Sports

England a different side now: NZ coach

Hesson claims the hosts have improved a lot since the World Cup and are now a ‘scary’ side

Afp June 16, 2015

After a disappointing World Cup, Morgan’s improvement in form against New Zealand — with three consecutive half-centuries — has coincided with his side’s improved batting. PHOTO: AFP

LONDON: New Zealand coach Mike Hesson believes his side are now facing a far more “scary” England team compared to the one the Blackcaps thrashed at the World Cup, despite taking a 2-1 lead into the fourth ODI at Nottingham’s Trent Bridge on Wednesday where they can claim the series.

In February, New Zealand hammered England by eight wickets in Wellington en route to a World Cup final which they lost to co-hosts Australia.

The Black Caps dismissed England for just 123, with Tim Southee claiming figures of 7-33. New Zealand then chased down the meagre target in just 12.2 overs, with skipper Brendon McCullum blasting 77 in 25 balls.

But Hesson’s men haven’t had things all their own way during their ongoing five-match series in England.

The first ODI at Edgbaston saw England make 408¬-9 in a 210-run win — both national records for the Three Lions.

New Zealand levelled the series with a 13-run Duckworth/Lewis win at The Oval but only after England, initially chasing 399, had been 345-7 and threatened to pull off a miraculous win before rain stopped play.

The Black Caps then went 2-1 up at Southampton on Sunday despite England making 302 to cross 300 in three consecutive matches for the first time in their history. New Zealand’s record third-wicket stand of 206 between Kane Williamson (118) and Ross Taylor (110) took the match away though, which the visitors won by three wickets.

Hesson — asked if England’s performances in the series so far had been a surprise, given how poor they had been at the World Cup — felt they are no longer the same opposition. “They are a completely different team in so many ways,” he said. “If this side was at the World Cup, I think they would certainly scare a few teams in terms of the way they play.”

The 40-year-old added that while there are still some chinks their armour, they are now a force to be reckoned with on their day. “They haven’t quite nailed it yet, but you are never going to straight away. But on their day, crikey, they are dangerous,” insisted Hesson.

England have cited their opponents as an example to follow in 50-over cricket but Hesson played it down. “No-one owns a particular style,” he said. “I think England are playing a brand of cricket that puts you under the pump unless you are really on-song.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 17^th, 2015.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.