Cricket: Mike Hesson's blunt assessment of Black Caps loss

Kane Williamson and Mike Hesson after losing to Australia 0-3. Photo / Photosport.co.nz

New Zealand are a rebuilding ODI side and played like it, was coach Mike Hesson's blunt assessment of a disappointing 3-0 beating in the Chappell Hadlee series this week.

The rubber was closed out by Australia with a 117-run win at the Melbourne Cricket Ground where Australia's hard-chasing opener David Warner made 156 and New Zealand combined made just 147.

''We've lost 10 players from our side from a year ago. We've got some players there who are trying to find their feet in international cricket," Hesson said.

''We're playing against a very good side and some have shown some good glimpses; some have been found a little bit wanting in areas we thought they'd be a little bit better in. It's been a performance that gives us a lot of information."

Among those Hesson is referring to are the retired Brendon and Nathan McCullum, Grant Elliott; and those carrying injuries such as allrounder Corey Anderson, left armer Mitch McClenaghan and speedster Adam Milne.

His assessment may not necessarily be a positive reading for some players, but Hesson singled out a handful who had done well.

''Guppy (Martin Guptill) is hitting the ball as well as he has ever. He played extremely well. James Neesham showed some good signs at No 4; Colin Munto showed signs of a little bit of maturity in the first game (scoring 49) and I thought Mitchell Santner was outstanding throughout the whole three games with the ball."

Senior seamers Trent Boult and Tim Southee also earned plaudits.

Of the new raw quickie Lockie Ferguson, Hesson suggested more will be seen of him.

Ferguson played games one and three, picking up his maiden ODI wicket, Warner, in his first over, but took some punishment along the day.

''We found out he's quick, and pretty raw. But there's some really good tools moving forward. Without (the injured) Adam Milne to have someone still (bowling) over 150kmph is nice to have in the camp."

Hesson said ''without doubt" Ferguson has a bright future.

''He showed enough signs that when he gets it right he can rip through a side. It's been a good first tour for him."

The lack of energy in the field troubled Hesson.

''The first couple of games I'd describe as passive in the field and with the ball.

''We've played (against) a side with a little bit of trepidation. Certainly they exposed us in some areas we probably knew a little bit about, but we've been shown we have plenty of room to move," Hesson said.

Some judgments might be hard and those outcomes will be seen over the coming three months in a busy home summer.