Cricket: Hesson proud of NZ test record

Black Caps head coach Mike Hesson. Photo / Paul Taylor.

The Black Caps are riding a wave of confidence on the back of a drawn test series against Pakistan and are now looking to continue their strong form during the upcoming Twenty20 and one day series in the UAE.

After claiming an emotional defeat of Pakistan in Sharjah to square the three-test series at 1-1, New Zealand coach Mike Hesson spoke of the great pride his side has taken from going undefeated in their past five test campaigns.

"There's a lot of satisfaction from the group and how we've gone about that in so many different conditions," Hesson said.

"Obviously being able to create history in the West Indies and to be able to win a test over here, historically we really struggle.

"1996 was a really good tour for the Black Caps over here but we've got a history of losing quite badly over here so to be able to bounce back from test one gave the team a lot of satisfaction."

Hesson credited the Black Caps' spirit and tenacity in the wake of Phillip Hughes' tragic accident and was in awe of the high quality batting and bowling produced in the third test, which they won by an innings and 80 runs inside four days.

"We're all incredibly proud of the group, the way they stuck together. Some were more effective than others, but the way everyone helped each other through the week. To be able to do that and to be able to put in a very professional performance, or be it with probably a little bit of freedom with the bat, which we saw some amazing stroke play over a couple of days there.

"It's not something you're going to see every day but to be able to do that and back it up with another excellent bowling performance in these conditions was something we're all proud of."

While captain Brendon McCullum was outstanding with an unbeaten 202, Hesson made special mention of Kane Williamson's exploits with the bat, after he made 192 from 244 deliveries.

"It's the best stroke play I've seen from him. Some of the shots he played, off the back foot in particular, against seam and pace of the highest quality. Yeah, look, it was a fine innings."

Looking forward to the first of two Twenty20 matches on Saturday, before the ODI series begins on December 9, Hesson is looking for his top order to lay the platform once again.

"If you're able to set the game up with top-order runs over here then you're allowed your power later on to come in and put the cream on.

"They're (Pakistan) a side that keeps attacking throughout the whole innings so if our top order players are able to set that platform then that gives us a chance to get good scores. Also with the ball, that ability to keep taking wickets [will be vital]."

Hesson said the overwhelming amount of supportive messages from New Zealand had helped the players through what has been a difficult and emotional week.

"We printed those out and put them on the walls just so the guys have had a chance to get a feeling for how things are back in New Zealand.

"I think it's really difficult to understand what the guys have gone through unless you're here but there's a lot of empathy out there amongst the New Zealand public and thankfully we've received a lot of support so the guys really appreciate that."