In an interview in the Barbados Nation newspaper, Richards, who captained his country in 50 Tests between 1985 and 1991, said the current team was rebuilding and needed more time to bolster its confidence.

``There will be a lot of positive dialogue exchanged and patting on the back to build the confidence of the players,'' he said.

``A lot of people expect miracles from the team, but they have to understand that the team is going through a transition period.

``We are arriving in New Zealand earlier than we usually do for a Test series. This may benefit the players as they have a chance to practice in the damp conditions they will have to play in.''

``If we have a time process and work to it, we can build a good team,'' he said in another interview. ''But we need to work with the conditions and players we do have and lettheir ability come through.

``New Zealand is a pretty difficult proposition (playing) in their own conditions, so we are going to have to... get accustomed to the conditions down there.''

Part of his future tactics will be to arrange for former West Indies cricketers to give motivational talks to the squad.