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Coach Mike Hesson is determined to maintain the feelgood factor around New Zealand cricket and claim a rare Test series win against England.
The Black Caps have arrived in the country ahead of the two-match series – which begins at Lord’s on May 21 – in a positive frame of mind following their stunning run to the World Cup final.
Their recent record in Test cricket is good too – they have not lost a Test series since they were last in England two summers ago.
Hesson admits it would therefore be “huge” for his emerging side should they overcome England and an awful recent record on these shores that has seen them lose seven of their past eight Tests since winning the 1999 series.
"It would be another step forward for us as a group," Hesson said.
"We've won four Test matches here in our history, so to win a series here would be huge.
"There's definitely expectation and that's something we probably haven't had a lot of.
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"We found that in the World Cup in that when we won a game but didn't win it well we got criticism when in the past we were happy with just winning.
"We've got more of a following at home and there's an expectation that we will perform well over here."
New Zealand begin their on-field preparations with a four-day game against Somerset, which starts at Taunton on Friday.
They will be without a host of first-choice names due to their Indian Premier League commitments, including the likes of frontline seamers Trent Boultand Tim Southee.
Hesson believes, however, that they will be ready to test Alastair Cook and his side in time for Lord’s.
"New-ball bowling is important for us, the way Trent Boult and Tim Southee start sets the tone for the Test match," Hesson said.
"We've been able to have success against Alastair home and away, bar the Test at Leeds.
"I know Trent asks him some pretty tough questions with the angle and swing he creates so hopefully we can get it swinging over here and challenge him early on.
"If he gets in he's a tough man to get rid of, so the first 10 to 15 balls are pretty important."
