Sunday, January 14, 2007

Kiwis braced to take on England

Captain Stephen Fleming believes New Zealand's experience in Hobart will help them combat a refreshed England.

After two months of facing Australia, England face a different opponent on Tuesday, one that suffered a 105-run loss to the hosts on Sunday.

"We are aware that these games against England are massively important but I think we are better off having played on this pitch," said Fleming.

"I am sure England are looking forward to getting away from the Australians."

Each team plays the other two four times each in the group stage but, after two victories, Australia look the class of the Commonwealth Bank Series.

That leaves the two touring sides battling for a place in the best-of-three finals.

Fast bowler Shane Bond, who took a hat-trick on Sunday, pinpointed the Black Caps' batting as their weak point at the moment.

"We've struggled with the bat mainly. It hasn't quite clicked into gear for us. We've tried a couple of combinations and things haven't quite worked," he told BBC Radio Five Live.

"We've got the talent in our squad. It's just a matter of getting into gear and I'm sure that will happen some time in this tournament."


"It's just a matter of getting into gear and I'm sure that will happen some time in this tournament"

New Zealand's Shane Bond


England should take advantage of a weakened New Zealand side now because all-rounders Jacob Oram and Scott Styris are expected back from injury in time for the next meeting between the two sides, in Adelaide on 23 January.

Meanwhile, Australia's batsmen again impressed on Sunday, hitting 289-8 thanks to half centuries from Adam Gilchrist and Andrew Symonds and a crashing 45 from Cameron White.

Their bowlers then dismissed New Zealand for 184, only Ross Taylor showing serious resistance with 84.

"He is a good player and is going to be a good player for years to come," said Fleming of Taylor.

"It is the first time he has played in Australia and he responded very well."

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