New Zealand coach wary of Sharjah conditions

New Zealand coach Mike Hesson warned his team needed to be at their best to compete on a flat Sharjah pitch where they meet Pakistan in the third and final Test from Wednesday.
New Zealand seek a series-levelling win after losing the first Test in Abu Dhabi by 248 runs and drawing the second in Dubai.
Hesson said a flat and grass-less Sharjah pitch will be tough.
"In the other two pitches we could see grass but not here. This looks a bit different. Sharjah traditionally is lower and skiddier and slows up as the game goes on. So I don't expect this wicket to be any different," said Hesson on Monday.

"Look the warm up game we had played here had lot more grass on it," said Hesson of the drawn three-day game before the Test series. "We have to play very well to be able to compete in these conditions."
Sharjah cricket stadium has been a happy hunting ground for Pakistan since 1980s when they dominated one-day internationals here.

They chased down a tough 302-run target here to win a Test against Sri Lanka in January this year.
Hesson admitted winning the toss will be an advantage after team calling correctly dictated terms in the first two Tests.
"Toss does give great advantage, no doubt about it," said Hesson whose team lost the toss in Abu Dhabi but won it in Dubai.

"I think being able to bat first and third rather than second and fourth has advantages in this part of the world.
"But it does not mean you are out of the game, only thing is that it makes it a bit harder.