We need to step up - Black Caps coach

Martin Guptill

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New Zealand coach Mike Hesson expects more from the Black Caps in Adelaide as they look to tie the Test series with Australia.

After being resoundingly beaten in the first Test in Brisbane, New Zealand battled back in Perth to earn a draw and give them a chance of rescuing their tour.

To complete that recovery they must win the final game at the Adelaide Oval that starts on Friday, the match a landmark event as the first day/night Test using a pink ball.

"I think we're getting better," he said. "I don't think we're quite where we'd like to be, but I thought we saw some really consistent spells in the tour game [against Western Australia]. 

"We're getting where we need to be, but we need to step up again."

Hesson says the touring party are raring to go ahead of the historic match, particularly due to the chance to play in front of a packed house for a Test match.

He added: "There's no doubt some excitement entering into the unknown, but also, playing in front of 50,000 people. 

"That's pretty exciting for our group and for Test cricket, so we're very much looking forward to it."

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