Auckland: New Zealand coach Mike Hesson's preference for green wickets for the two-match Test series against India beginning February 6 was apparent though he said the home team management did not give any instructions to prepare fast bowler-friendly pitches.
"Eden Park does not look that green. Drop-in pitches are never green as it is and they always do something on their own. We don't give orders as such but we are pretty clear about what sort of pitches we want. But there is also a certain risk involved in that as well considering how good the Indian seamers are," said Hesson.
Hesson was, however, pleased that India-born Ish Sodhi was named in the New Zealand squad to play against India in the two-match Test series. 21-year-old leg-spinner Sodhi, who has played in five Tests, will be looking to impress against the Indians, in the absence of Daniel Vettori.
"Ish has been doing well and he has bowled consistently. He is the best spinner in the country at the moment and he is only 21 years old. So that is a bonus," Hesson said.
Even so, Sodhi might not even get to play since Hesson himself had asked for green tracks to welcome the Indians in the build-up to this series.
"Look, green wickets won't stay green for five days. The seamers need to do their job in first two or three days. The pitches have to be very green for us to not play a spinner."
Hesson feels that the thrilling tie in the third ODI against India here yesterday was a fair result though he was a bit disappointed that his side did not win it.
"In the end a tie was the fair result, even though I am a little bit disappointed with it," Hesson said.
"It was a heck of a game of cricket. Whenever there is a tie or a close finish, there are always a number of turning points. Things could have changed easily, with a run-out or a catch or a good or bad decision with the bat," he said.
"Ashwin and (Ravindra) Jadeja fought superbly and we nearly hung in there."
New Zealand put up a huge 314 on the board but Ravindra Jadeja (unbeaten 66) stole a tied result for India with his heroic batting along with R Ashwin (65).
