McCullum talks up improved NZ batting

New Zealand's bowlers won the headlines but captain Brendon McCullum says their thrashing of the West Indies is another reason to believe long-standing Test batting problems are behind them.

McCullum and his teammates belted out a rare rendition of the team's song - saved for Test wins - with gusto in the middle of the Basin Reserve two hours after the innings and 73-run victory secured inside three days on Friday.

It was their first Test success of the year, their first under McCullum as skipper and alleviated the frustration at not closing the deal in the drawn first Test at Dunedin last week.

"We forced the result through excellent batting and bowling. Our catching and fielding in general was superb as well so I think we played near on the perfect Test," McCullum said.

Gibson oversaw a lengthy practice session behind closed doors on Saturday.
More hard work is expected ahead of the third Test starting at Seddon Park on Thursday where the West Indies must defy momentum if they are to level the series following a drawn first Test in Dunedin where they were mostly outplayed.
Gibson says the two teams are largely the same as 18 months ago when the West Indies comfortably won both Tests played in the Caribbean.