Martin is main selection poser for Hesson
AS NEW ZEALAND coach Mike Hesson grapples with second test selection conundrums in Bangladesh, he won’t stand accused of making a rushed decision.
Due to the three-day Eid religious holiday, Hesson and skipper Brendon McCullum won’t lay eyes on the second test pitch in Dhaka until Friday at the earliest.
Net practice is also off limits till then, leaving them three days preparation at the National Cricket Academy ground before Monday’s series decider at Sher-eBangla National Cricket Stadium.
The excellent gym and pool facilities at the team hotel would get a heavy workout, Hesson said.
Still, it left plenty of idle hours and some pressure on the tour squad’s social committee who had organised a quiz evening last night.
‘‘For three days it’s pretty much in lockdown so you can’t get to the ground,’’ Hesson said.
An even first test was drawn in Chittagong, after McCullum conjured an enticing target of 256 off 46 overs to try to create run-rate pressure. Now with a series decider beckoning, there’s some selection head-scratchers.
Top of the list is what to do with No 1 spinner Bruce Martin.
The left-armer was outshone by 20-year debutant Ish Sodhi, who looks assured of continuing.
What might play in Martin’s favour is the hot, humid conditions which make Bangladesh a seamers’ graveyard, combined with a pitch Hesson expects will provide more bounce but generally be prepared for the home side’s gaggle of spinners.
‘‘It is difficult. Our spinners have played six test matches between them. The seam bowlers look likely but there’s always that question of how many overs they can bowl.
‘‘I was really pleased with the way the spinners improved through the test and they got their lengths a bit better. They’ll both be seriously considered.’’
The home spinners, led by hat-trick taker Sohag Gazi, took 16 of the 17 New Zealand wickets to fall.
For New Zealand Sodhi took 3-169 off 39.1 overs, Martin 2-173 off 43 after a horror start, and Kane Williamson 1-107 off 37 after looking the most likely.
Hesson said the two hours after New Zealand reduced Bangladesh to 8-2 in their first innings were the most disappointing.
A chance was lost as Martin and Doug Bracewell, in particular, were dominated by Mominul Haque who plundered 181.
Sodhi got the coach’s plaudits. ‘‘For a guy to play his first test over here on a wicket like that, he did a very good job and he certainly grew in confidence as the test wore on.’’
Hesson said Neil Wagner was unlucky not to play in Chittagong, but they didn’t want three left-arm quicks to create footmarks for the home spinners. Still, Wagner and Mark Gillespie would both be considered, given the need to strike early.
‘‘The new ball is critical. We’ve got to find ways to put them under pressure at the start of their innings. If we can get them out before they get started then we can get a bit of a roll on,’’ Hesson said.
Corey Anderson, another debutant, also got a tick from the coach for his tight bowling, and forgave his second innings dismissal for eight as New Zealand chased quick runs.
As a gauge of how tough conditions were for the quick bowlers, Hesson said Trent Boult struggled to get through 14 overs in a day despite being described as ‘‘one of the fittest sportsmen in New Zealand’’.