Mike Hesson on Phillip Hughes tragedy: 'Our players have been struggling'

"The game was irrelevant, and still is."

That's New Zealand cricket coach Mike Hesson's reaction after the second day of the third test against Pakistan. He's spoken in person for the first time since the team began dealing with the shock death of Australian international Phil Hughes after he was hit by a bouncer in a first-class match in Sydney.

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Hesson and manager Mike Sandle talked in numb tones despite a day which saw New Zealand dominate. They're 249 for one after dismissing Pakistan for 351, taking seven wickets for 70 runs in the morning session.

Captain Brendon McCullum made the fastest test century by a New Zealander, from 78 balls, and Mark Craig took seven wickets for 94 runs, the country's 13th best figures in an innings.

"Today wasn't about cricket," Hesson said. "It was about supporting one of our fellow players. We weren't really conscious of performance today, it was just a case of getting through it.

"Our players have been struggling. Dealing with the grief is difficult. They just need a bit of space. We've got to help those struggling more to get through the days. A number of the team knew Phil well."

Hesson admitted consideration was given to calling the game off.

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"There were a lot of discussions about the test continuing but we knew by this morning it would go ahead. We just helped each other through."

Manager Mike Sandle concurred, saying it was tough dealing with such a circumstance for the first time.

"Last night we got together around 6 o'clock and had a good chat as a team. It was an informal situation to gauge where the players were at. We were grateful to have the day off.

"I've encouraged the guys to talk to each other as much as possible. The emotion internally within the team has been raw. I haven't experienced much like it in sport before."

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Sandle said that translated into the lack of reaction as Pakistan collapsed.
"It was a reflection on the numbness. There was no conscious effort to go out and react in that manner."

Hesson added: "It was a natural reaction by a group of people whose minds were elsewhere. We didn't put anyone under the lid [at short leg] and didn't bowl a bouncer all day. It was about showing some respect."

Despite the trying circumstances, Hesson reserved praise for McCullum and Craig.

"Mark drifted the ball, created a lot of curve, and drew them into defending wider than they normally would. He showed skill and character.

"Brendon's going through a range of emotions, having opened with Phil for New South Wales, but it showed his character to play the way he did. We're all proud of how he's controlled himself as a captain and a player.

"There wasn't any elation in the dressing room, but there's still pleasure for teammates who have done well."

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