Mark Richardson: Test team lacking direction

Although it's been a long time since the Black Caps pulled on the whites and played a test match, their approach to this first test against the West Indies has lacked direction.

It seems that when the pressure of a one-dayer, and a chase in particular, is removed, the players look lost.

They love chasing a total in the 50-over game, when they know the equation, the strike rate they need to attack and how to pace an innings.

But when they're setting a target in one-dayers or making the transformation to test cricket, when it's a different sort of pressure, they are like a possum in the headlights.

Maybe it would have helped if they had batted second in this match but they have to be better than that.

I certainly don't think they have underestimated the West Indies, it's just that the tourists have caught them on the hop.

With the exception of Scott Styris in the first innings and Brendon McCullum, who had some balance to his game, they looked hesitant and lost for an approach.

I guess that comes down to the batting coaches and the psyche of the players more than individuals themselves.

To get out to bad shots is an indication to me that a batsman doesn't have a flow or rhythm to his game.

While guys need to play their natural games, they also need to find a balance between attack and defence.

With the strength of the West Indies batting and the flat nature of the Eden Park pitch, it's going to be a tough assignment bowling them out today.

When the ball's not swinging, as it wasn't for them last night, the New Zealand attack can look a little innocuous. That means a lot, as it often does, will fall on Daniel Vettori's shoulders if it dawns bright and sunny today.

Although the selectors met today, I don't expect there to be any changes for the second test in Wellington because the top order will be given another chance.

But it's important they address the psyche of the players and turn things around quickly.

Another series of performances like we've seen in this test can't be tolerated. With Mathew Sinclair in terrific form on the back of three tons, Michael Papps doing nothing wrong domestically and Lou Vincent the most prolific Black Caps batsman of the past 12 months, all three will be eager for a chance.

Whatever happens today, the battles within the battles will decide this test series: Bond vs Gayle, Fleming vs Bradshaw and Styris vs Edwards (although you could say Edwards vs everyone).

It's also likely to come down to Lara vs Vettori - and what an intriguing proposition that promises to be.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY