5 things New Zealand achieved under Mike Hesson

Mike Hesson, the man who helped steer the Black Caps to new heights in all three formats, has decided to step down from the head-coaching role of the country in order to take a break from the rigours of international cricket, and to spend more time with his family. After six successful years in the role, Hesson said he no longer felt confident of fully committing to the role for another 12 months, and thought it better to make the decision now rather than later.

“This job requires 100 percent commitment and is all consuming,” he said. “I know what’s required over the next 12 months, but if I’m honest, I don’t feel I have the capacity to give the job what it deserves."

Hesson has the unique distinction of being New Zealand's longest serving coach. Known for his extremely calm and composed demeanor, he is also famous for his motivational skills and team management techniques. From his famous run-in with Ross Taylor, a key member of the Black Caps over the past decade, to then going on to get the best out of him, especially in recent times, Hesson has worked his magic over the last half-a-dozen years. The Kiwi, who once also coached the Argentina national cricket team has decided to call it quits, and going out on top.

As the cricketing fraternity bids farewell to one of the most successful cricket coaches of recent times, here is taking a look at the biggest achievements that Hesson has brought for the Kiwis.

Trent Boult in action

#1. New Zealand’s first-ever series win (in any format) in South Africa.

The Kiwis toured South Africa from 18 December 2012 to 25 January 2013, Hesson's first assignment to South Africa as New Zealand coach. The tour consisted of two test matches, three ODIs and three T20Is. Having meekly surrendered the T20I series and Test Series to the hosts, the Kiwis had nothing to lose as they outplayed themselves from previous occasions by winning the first two matches of the ODI series, claiming their first ever series win on South African soil. New Zealand were led by Brendon McCullum and fielded a side that was devoid of a few key players including Ross Taylor and Jesse Ryder. Kane Williamson, who has established his presence in international cricket by now, was one of the biggest finds of the series, with a match-wining knock of 145 off 136 balls in the first game.

Most successful season of recent times

#2. NZ recording 13 consecutive wins (across all formats) in 2016-17.

In the 2016-2017 season, the Kiwis under Mike Hesson played against the likes of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Australia, and were never defeated. They pulled off an impressive 13 continuous wins across all formats in this period of time.

In the Test series held in November against Pakistan, NZ won 2 - 0, which they followed up with a 3 - 0 ODI series win over Bangladesh. A T20 series and test series against the same opposition came afterwards, which they won 3 - 0 and 2 - 0 respectively. They ended the season with a memorable 2 - 0 win over world champions Australia in the Chappell - Hadlee trophy.

The 13-win Kiwi record is something that is yet to be bettered.

At the Ultimate Showdown

#3. New Zealand reaching the finals of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.

Coming from Group B that featured Australia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, England, Afghanistan and Scotland, competition was fierce for New Zealand to finish in the top-4 to earn a quarterfinal place. However, they blew away all opposition to finish first in the group by winning against all the other teams including eventual champions Australia.

Then came the quarterfinals where the McCullum-led Kiwis literally steamrolled over the Windies, scoring 393 and winning the game by over 140 runs in the end. The Semifinals were against South Africa, a closely fought match that saw NZ batsman Grant Elliot strike the ball for a six in the very last ball to take them into the finals, thereby becoming the only team to remain undefeated in the tournament.

Australia, having defeated India in the semis awaited New Zealand in the finals. They had already faced each other once in the tournament when New Zealand won. But this time, they had to bow down in defeat in front of a dominant Aussie display with both bat and ball.

This was New Zealand's first Cup Final appearance in the history of World Cups, despite having entered the semi-finals a total of six times.

A series win

#4. Only New Zealand’s fourth Test series win over England in 88 years (2017-18).

The Test series played between England and New Zealand in 2018 Feb-Mar was a very significant series for the Kiwis. By winning the first game and drawing the second game of the two-match series, the Kiwis ensured their only fourth Test series win against England in the last 88 years.

Batting first in the first game after a loss of two days' play owing to rain, New Zealand scored quickly, declaring their innings at 427/8. In reply, England fell cheaply for 58, and then went on gather just 320 in follow-on as the Kiwis won by an innings and 49 runs. England came back strongly in the second game but the Black Caps were playing the best game of those times and obtained a draw, to seal the series in their favour.

After securing #1 in T20Is

#5. New Zealand's ascent to No.1 ranking in T20Is; No.2 in ODIs, and No.3 in Tests.

By October 2017, The Kiwis had attained all-time high rankings of No. 1 in T20Is, No. 2 in ODIS and No. 3 in Test matches. This was after a very successful period against teams like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Australia, South Africa and England, by winning series across different formats against all of the above opposition.

Though they later gave away the rankings to India after being defeated 2 - 1 in an away T20 series, they reclaimed it by defeating the Windies in two T20I games this January. Since then they have again lost their ranking points and are currently placed fourth in all of ODIs, T20Is and Test match rankings.