Aggression the key for 3rd Test: Fleming

New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming said his team will adopt an aggressive approach in an attempt to wrest the Test series from England's grasp when the third and final match starts on Saturday.

England lead the series 1-0 after they won the first Test in Christchurch by 98 runs and the second match in Wellington was drawn.

"Sometimes it can be easier if you have to win," Fleming said. "England can get away with a draw and win the series, but we have to win so aggression is the key.

"I'd rather be in England's position than in ours, though."

Fleming said victory in Auckland would cap off a successful season for New Zealand.

"It is similar to the situation we faced in the last one-dayer. We won that after losing the two previous ones and won the series.

"If we win this Test we can look back on a good summer, but if we lose I will be pretty disappointed."

Chris Harris, who played his last Test in India in 1999, will slot into the batting order at number four and Fleming will move up to three.

"Chris has been batting at four for Canterbury and had a good season," he said.

"Nathan Astle and Craig McMillan are a good combination at five and six and while I like four, I relish the challenge of three.

"I didn't consider opening with Mark Richardson. Lou Vincent's got that job and he's done it well in the past."

Fleming said England had played good cricket so far in the series.

"Our job is to lift our standards in all departments. We all understand that, but so far we haven't delivered."

New Zealand had Test umpire Brent Bowden helping the bowlers in practice on Thursday checking on their no-balls.

"I was pretty disappointed with the number of no balls we bowled in England's first innings in Wellington," Fleming said.

New Zealand lost two wickets through over-stepping and the captain said they had adopted a match situation in practice to try and stop the habit.

The Test marks the end of wicketkeeper Adam Parore's career and Fleming paid tribute to him by saying he was the best gloveman in the world.

"He's determined to do well. He's been disappointed with his standards in the first two Tests and he wants to finish on a high."

Also read:
- Astle blazes fastest double ton but England win
- Vincent helps New Zealand salvage draw

Images:
- Eng vs NZ 2nd Test (Day 5)
- NZ v Eng: 1st Test (Day 3)

Mail Cricket Editor