Hesson points to lessons of adaptability from series loss

Mike Hesson’s eyes managed to not widen too much when he was reminded of New Zealand’s next two Test assignments. In three weeks’ time, they will take on the No.2 team in the world, India, in their own backyard and before the year is out, they will host the current No.1 side, Pakistan.

“It sounds quite daunting, doesn’t it?” he said with a smile.

At the same time, it is exactly what New Zealand need as they look to climb the Test rankings and establish themselves as a side that is better than the bottom half of the table. They want to compete with strong teams, especially away from home, where Hesson believes they can develop their skills most. They are not too disappointed, therefore, with the 0-1 Test series loss to South Africa.

“Every country is challenged to try and win away from home but a big part (of getting better) is getting experiences into players,” Hesson said. “For the guys that will be a big part of our future, the experiences will be invaluable. We can’t replicate that at home.”

In Centurion, New Zealand were faced with a surface that assisted seamers and had to bat on it facing some of the best in the world. Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada challenged them with swing and seam movement, pace and bounce. Hesson admitted some of his players’ technical deficiencies were “exposed”, but believed they will benefit from the experience. “In first-class cricket, they don’t come across on a wicket like that and they don’t face bowlers like that. …

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