NZ boosted by fightback, says Hesson

New Zealand's resolve in recovering from a nightmare opening day to draw the second Test against Australia at the WACA Ground has given the Black Caps an important psychological boost, says coach Mike Hesson. 

The tourists were well beaten by 208 runs in the opening Test in Brisbane, and Australia piled up 2-416 on the first day in Perth, David Warner pummelling the Black Caps bowlers to be unbeaten on 244 by stumps. 

But New Zealand bounced back emphatically, with Ross Taylor's 290 setting a record for the highest score by a visiting batsman in Australia, and a superb Kane Williamson century seeing the Kiwis amass 624 in response to Australia's intimidating 9(dec)-559. 

Quick Single: Every player rated from the second Test in Perth 

Captain Steve Smith then waited until deep into the final day to declare Australia's second innings, setting NZ an unlikely victory target of 321 in 48 overs.

"I think we do (gain a psychological advantage) and we gain some confidence from the way the game evolved," Hesson said in Perth.

"If Australia didn't rate us highly, then the game could have unfolded quite differently than the way it did. I thought we were very good with the ball this morning and we'll certainly gain lot confidence from that.

"It showed that when we're on song we're certainly equal, if not better than our opposition. We just need to do that, particularly with the ball, for longer periods of time."

Australia's new opening pair of Warner and Joe Burns have made century stands in three of the four innings in the opening pair of Tests, and Hesson said his side needs new-ball duo Tim Southee and Trent Boult to fire in the final Test in Adelaide. 

"I think that's something we really need to make improvements on because that's a real strength of ours, and we haven't been able to put Australia's top-order under pressure enough," Hesson said.

"We put a lot of good sides under pressure when we get our own shop in order. That is probably going to be our main focus. I think we know that if we get it right and get the ball swinging, we can run through any side in the world."

Southee, who came into the second Test underdone after battling a back injury in Brisbane, took 4-97 in Australia's second innings of 7(dec)-385 in Perth, with Boult chiming in with two wickets. 

Hesson said the Black Caps are likely to persevere with spinner Mark Craig, who has taken 6-438 across the two Tests and leaked more than five runs an over as Australia's batsmen have attacked him at every opportunity. 

New Zealand will play a two-day match against Western Australia at the WACA this weekend in preparation for the third Test, using the pink ball that will be employed for the historic Test in Adelaide starting on November 27.