‘New Zealand playing three Tests with a four-day gap in between is an issue’: Mike Hesson

‘New Zealand playing three Tests with a four-day gap in between is an issue’: Mike Hesson

Mike Hesson

Former New Zealand player and head coach Mike Hesson has opined that the Kiwis playing three Test matches in a span of 20 days can have a negative impact on the players. 

His remarks came amid when almost everyone has given the Blackcaps an edge over India for the much-anticipated ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final. Several members of the cricket fraternity reckoned that the ongoing Test series against England will help the Kane Williamson-led side in getting accustomed to the English conditions.

Hesson, however, pointed out that New Zealand needs to be careful regarding the workload management of their bowlers, especially the pace attack.

“It is an issue (playing three Tests with a four-day gap in between). New Zealand will have to look at the bowling attack and that’s potentially why Trent Boult will play this game (second Test against England from Thursday,” Mike Hesson pointed out as quoted by Mykhel.com. 

“That will give one of those other quicks to rest potentially because it’s only four days between each Test. So, three on the bounce is a big deal, especially if you put in 45 to 50 overs in the second Test, or they just decide to manage the workloads which is not something you usually do going into a Test match,” he added. 

‘India needs to consider Mayank Agarwal for WTC Final’: Hesson

Mayank Agarwal
Mayank Agarwal

The 43-year-old also talked about India’s opening pair for the all-important clash. He mentioned that the Virat Kohli-led side must consider Mayank Agarwal as well alongside Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. 

Mike Hesson highlighted that Agarwal was a part of the Indian team that toured NZ back in 2020. As a result, the Karnataka cricketer has the experience of facing Kiwi bowlers and batting in tough conditions. Agarwal emerged as the leading run-getter (102) for India during the Test series at an average of 25.50, including one half-century as well.

“They will probably go with Rohit and Shubman but I think Mayank needs to be considered. He has faced the New Zealand attack in New Zealand, where he would have got some crucial experience,” said Hesson.

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