Sir Richard fancies New Zealand’s chances

Hadlee’s optimism is based partly on New Zealand’s fine performance during the recent World Cup, in which they graduated to the semifinals while England were knocked out in the first round.

“Beating the Australians in Cardiff was a tremendous effort,” Hadlee said. “To get into the semifinals was a fine effort in a tough competition.”

Another reason for hope is New Zealand’s fine home record since Stephen Fleming took over as captain two years ago.

New Zealand settled on a nucleus of players and were rewarded with three successive home series victories in a row although they were comprehensively outplayed by South Africa this year.

As Steve Waugh pointed out,New Zealand enjoy the label of underdogs. They also feel England are vulnerable at the moment with a new captain in Nasser Hussain and extra pressure to succeed after their disappointing World Cup.

New Zealand have had trouble bowling sides out since Sir Richard retired but they now possess one of the best swing bowlers in the world in Simon Doull, one of the outstanding bowlers of the World Cup in Geoff Allott and a fine young spinner in Daniel Vettori.

Their short buildup to Thursday’s 1st Test at Edgbaston has also been impressive. The New Zealanders conceded 554 in the first innings against an understrength Somerset side yet recovered to win by six wickets with 35 overs to spare on Monday.

“In terms of preparation, we have got everyone under way,” said Fleming. “No one is really struggling and that’s a nice way to go into the Test.”

The last word remains with Sir Richard. “If we can just hold it together, get our act together, then there’s no reason why we can’t be very, very competitive inthis series and perhaps go and win another series in this country.”