New Zealand's cricket ethos drew praise today from England captain Joe Root as he weighed up the difference between playing the Blacks Caps and Australia over the past four months.
On the eve of their second Test against New Zealand in Christchurch, the last match of an arduous tour, Root cited a different atmosphere between the two sides.
While the Ashes series in Australia was fraught with acrimony, the relationship between England and New Zealand was cordial throughout the first Test despite New Zealand's domination.
"In terms of atmosphere on the field there might not be as much said verbally when you play against New Zealand." he said.
"But you still get a sense that they're playing good hard cricket. They go about things very much in their own way but you know you're up against a side that are desperate to win.
"I'm not saying Australia don't bring that to the table when you play against them, but it is a different atmosphere in my experience."
"We want to play good hard cricket which is obviously within the guidelines of the game and it's important that we continue to do that."
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