NZ struggle to find England Achilles heel

Fast bowler Andy Caddick has provocatively described New Zealand as a "bits and pieces" side who cannot match England man-for-man. With the third Test starting on Saturday, it is hard to argue.

New Zealand are in their annual hunt for injury replacements, but that cannot hide the fact that they were outplayed in Christchurch and outgunned in Wellington in all but one session.

If England's focus has not been blurred by the death of team mate Ben Hollioake, only a supreme New Zealand optimist will expect the home side to level the series in the final game in Auckland.

England coach Duncan Fletcher was the man charged with lifting the players in Wellington after the Hollioake news filtered through at the Basin Reserve and he will again try to buoy the team for Eden Park.

Nasser Hussain, who commands almost palpable respect from his players, will also play a major role.

SEAMING PITCH

Another portable pitch is being used and, like the drop-in turf in Christchurch, is likely to offer early help to the seamers before taking turn.

The New Zealand-born Caddick is in fine form for England, with 15 wickets to his credit, including two six-wicket bags, while left-arm spinner Ashley Giles is looking the part after bowling well but with little luck in Wellington, where he sent down 70 overs and took five for 155.

The England batting is also looking solid.

New Zealand have bowled them out just once in the series and, with Marcus Trescothick finally finding some form, Mark Butcher slotting in nicely at first drop and Nasser Hussain looking all class, New Zealand can be excused for being wary of their chances.

Then there's Michael Vaughan, who has threatened without delivering, double-century maker in Christchurch Graham Thorpe and the explosive all-rounder Andy Flintoff adding potency to the tail.

New Zealand, deprived of the injured Chris Cairns, have tweaked their bowling attack by bringing in Andre Adams, a lively medium pacer much in the mould of Craig White and a handy mid-to-late order batsman.

If young pace bowler Ian Butler is rested, Adams will make his debut and will also provide a place for Chris Harris to play his first Test since 1999.

KIWI BLUNDER

Daryl Tuffey is back as well. He was arguably New Zealand's best bowler in the one-day series victory but was not given a shot in the Tests in either Christchurch or Wellington, a decision criticised by former skipper Martin Crowe.

"If I was (captain) Stephen Fleming, I would have preferred someone who had some form and some experience rather than throwing in a rookie like Ian Butler against England," he said.

"It hasn't really worked, which isn't Butler's fault, but experience should rule in the third Test."

The New Zealand batsmen have to perform in the third Test. Lapses in the first innings in Christchurch (147) and the collapse in Wellington, when they went from 135 for one to 218 all out, undermined any hopes they had.

Craig McMillan and Stephen Fleming have yet to really fire so far, while wicketkeeper Adam Parore will hope for a vintage performance in his final Test.

Once described as New Zealand's most technically gifted batsman, a big score and 200 dismissals would be a good retirement present for himself and his country.

Mail Cricket Editor