Moles impressed by Guptill

Martin Guptill wasted little time in catching the eye with a superb century on debut

Andy Moles declared Martin Guptill had "ticked a lot boxes" after making a dream start to his international one-day career with an unbeaten century for New Zealand against West Indies.

While the 22-year-old's 122 not out could not help his side to victory after the fourth game of the series fell victim to rain, Moles was impressed by what he saw from the Aucklander, who became only the fifth player - and the first Kiwi - to score a hundred on debut.

"It was great to see a youngster on his debut come in and play so well," the New Zealand coach said.

"I've seen him work really hard at his game in the last couple of years with Auckland and obviously on the emerging players tour of Australia. For the growth and the development of the game in New Zealand it was great to see a youngster play so well.

"On the emerging players tour what impressed me was that he was capable of scoring off the front or back foot. He was capable of batting for long periods of time and absorbing pressure and he showed that he could work it round as well as going for the big shots.

"We saw that (yesterday). For a debutant to take all that pressure and take the strike, then at the end get his hundred by hitting a six, it showed he was playing for the team rather than his own personal milestones. He ticked a lot of boxes and it was great to see him play."

Guptill, who shared a third-wicket stand of 144 with Ross Taylor, added a whirlwind 56 off the last 34 balls with fellow debutant Neil Broom to carry New Zealand to a challenging total of 275 for four.

Moles is hoping for more of the same from the newcomers in the series decider against West Indies in Napier on Tuesday.

Guptill will drop down the order to make room for Jesse Ryder to come back in as an opener

"The two debutants played really well. It's really good to see. We are all about having consistency so they have got to back that up," he added.

Guptill will drop down to number three in Napier to make way for Jesse Ryder's return at the top of the order.

Ryder missed the match in Auckland after being suspended and fined an undisclosed sum by New Zealand Cricket for missing a team meeting and practice following a drinking session in Wellington after Wednesday's win there.

But Moles said no thought had been given to having Guptill open again with Brendon McCullum in the final match of the series.

"Martin was selected to bat at three," Moles said. "I think he has got the skills to play exactly as he did (on Saturday).

"Jesse is a match-winner at opening the batting and he and Brendon are a formidable opening pair. Guptill coming in at three makes that top order really strong."

Moles admitted there was some concern about Ryder's latest off-field misdemeanour but insisted his main focus was helping the 24-year-old's cricketing development.

"We have got a plan in place to help Jesse with the problem he has got," he added. "My primary job is to help him with his cricket and help him score runs and win games for New Zealand.

"Obviously around that we have to look after him as a human being and put plans in place if we can.

"In the short-term we are working with him on that but we have just got to make sure he is looking forward to getting back on the field and scoring runs.

"It's something we are talking to him about. Jesse has assured us that's it's a thing of the past and we have got to move on with that in mind."