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.”
DCNZ
Guest
I hope Cricket Australia promote *Moderators: No need for language* it and we have a return to the good old Deano-Hadlee days when the crowds flocked to watch these contests, the beers flowed and beige brigade fans came out in force.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
I suspect the ground selection may have already decided this somewhat; Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide are probably the three last venues of the seven international grounds in Australia that NZ would've chosen to play on. Kind of viewing it as a 5 match series with the 3 tests in NZ to come in February.
Matt from Armidale
Guest
It would be good to have a competitive home series for a change. Everyone bar SA and NZ seems to get thrashed in Australia and if it isn't the Poms getting slaughtered then everyone just tunes out. I seem to remember the Kiwis fighting all the way to 1-1 last time and everyone in Oz tried to pretend it wasn't darn close. Bring it on!
ColinP
Guest
Fair assessment targa, I think it will be v close. If it was in New Zealand I would have them as serious favourites, seeing both attacks over the summer in England I would happily say New Zealand are much better in terms of skill levels....so unless there is pace in the wicket for Johnson they will be on top
Julian King
Roar Guru
Nice to see Shane Bond has finally done away with the 90s bowl haircut. New Zealand are worthy opponents but I can't see them winning the series on Australian soil. Having said that. it's a nice time to get the Aussies and Kane Williamson is class. He possesses arguably the best techniques in world cricket.
Targa
Guest
Nelw Zealand with the better batting lineup (now Rogers is retiring only Warner and Smith would make the NZ top 7), but as Southee has been down on form only Boult would make the Australian bowling attack (although Craig's excellent batting and slip catching puts him close to Lyon - Lyon's better economy rate just edges it). Hopefully Adam Milne (probably the fastest bowler in the world) is okay injury-wise and can play at the WACA. Combined side Warner (Aus) Latham (NZ) Williamson (NZ) Smith (Aus) Taylor (NZ) McCullum (NZ) or Neesham (NZ) - depends if you want a captain or allrounder Watling (NZ) Johnson (Aus) Hazelwood (Aus) - but a tough one - both teams have depth in fast bowlers Boult (NZ) Lyon (Aus) - not much in this 6 players to 5 - should be a great series
Targa
Guest
Well Shane Bond only ever played 2 tests against Australia and both were draws, (and that was when Australia was a good side) so he never lost a test against them. If this umpire hadn't been deaf on this Vettori caught behind or they'd had DRS back then he probably won have won a test against them as Steve Waugh batted on for a long time after this so Australia escaped with a draw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UlqoVovU9M I also think Bond did okay against Australia in ODIs. NZ is at least as good a side as England, but touring Australia is never easy.
GazzaW
Guest
Australia struggled in England in Classic English conditions on seaming pitch with bowlers who had obviously done their homework. Put those two teams at the WACA and i dare say Australia would most likely win.. NZ has a good team at the moment so could possibly win but I doubt Australia would fail like they did in England.
Brendon
Guest
Maybe if Shane Bond actually managed to beat Australia in a test he'd know what he's talking about. I doubt NZ will win at either the 'Gabba or the WACA. No tests at Bellerive Oval, Hobart with New Zealand like conditions where they won a test in 2011.
Wasted1
Guest
Yep i definitely agree that we'd need to bat first with a couple of big hundreds. "Mark Craig will turn it square on the 5th day (after bowling pies in the 1st innings)" - Even turning it square he hardly looks a handful when bowling. I'm still unconvinced hes good enough to be our test spinner. Although he hasn't had too bad of a time so far. I just find he bowls far too short too often. Although his batting is definitely very handy. I'm a big fan of Sodhi to be honest. But hes not ready for test cricket. He's definitely getting better though, has bowled some great lines in the ODI series over SA/Zim. Also another handy batsman. Only downside is his fielding is definitely not up to scratch for a NZ team.
Jameswm
Guest
Any team does pretty well when they bat first and score 450.
Red Kev
Roar Guru
I just want it 1-all going to Adelaide because I have tickets to that test match.
Targa
Guest
NZ needs to bat first score 450 - Williamson and Watlng ton up, build pressure and Mark Craig will turn it square on the 5th day (after bowling pies in the 1st innings) after Boult gets new ball wickets. That is how we win most of our tests. The key is the (one) Mitch(es). NZ can struggle against express pace, which is why having former openers McCullum and Watling in the middle order has helped.
Jameswm
Guest
I remember this same NZ optimism before the WC final, when Australia took them apart. I think the Aussies will be hell bent on restoring their reputation. And if we win the last Ashes test, it will help our confidence. I think the key for us is our top 3 leaving the ball well at the start (sound familiar?). Boult and Southee will get some swing with the new ball, but runs will come much more easily after the first 20 overs. Be patient then, and cash in.