Patched-up teams square up for second Test

England and New Zealand go into the second Test in Wellington on Thursday with a patched-up look after the first Test in Christchurch took its injury toll.

New Zealand are worst off, once again having to shuffle their bowling attack after the loss of the experienced Chris Cairns for the rest of the series with a continuation of knee problems

They may also have to do without left-arm orthodox spinner Daniel Vettori because of his troublesome back.

England have batsman Mark Butcher probably sitting out this match to give his damaged finger further rest, while skipper Nasser Hussain reported himself fit after injuring his hand during New Zealand's second innings in Christchurch.

The same cannot be said for Hussain's counterpart Stephen Fleming. He dislocated a finger during fielding practice on Monday and while he later batted with no discomfort, he said he was unlikely to field at his favoured first slip in the Test.

New Zealand have drafted in medium fast Daryl Tuffey to replace Cairns and one-day specialist Chris Harris as back-up for Vettori.

Fleming said on Wednesday that he had become used to having less than a full strength bowling line-up after injuries to all top line bowlers at some stage over the last 18 months.

INEXPERIENCED BOWLERS

"While it is not ideal, we have had to bring in inexperienced bowlers to replace the experienced ones who are injured," he said.

"But whereas 12 months ago they might have been raw, now they have some experience behind them.

"Chris Cairns is a world class player and we will miss him, there's no doubt about that, but his absence puts the responsibility on others and often someone steps up. They might not be as dynamic, but there is some good quality there."

Butcher is unlikely to play his 37th Test in Wellington, so all-rounder Craig White may be called up to give the batting a boost and also do some donkey work with his medium fast bowling into what promises to be a stiff, gusting northerly wind for at least the first three days of the Test.

Matthew Hoggard will get that job with the new ball, but his workload in Christchurch suggests he will enjoy the demand, especially with the chance of some decent swing movement.

Hoggard's new ball partner, Andy Caddick, has talked up England's chances in the media by describing New Zealand as a "bits and pieces" team.

Fleming refused to comment on Caddick's phrase, perhaps playing it safe after he went public about the perceived lack of respect New Zealand cricket got in England, particularly after the Kiwis won the 1999 series with the final win at the Oval.

DROPPED CATCHES

The timing of Fleming's comments was appropriate, giving a bit of bite going into the opening test, but unfortunately for much of the game New Zealand could not deliver and demand the desired respect from the opposition.

Both captains have put the hard word on their team to sharpen up their fielding. Dropped catches marred the first outing, with New Zealand being the worst culprits with two misses effectively losing them the match.

Fleming, with 96 catches from 66 Tests to his name, mostly at first slip, put down Hussain with a relatively easy one when he was 52 in England's first innings. Hussain went on to get 106 and England a respectable 228 after being two wickets for nought.

Nathan Astle dropped Graham Thorpe on four. Thorpe went on to score an unbeaten 200 not out and earned the man of the match award.

"We fumbled our way through the first three days in Christchurch," Fleming said. "It showed the value of good fielding. You saw what Hussain and Thorpe did. It just wasn't good enough."

Mail Cricket Editor