Published: Aug 28, 2015, 01:38 PM (IST)
Edited: Aug 28, 2015, 04:34 PM (IST)
Although New Zealand lost the ODI series to South Africa 2-1, New Zealand coach Mike Hesson feels that there are many positives that the team has derived from the tour to South Africa. Hesson says that its important to capitalise on the positives and learn from mistakes. The tour was decent for New Zealand as they levelled the T20 series and won against Zimbabwe. Flamboyant batsman Brendon McCullum and fast bowler Tim Southee were rested whereas Trent Boult and Corey Anderson were plagued by injuries. Kane Williamson was the stand-in captain and Hesson was happy with the performance of the newcomers.
In a conversation with ESPNcricinfo Hesson said, “It was a pretty fair reflection of the performance. I think we were a little bit off song in all three departments. South Africa were on song, they adapted to conditions better than we did and they put us under pressure. Overall I’m still delighted with the tour in terms of what we wanted to achieve. Sure, it’s a disappointing way to finish but it doesn’t take the gloss off what’s been an excellent tour for us moving forward as a cricket side. We’ve unleashed a number of new players and a few other players have come back into the fold as well.” READ: Brendon McCullum, Mike Hesson honoured for taking New Zealand to ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Final
Tom Latham played brilliant cricket throughout the tour and emerged as the third leading scorer for the Black Caps. He also scored a century against Zimbabwe. Leg-spin bowler Ish Sodhi took six wickets in the ODI series and his bowling was decent, “We couldn’t ask any more of Tom [Tom Latham]. He and Martin were outstanding at the top throughout both the one-day series. He scored at a good rate, playing good quality cricket shots,” Hesson adds.
“Delighted to be able to give Tom some consistent opportunities and then for him to take it adds to our depth nicely. We had a very strong seam bowling attack over here even without Trent and Corey. We had a lot of competition for places. Doug certainly forced his hand through performances and earned the opportunities that he got. Really pleased with the consistent areas he bowled and the way he adapted to different conditions,” Hesson signed off. ALSO READ: Brendon McCullum appreciative of Mike Hesson’s attention to detail
