Hesson enjoys Black Caps' England rout
Victory left New Zealand sitting pretty at the top of Pool A, with three wins in as many games.
WELLINGTON (AFP) - New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said Saturday he had enjoyed his team s eight-wicket demolition of England, adding it had set-up them up nicely for their next World Cup match against fellow co-hosts Australia.
The Black Caps were rampant in Wellington on Friday, with seamer Tim Southee taking a New Zealand one-day international best seven for 33 as England slumped to 123 all out in 33.2 overs.
Brendon McCullum then smashed the fastest World Cup half-century, off just 18 balls, as New Zealand chased down their meagre target in a mere 12.2 overs.
Victory left New Zealand sitting pretty at the top of Pool A, with three wins in as many games.
Hesson said it had been a rare day where he sat back and enjoyed the game.
"There were a few pats on the back," Hesson told reporters. "The fact it came in such an important game was pleasing.
"It was one of those days where, as a coach, you could sit back and enjoy it."
He added: "Tim set the tone, he had the ball on a string, swinging it just enough to be challenging.
"It was a masterclass," said Hesson of his spearhead, whose figures were the third best in all World Cup matches.
"The fielding sets the intensity and attitude for us. A number of dismissals followed great pieces of fielding, whether it was keeping a guy on strike or creating indecision."
Hesson, who has overseen New Zealand s transformation from perennial dark horses to serious World Cup contenders, said they were reaping the rewards of having a well-prepared group of talented cricketers.
"We ve got pretty good cattle in terms of the skills set of our bowlers," he said. "We also scouted the English well. Shane Bond (bowling coach) did some excellent work in that regard."
Hesson believed his team was ready for the match of the Pool with title-favourites Australia in Auckland on February 28.
"There s no baggage. Australia are a formidable outfit and there will be nothing better than those two sides going toe-to-toe in front of a full house."
And he insisted Australia s fondness for aggressive sledging or verbal abuse of their opponents, would not unsettle his side.
"We play against quite a few teams who act that way, but it s not how we do things. We ll soak it up as best we can and go about our job. A bit of maturity from some key players has certainly helped."
