hermansson has acknowledged that the pressures on the New Zealand squad and says that the country can help them in a campaign that is full of expectation.

Hermansson said that with the mantle of world champion within reach, managing their mental game in relation to these expectations would be the biggest challenge for New Zealand's World Cup team.

He insisted that when the importance of winning comes to dominate the mind-set people have a tendency to let self-doubt creep in, adding that they too readily move their thinking from performing itself, into a fear of failing.

Hermansson claimed that the flow-on effects of such fear result in physical and mental tightness, with skill level, decision-making, and the ability to respond instinctively being severely undermined.

Hermansson, who has also worked with the New Zealand squad on overseas and home assignments, believed expectations led to a fear of choking in a sports-mad country.

Hermansson has also warned the New Zealand squad to tread carefully through the tournament.