New Zealand coach alludes to India's reluctance to play day-night Test

Earlier this year, speculations arose regarding the possibility of holding one of the 3 Tests between India and New Zealand as a day-night fixture. However, the idea was dropped soon due to the pink ball’s feasibility on subcontinental conditions. However, Blackcaps coach Mike Hesson has revealed that his troops were quite eager to participate in what could have been the inaugural floodlit Test in Asia.

Hesson claimed, “Look, I think there's no doubt that the pink-ball Test was discussed. We obviously, having played one, were quite happy to play one. But for some reason, it wasn't thought appropriate. Certainly not something that came from our camp.”

Australia and New Zealand had played the first ever day-night Test in Adelaide last November. The innovation is rapidly catching on elsewhere as well with Pakistan set to host West Indies for a pink-ball contest in UAE. But, BCCI have preferred to play the waiting game by assessing the results from the ongoing Duleep Trophy which is taking place under lights.

On the proposed two-tier system also not seeing the light of day, Hesson felt, “We have been operating in the same system for some time. Every series is a new challenge. We take every series seriously. As a cricketer, you do face this challenge. Every cricket player wants to play a format that has context, every series you play needs to mean something.”

Though the highly influential Brendon McCullum retired from the game in February, Kane Williamson has settled into the role nicely and ensured that the leadership baton got transferred without too much hassles.

Hesson affirmed, “Seamless, I think that's the way we would like it to operate. Williamson had captained 36 games before he took over full-time. Even when McCullum was captain, Kane came in during tours (as stand-in skipper) and it was a seamless change. I believe the key to captain-coach relationship is using each others' strengths. Brendon was more high profile, while Kane likes to take his own time and take a slightly back seat.“

Prior to landing in India, New Zealand had been on an African safari with Test series in Zimbabwe and South Africa. Looking to carry those experiences forward, the 41-year old believed, “That (Zimbabwe tour) was very much a spin-dominant series and conditions. Although it didn't spin as much, it certainly was slower and probably similar pace that we are going to face in India. The week between the series has been about rest really and recovery, and obviously the next week-to-ten days is going to be critical to be really specific around individual game plans.”