Former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond says the Kiwis have their best chance to end a 25-year drought against an Ashes-weary Australia this summer.
Bond believes a wounded Australia will be vulnerable in November against a touring Kiwi Test team revitalised under captain Brendon McCullum and coach Mike Hesson.
And he warmed to the prospect of the Kiwis extending Australia’s Ashes pain by winning their first trans-Tasman Test series since their 1-0 triumph in New Zealand in 1990.
“For New Zealand there is no better time to take on Australia than November,” said Bond, who was unveiled as assistant to Brisbane Heat coach and ex-Kiwi teammate Daniel Vettori on Thursday.
“If the boys play to their potential and we can get everybody fit then we will certainly be competitive.”
Former Kiwi captain Vettori also liked the look of New Zealand’s chances.
“Look at the keys to a team – top order batting, top order bowling. Package it with Brendon’s captaincy and batting and they tick all the boxes of a really good team,” he said.
“There is a lot of optimism in New Zealand cricket at the moment.”
The Test series starts at the Gabba from November 5 and concludes with an historic day-night match in Adelaide from November 27.
New Zealand has shown under McCullum that they can win away, notably their 199-run thumping of England at Headingley to draw the series 1-1 in June.
It was their first win in England since 1999.
However, Bond was also wary of Australia venting their Ashes frustration on world No.4 New Zealand.
“They have had a tough couple of months and will be looking at redemption when they get back home,” he said.
Vettori believed New Zealand’s true progress under McCullum would be gauged in November.
“Whatever Australia is going through at the moment, their home record is always second to none,” he said.
“For New Zealand to come over here and do well is always the toughest task in world cricket.
“That will be the real test for a New Zealand team as a Test match line-up.
“(But) I think they (Kiwis) have the players there at the moment who can win games in all formats and all over the world.”
Meanwhile, Vettori dipped his hat to retiring Australian skipper Michael Clarke ahead of his fifth Test swansong at The Oval.
“For someone who has had such a glittering career you hope that it ends well,” he said.
“From a personal note… he has always been a very tough wicket to get, especially as a spin bowler.
“I rate him exceptionally high as a batsman.”
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