A Resounding Pass Mark - Maybe

 So that's India, SL, and SA out of the way.  How to guage the success of Mike Hesson?

Well he has come into a team environment that is beset with injury problems, team dysfunction, and an outfit beset with confidence issues.  Plus on top of that a team dynamic that suggests not all the players are worthy of selection but continue to get picked.

The tale of the tape.  2 tests in India saw a heavy defeat in the first test followed by a competitive loss in the second.  In Sri Lanka the same heavy first test defeat, and a rare win away in the second.  The South African saw a very heavy defeat in both tests but once again some improvement in the second.

Does this suggest that Hesson learns from his mistakes?  Well not really, he's not the one making those mistakes, that's down to the talent available and it's fair to say he does not have the full armoury at his disposal to be competitive.

Let's put the Taylor captaincy issue in perspective.  Hesson did not sack Taylor as captain so his boy could lead.  Many cricketing pundits had been asking for Taylor to be relieved prior to his demotion based not just on his record, but also on his demeanour especially when leading on the paddock.  Hesson's role was only symptomatic of what needed to be done to advance the fortunes of the team AS HE SAW IT!!  Chosing B McCullum was a move designed to instill some hard nosed leadership into the team, rightly or wrongly.  Let's not forget though, leadership is only as good as the players at your disposal and both Taylor and McCullum did (and do) not have the talent to chase creditable tests results (Remember the Aussie win and SL win were carried out largely by individual heroics).

The watershed for Hesson will be England at home.  Our recent history is not good at home (barring fellow minnows) but should Taylor, Ryder and Southee be available and a creditable opening pair in place we should actually give the Poms a run for their money.  I think Hesson has had time now to digest his results and his team make up and will be in a position to guide his players to a successful series.  If not then who is the next short term coach?