KEY POINTS:
The outcome of New Zealand's cricket tour of Bangladesh seems predictable but coach John Bracewell has urged his overwhelming favourites to take their time in reaching what appears to be an inevitable conclusion.
The Black Caps left Auckland for their second visit to the subcontinent's cricketing minnows today,
aware the short tour is more about preparation for a daunting two-test assignment across the Tasman in November.
New Zealand start with a three-match one-day series, where a cleansweep will earn them second place on the International Cricket Council's one-day rankings behind world champions Australia.
But it is the two tests in Mirpur and Chittagong where genuine progress could, and should, be made.
New Zealand's top order might not have a better opportunity to build confidence, even if it might eventually be shattered by Australia in Brisbane and Adelaide.
Aware an unreliable test top and middle order has been a fixture of his tenure, Bracewell has reinforced how important it is for his batsman to make the most of their innings - something they failed to do during their maiden tour of Bangladesh four years ago.
New Zealand won the two tests in quick time and then ventured to Australia where they were humbled 0-2.
"It's about learning from what we failed to do in Bangladesh last time," he said.
"It's about readjusting our thinking in the test matches, in particular. You can get caught up in trying to finish the test matches in three days and playing at an accelerated pace.
"I've told them there's nothing to do on the other two days, so we might as well be playing cricket.
"Let's try and bat for five sessions - that one of our KPIs (key performance indicators) in the first innings. Batting for two days should be realistic."
New Zealand have won each of their six tests against Bangladesh, and on five occasions they have batted only once, indicating the batsmen need to make the most of a generally unthreatening bowling attack.
"We have to make sure we spend that `once' well and discipline ourselves to doing that," Bracewell said, pinpointing openers Jamie How and Aaron Redmond.
"They've got some markers they have to reach in terms of longevity at the crease. They are the keys that will set us in reasonable stead for playing Australia."
The imminent test debut of Jesse Ryder will be a focus after the hard-hitting batsman made such an impact on - and off - the field against England last summer.
Team management are confident Ryder has addressed the alcohol issues instrumental in him severely injuring a hand in February and Bracewell is looking forward to him making the transition to the test arena, probably at No 4.
"He's very aware of the behaviours he needs to comply with to be an integral part of this team.
"Now we need to make sure one of our best players is put in the right position to utilise his skills."
Allrounder Jacob Oram, for one, is enthused at the prospect of watching Ryder and Ross Taylor in unison.
"They're going to score quickly and take it to the opposition. I know as a bowler you don't know where to look.
"Your three slips and a gully turn into one slip and gully.
"Guys are patrolling the boundary and runs come easily, it's a tough game to pull back when that happens."
The one-day squad shake off the jetlag with a practice session tomorrow and then continue in the nets until their solitary warmup match next Tuesday.
Mirpur, on the outskirts of Dhaka, hosts the first two one-day internationals on October 9 and 11 before the finale in Chittagong on October 14.
The tests are scheduled at Mirpur on October 17-21 and Chittagong on October 25-29.
- NZPA
