New Zealand coach Mike Hesson held a news conference in Harare on Thursday (21st July), looking ahead to the 'Black Caps'' two-match Test series with Zimbabwe.

SOUNDBITE: (English) Mike Hesson, New Zealand coach:

"So last time we played a test match in Bulawayo was.... obviously a few years ago and looking back it was a.... fiercely fought test match. It went down to the last session of the last day, so we're certainly expecting a tough series while we're over here."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Mike Hesson, New Zealand coach:

"We've had a slow and steady build-up. We haven't gone too hard too soon, which as you, rightly suggest is a challenge. From our Winter at home, which is cold, to get out in the sun on grass, guys are excited and, certainly very much looking forward to the series."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Mike Hesson, New Zealand coach:

"I think the conditions itself will pose many challenges. I think the Zimbabwe players are obviously familiar with the, nature of the surfaces here, and I think in Bulawayo we are expecting something that's going to be relatively slow and not a heck of a lot of bounce. So, taking 20 wickets will be a challenge. Bowling attack's very disciplined, Zimbabwe attack, so from a batting point of view it's about, committing to your plans for long periods of time."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Mike Hesson, New Zealand coach:

"We respect every opposition we play against. That's something that, as a team, we're very proud of, regardless of whether we're playing number one in the world or not. So we'll have to prepare equally. Some of the Zimbabwe players we don't know very well, we don't have a lot of footage on them, so we're going to have to deal with it when we arrive. But.... we certainly won't be underestimating Zimbabwe in their own conditions."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Mike Hesson, New Zealand coach (asked what he hopes to gain from the match with Zimbabwe A in Harare):

"It's another piece of the puzzle really. Just, once again getting outside in a competitive environment. We haven't had a lot of that in the last, sort of three or four months, so.... and getting the group back together will be important. Familiarising ourselves, as I said, with the conditions. Even though they're not the same as Bulawayo they are similar. So, look, it's going to be a worthwhile exercise for us."