30 Mar 2017

No summer holiday for the Black Caps

1:41 pm on 30 March 2017

After a busy summer schedule the Black Caps coach Mike Hesson has declared himself more than satisfied with just how the New Zealand side is performing.

Despite the frustrating finish to the summer when the Black Caps were on course to win their first test over South Africa in more than a decade and level the series at one all, New Zealand has enjoyed plenty of success.

Kane Williamson and Mike Hesson after losing to Australia 0-3.

Kane Williamson and Mike Hesson after losing to Australia 0-3. Photo: Photosport

"We beat Pakistan who were number one when they came over here," said Hesson.

There was also the test series win over Bangladesh.

"We've never won more than three test matches in a home summer. We won four test matches this summer and that's in the history of the game," said Hesson.

"We obviously had a really nice middle of the summer; we won the Chappell-Hadlee ... we also challenged probably one of the best touring sides in terms of the test team with South Africa, and I think we matched them, toe for toe, bar one day where they certainly outplayed us in Wellington. We've certainly had a few good days in this test match [Hamilton] and I think Dunedin was pretty even.

Disappointments too though. The 3-2 one day series loss to India in India in October when having forced the series to a dcider and the series loss to the Proteas here.

But Hesson is ""quietly satisfied with the way we're operating at the moment."

The strong perofrmance in the third test came with the side missing the experience of batsman Ross Taylor and the opening bowling combination of Trent Boult and Tim Southee, all out through injury.

Hesson said that shows there is depth.

"I think you often find you've got depth when you have to."

Matt Henry celebrates taking a wicket.

Matt Henry performed well after a late call up for the third test. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

"We've worked pretty hard to keep a lot of those guys in the group. Even though Matt's (pace bowler Matt Henry who was rushed into the third test lineup) has travelled back and forth to first-class cricket, to keep ready for when we need him. He bowled superbly in this game," said Hesson.

Hesson though qualifies his comments around depth, as he'd like to see more first class players showing they're ready for international cricket.

"I think we do have a lot of good young players who, if probably up front, probably haven't done enough in terms of selection.

"When we talk about our New Zealand A programme, we've got quite a young group, and a group that we were really hoping at the start of this year they would have really forced our hand a little bit. Some are starting to do that towards the back end of the season and that's certainly pleasing," he said.

"It's about whether we think people are ready to stand up....not only whether they're scoring runs or taking wickets in first-class cricket, (but) do they actually have the skills to take on an attack like this?" said Hesson.

New Zealand has a quieter test schedule over the next couple of years with more emphasis on limited overs cricket with the 2019 world cup on the horizon.

The next assignment for the Black Caps is the Champions Trophy one day tournament in Britain in June.