Need to create pressure for longer spells: NZ coach Hesson

Kolkata Sep 28 (IANS) New Zealand need to win more playing sessions in order to get a favourable result in the second Test starting at the Eden Gardens here on Friday, New Zealand coach Mike Hesson has said.

"The game got away from us in a couple of sessions (during the first Test at Kanpur). We dominated for a decent amount of time. We need to create pressure for a longer period," Hesson told New Zealand radio on Wednesday.

Hesson, 41, said it was a challenge playing in subcontinental conditions - markedly different from other parts of the world.

"It is always a challenge playing abroad. The boys have been given an off day today. We are a young group and the boys have never played in these conditions before. Fatigue plays a big part here," he said.

"It is how you execute your skills under extreme fatigue. For the bowlers, it is all about finding that optimum pace in trying conditions. For the batsmen it is all about getting your game plan right."

Hesson was full of praise for middle-order batsman Luke Ronchi and bowling all-rounder Mitchell Santner who were the takeaways for the visitors in the 197-run loss.

"I am delighted for Luke. He has been travelling with the team for a while now and is a great tourist. He is a player with a lot of skill. More importantly, the skills required here are to his liking as he knows the conditions better than many," the 41-year-old coach said.

Ronchi, who scored a fighting 80 in the second innings of the first Test sharing a 102-run stand with Santner, has played for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League.

On Santner, Hesson said, "He is in his early days. He has been very consistent for us and his overall performance will help him develop as a player especially when you are playing in such adverse conditions.”

Santner returned with a match haul of 5-173 besides his batting exploits in the second innings.

Hesson welcomed the return of off-spinner Jeetan Patel into the side saying his experience will help the side.

"It's great to have him back. He was not there for a while and now his experience and knowledge of the game will help the younger crop."

Patel's flight, however, got cancelled and the 36-year-old is now expected to join the team after midnight on Wednesday.

All-rounder Jimmy Neesham has also been ruled out of the second Test because of his rib injury that had kept him out of the Kanpur Test too.

IANS

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