New Zealand’s stars

Given this is one of the weaker West Indies sides to visit New Zealand, the fixtures were an opportunity to develop depth in the limited overs ranks.

That strategy earned a tick with the performances of Worker, Todd Astle, Lockie Ferguson, Henry Nicholls and Colin Munro.

Conversely, what does that say about the international integrity of the series?

Still, Hesson can argue his side has built a quality one-day record over the past three years.

They have played every testplaying country across 67 matches, fashioning a record of 42 wins and 25 losses for a win ratio of 63 per cent. Among test-playing nations South Africa (66 percent), India (65 per cent), England (63) and Australia (63) are just ahead across the same period.

Compare that with New Zealand’s historical record of 695 played, 327 won, 362 lost; a win ratio of 47 per cent.

This year, the Black Caps regained the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy against a depleted Australia and lost series deciders against South Africa and India. The biggest disappointment was at the Champions Trophy, which ended with a five-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in Cardiff.

“Our percentage winning is as good as it ever has been in terms of ODI cricket,” Hesson said after dominating the West Indies.

“We’re playing some good cricket but were also using this series to provide some competition for places, and give guys some well-deserved opportunities. But Pakistan, having won the Champions Trophy, will be a different challenge.”