New Zealand hungry for Test series win over West Indies in Hamilton
Captain Brendon McCullum allowed himself a beaming grin when he faced the media able to finally discuss a win and the chances of recording a rare series victory in Hamilton next week.
The 32-year-old had been praised for his aggressive tactics and innovative approach, but in his 10 previous Tests recorded six draws and four losses.
The most recent draw came in the first Test at University Oval in Dunedin where they needed 33 more runs to win the game on the fifth day before rain washed out the final session.
"I think we have played some really good cricket," McCullum said.
"I look at the three matches we played against England at home (in March) and we twice put ourselves into winning positions and dictated against a very good team at the top of their game.
"Last week we could have won again and when you put this result on, that's four out of five Test matches where we have put ourselves in a position to win games.
"I think this will certainly help and give us more confidence that you can play good cricket and get good results when you put the efforts in."
McCullum is unlikely to pull on the wicket-keeping gloves again for New Zealand, coach Mike Hesson said on Saturday.
The 32-year-old is battling a long-term back injury and has already given up the gruelling role in test matches, with BJ Watling taking the gloves in the longest form of the game.
Captain Brendon McCullum allowed himself a beaming grin when he faced the media able to finally discuss a win and the chances of recording a rare series victory in Hamilton next week.
The 32-year-old had been praised for his aggressive tactics and innovative approach, but in his 10 previous Tests recorded six draws and four losses.
The most recent draw came in the first Test at University Oval in Dunedin where they needed 33 more runs to win the game on the fifth day before rain washed out the final session.
"I think we have played some really good cricket," McCullum said.
"I look at the three matches we played against England at home (in March) and we twice put ourselves into winning positions and dictated against a very good team at the top of their game.
"Last week we could have won again and when you put this result on, that's four out of five Test matches where we have put ourselves in a position to win games.
"I think this will certainly help and give us more confidence that you can play good cricket and get good results when you put the efforts in."
McCullum is unlikely to pull on the wicket-keeping gloves again for New Zealand, coach Mike Hesson said on Saturday.
The 32-year-old is battling a long-term back injury and has already given up the gruelling role in test matches, with BJ Watling taking the gloves in the longest form of the game.