Cricket: Big scores likely in first test

9:00 AM

The opening cricket test between New Zealand and Zimbabwe starting tonight should produce a run-feast.

Black Caps coach David Trist says the Bulawayo pitch looks even better than the one at Kwekwe where New Zealand scored 677 against Zimbabwe A.

He says it will take a big effort to bowl the opposition out twice and get enough runs to beat them.

Left arm spin bowler Daniel Vettori says the Black Caps will more then likely opt to bat first should they win the toss.

Vettori was just embarking on his test career when New Zealand last toured Zimbabwe three years ago, and he is expecting the pitches to be pretty much the same.

He says last time they were flat with a bit of turn, and if Kwekwe is anything to go by, it will definitely be a bat- first wicket.

The triple century maker from the Zimbabwe A game, Mark Richardson, makes his test debut for New Zealand tonight.

- IRN