Hesson confident of reversal of fortune
New Zealand coach Mike Hesson is confident that his players will be able to deliver a vastly improved performance in the second Test against Pakistan, which starts in Dubai on Monday.
The Kiwis were thumped by 248 runs in the first Test of the three-match series earlier this week in nearby Abu Dhabi, a defeated which Hesson likened to "a train crash".
"We didn't adapt as quickly as we'd like but we are a group of quick learners and we are going to have to learn pretty quickly before Dubai," Hesson said.
Hesson admitted that New Zealand's batting in the series opener was poor – apart from Tom Latham's maiden Test century in the first innings – but conceded that the tourists' problems run deeper than that.
"It's easy from a train crash point of view to look at our batting… but we were outplayed in all three disciplines. We need to improve and we are well aware of that. I'm expecting us to improve and to adapt to conditions quicker," he added.
"We have to find ways with the ball to create opportunities. We didn't do that as well as Pakistan.
"Our seamers bowled pretty well here but never looked like getting a wicket at times.
"We have young, talented spinners, but they need to learn what is required in these conditions. That's part of their development."
Despiute the defeat in Abu Dhabi, Hesson hinted that he doesn't foresee many changes to the playing XI for the second Test.
"The guys that bowled here have done well for us over a long period of time. The guys who faced the conditions out here will be better prepared come Dubai," he said.
"People who perform well over here perform at a tempo over a long period of time. Players that are successful are able to stick to their game plans for long periods whether it be with the ball or the bat and that showed.
"Pakistan know these conditions very well and have performed very well in them over a long period of time. We have to show respect to Pakistan with the way they have been able to put opposition under pressure."
Latest
-
T20 cricketEngland news: Injury-hit Jofra Archer back for first time in nearly a year
Archer is still some way off a return after heading to his native Barbados following a second operation on a longstanding elbow complaint last month.
-
ODI cricketSouth Africa vs India: Quinton de Kock will be welcomed ‘with open arms’
Quinton de Kock will be welcomed with open arms in the South Africa squad to face India in a limited-overs series.
-
Women's CricketNat Sciver: England ‘a bit more calm’ now after ‘tricky’ start to Australia tour
The multi-format Women’s Ashes series is set to get under way on Thursday with the first of three T20 internationals.
-
T20 cricketDavid Payne feels England T20 call-up provides opportunity to realise Test dream
The tall left-armer is still awaiting his first international cap and turns 31 next month.
-
Test cricketHere’s who should be in the England XI for the first Ashes Test of 2023
Following the latest Ashes humiliation, Matt Whiley selects an England Test team that we can finally be proud of.
-
Test cricketAustralia tour to Pakistan: Pace attack could be boosted
Australia are likely to include a raft of pace bowlers in their squad for the scheduled tour to Pakistan in March.
-
Test cricketSouth Africa vs India: Keegan Petersen still coming to terms with stardom
New South Africa batting star Keegan Petersen has not quite gotten his head around his newfound fame.
-
The AshesAshes reaction: Kevin Pietersen backs Joe Root and coach Chris Silverwood
Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has backed current captain Joe Root and coach Chris Silverwood to remain in charge of the team.
-
The AshesEngland Test team: ECB investigating after police called to Ashes drinks following Hobart Test
Players and staff from both the Australian and English teams were at the event.
-
Test cricketRassie van der Dussen relished India banter in tough Test series
The series between South Africa and India rode on a knife-edge.