Wary Hesson urges caution against England

England

New Zealand coach Mike Hesson is happy to assume the 'underdog' tag heading into their World Twenty20 semi-final against England this week, despite all the evidence to the contrary.

New Zealand reached the knock-outs undefeated, while England scraped through with a vital win against Sri Lanka. The Black Caps also have a superior recent record against England in the format, but Hesson is erring on the side of caution.

He said of his counterparts: "They bat very deep. They have got batsmen that can score all around the ground. When they put you under pressure it's difficult to contain.

"I think obviously taking wickets throughout is important, and obviously the way we play their spinners through middle will be important as well."

Hesson added that they would be putting the group stage out of their minds, focusing on the match on Wednesday on its own, while still preparing for yet another set of conditions.

He said of the group wins: "I think we also realise that's gone now. We've given ourselves a chance of a semi-final and we'll just be as consistent as we can be and see what unfolds.

"No matter what conditions you are dealt with, you just have to find a way. I think the word of the tournament has been adaptation.

"We've had four different surfaces and we are going to have another one in Delhi."

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