Hesson expects tough series

New Zealand coach Mike Hesson has remained realistic of the challenges for his young side in the next three weeks, particularly given that New Zealand haven't had an easy time in Bangladesh during their last two visits. They were famously crushed 4-0 in the ODI series in 2010, while in 2008 they had a close call in the first Test in 2008 before Daniel Vettori's valiant effort in the second innings chase.

"We had a tough last series where we won the second match but it was a hard fought Test, chased over 300 runs in the last innings," Hesson said. "We are expecting nothing less than a tough series.

"We have spent nine days in Sri Lanka before arriving here where we faced many spinners, we are well aware about the spinners in Bangladesh. We know we have to face couple of left-arm spinners and also we have to face [Sohag] Gazi and couple of off-spinners."

One of the threats for the home side will be the reverse swing extracted by New Zealand's pack of quick bowlers. "It's tough for the fast bowlers to get success in these conditions but I have a bit of success in this part of the world," fast bowler Trent Boult said. "My plan is to swing the new ball as much as I can. I will also look to reverse swing the ball later in the innings. And hopefully, the conditions will suit me."

Boult has taken 49 wickets in the last two years for New Zealand, their best performer with the ball during this period. He will lead the bowling attack that consists of fellow left-armer Neil Wagner, Doug Bracewell and Mark Gillespie. But they will miss the services of Tim Southee, their most successful bowler in the subcontinent in the last two years.

Boult has taken 14 wickets in the sub-continent at an average of 27.35, and has also helped his side win a Test match in Sri Lanka last year. He will bank on this experience in his first tour of Bangladesh.

He, however, hasn't said if he has targeted anyone in the Bangladesh line-up, though his potency against left-handed batsmen can be seen in the number of times he has dismissed them in his 15-Test career. "I just want to do my job and hope I could take as much wickets I can, I haven't targeted anyone. I just want to lead the attack, and take wickets."