Black Caps head coach Gary Stead remained optimistic after losing the second Test match against Australia by three wickets yesterday.
The Kiwi coach gave a lot of credit to the visiting side, saying they are the best side in the world, and thinks it was always going to be a tough Test match.
“I don’t think there’s a mental block with Australia, we haven’t played them in a while. They are world Test champions for a reason.”
Stead reflected on the small moments of the second Test match that played a role in shifting momentum away from the home side.
“Maybe we can look back at some small margins in the game but they are one of the best sides in the world."
Despite entertaining the good crowd at Hagley Oval, who were hopeful of a first Test match win on home soil against Australia in over 30 years, the Black Caps will look back on this Test as the one that got away.
“I think it was a cracking Test match, it could’ve gone either way,” Stead said.
The Black Caps kept the visitors to 80/5 early on the fourth day in Christchurch but the game slipped away from them as they failed to break Australia’s partnerships.
“The loss is disappointing… we always want to get over the line but that’s sport,” said Stead.
The head coach also backed Tim Southee’s management of the bowlers, and said the captain made the right decisions.
Stead said he was impressed by the way the younger players took responsibility in the Test, which showed that there's some depth in the side.
On debut, Ben Sears took four wickets in Australia’s second innings, including two in consecutive deliveries, to show his promise as a star for the future.
Stead thinks Rachin Ravindra’s form in the series showed he has a bright future in the game, with the 24-year-old's solid 82 runs being the highest knock for the Black Caps in the second Test.
Another player Stead was impressed with was Glenn Phillips, who only went for 41 runs from his 17 overs across both innings.
“That’s the best I’ve seen him bowl for us… He's got a thirst for wanting to get better.”
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