No hard feelings, say Black Caps

New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said his side are not upset by their chaotic preparation for the Test series against Australia.

New Zealand insist they are not upset by their chaotic preparation for the Test series against Australia.

The Black Caps' tour preparations were thrown into chaos due to an abandonment of their three-day fixture against CA XI on Friday after concerns were raised over the nature of the pitch.

The match at Blacktown International Sportspark was called off during the first session on day two after CA XI declared at 1-503 and Aaron Finch, 288 not out, and Ryan Carters, 209, set a record first wicket partnership in Australia.

CA XI declared after Carters was out leaving the Black Caps with precious little match practice leading into the three-Test series with Australia.

But Kiwi coach Mike Hesson said his side weren't working themselves into a lather over the situation.

"It's not anyone's fault, you just can't grow any grass on the surface, and that's not the groundsman's fault," Hesson said.

"There's no hard feelings, we understand they're going to try to help us get some practice facilities ahead of the Test match."

New Zealand have had just a one-day pink ball clash with the PM's XI at Manuka Oval and a two-day fixture against a CA XI at the same venue as warm-up in Australia.

The Black Caps already cut short their Blacktown match from four days to three so they could travel to Brisbane earlier and practice on wickets more closely resembling the bouncy, pacy pitch expected at the Gabba.

As such New Zealand will be banking on some intense Brisbane net practice to get them ready for the first Test.


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Source: AAP



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