Cricket World Cup: Hesson rejects hype

Favourites or underdogs? New Zealand coach Mike Hesson wouldn't buy into either tag ahead of Saturday's blockbuster World Cup clash between his team and co-hosts Australia at Eden Park.

Both teams are in strong form, Australia are No 1 ODI side; New Zealand are in rousing form. But Hesson sees no point is seeking either position ahead of the game.

"The pressure is playing a side ranked No 1 and who have won four World Cups," Hesson said.

"They're a good side. There's two good sides playing pretty well at the moment so I don't think (favouritism) really adds a lot to it."

Asked if the Australian game would represent New Zealand's first really big test at the tournament, Hesson demurred. And he steered clear of the hype issue too.

"We probably don't look at it quite that way. Sri Lanka (the cup opener in Christchurch) was a huge test for us, the England game as well. This is just another round robin game, and obviously it's going to be a good one.

"We haven't played Australia a hell of a lot in recent times. So it's an important game for us, and this group, so we treat it as we do every one."

Hesson said the three-day break had done the players good after three games in a week to start the cup. The players are refreshed and ready to go again.

He also deflected the topic of Australia's sharper pace than what New Zealand have faced thus far in the cup.

"We face (New Zealand quick) Adam Milne every day. He bowls at 150 (kmph) and we cope with that okay.

"Every side we play has got some different challenges. Australia have got guys who bowl with good gas. So do we."

Quizzed on Australian opener David Warner's dig at in-form opposition opener Brendon McCullum's prospects for a "brain explosion" early in the New Zealand innings, Hesson played a straight bat.

"If you're able to put anyone under pressure through your skills then hopefully you're trying to get them to make poor decisions.

"He's obviously a decent player," Hesson said of Warner. "They've got plenty of others who are decent players as well so we just prepare ourselves as best we can."