Hesson: Bowlers must be more aggressive

New Zealand

New Zealand coach Mike Hesson feels his bowlers have taken their polite 'nice guy' image a bit too far, and need to be more aggressive with the ball come the second Test against Australia in Perth.

While Australia's bowlers were full of fire, with Mitchell Starc going so far as to get himself fined for throwing the ball at batsman Mark Craig, the Kiwis were tame in comparison, taking only eight wickets in the match.

Hesson said after his side's 208-run loss at the Gabba: "We need more aggressive intent with the ball. We are a bit underdone from a skill perspective.

"I was disappointed with the way we bowled … outside of Tim who was very good.

"We have plenty of good nets in Brisbane to be ready on the first day, and we weren't – we have no excuses."

Speaking of Tim Southee, Hesson was wary of saying the paceman would play in Perth given his back injury, and said they would not risk him if he was not fully fit. If he's not, Neil Wagner or Mitchell McClenaghan are on hand.

Hesson added: "He is a huge part of our side and leads our attack but we are not going to take someone in unless he is confident he can play for us. But he's progressing well."

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