The New Zealand cricket coach Mike Hesson says he doesn't want to drop players prematurely who are struggling for form.
National selection manager Bruce Edgar (left) and coach Mike Hesson Photo: Photosport
The Black Caps are coming off a dominant first Test victory against Sri Lanka in Christchurch but opener Hamish Rutherford has struggled all year, and made just 18 and 10 at Hagley Oval.
Potential replacement Dean Brownlie is waiting in the wings but Rutherford is likely to play in the second test starting in Wellington on Saturday .
Hesson says players like Rutherford will be given a fair chance.
"I think we've been pretty consistent in how we've gone about things, you know in terms of selection, in terms of the way we want to play the game, in terms of the people that we think fit that mix and then we've given them time to grow into the game. You know as long as players are trying to do the right things then we'll have a fair bit of time and confidence in them and I think by doing that you end up playing for the team rather than just trying to stay in the team."
Hesson says having to potentially pick between talented all-rounders Jimmy Neesham and Corey Anderson is a selection headache he welcomes.