Moles urges batsmen to dig deep

New Zealand coach Andy Moles wants all his batsmen to fire in the second Test

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New Zealand coach Andy Moles has called his batting line-up to stand up and be counted as they aim to beat West Indies in the decisive second Test starting on Friday in Napier.

The hosts made 365 against the Windies last week in their only completed innings during the truncated first Test, which ended in a predictable draw after the final day was abandoned because of rain in Dunedin.

Only Daniel Flynn, who hit an accomplished 95, and Jesse Ryder, with 89, made the most of the conditions.

And coach Moles expects to see more from the rest of his batsmen if they are to claim a decisive victory.

“We’ve got a good practice tomorrow and the day before the Test match. But as individuals we need to step up and fulfil the roles that have been identified,” he said.

“It’s nothing new - these guys have heard it all before - but we certainly realise, and the players know from what we saw in the last Test match, that we’re certainly good enough to beat the West Indies and we feel if we play consistent cricket over the five days we are good enough to win.”

Flynn and Ryder adapted well to their new batting positions at three and five respectively, and Moles was pleased with the way his changes worked out.

He said: “I’ve obviously worked with Daniel before at Northern Districts. I know his character and his mental attitude. I knew he’d fit in well there and it was pleasing to see him get off to a good start in that position.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul knows West Indies must be at their best to beat New Zealand

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“And Jesse, I think, is one of the most naturally gifted players I’ve ever seen. Him coming in at five, if we get a good platform at the head of the innings, he can hurt people.

“He played really well the other day. He was bitterly disappointed not to get a hundred. Both of them would obviously like to put that right in this next Test match as well.”

The Black Caps have some injury concerns ahead of the match at McLean Park.

Jacob Oram has been ruled out again after failing to recover from a calf strain while Chris Martin and Peter Fulton have been called into the squad as cover for all-rounder James Franklin and batsman Ross Taylor.

Despite the absentees, Windies veteran Shivnarine Chanderpaul admits his side have to be wary of their opponents on their home patch.

"They've still got guys who can make big scores," Chanderpaul said.

"Even though we have some experienced players, they're at home and they have some players with experience playing first class cricket."