Cricket: Aussies open fire on the besieged Kiwis

By RICHARD BOOCK


New Zealand's embattled cricketers were retreating further into their shells yesterday as doubts over their test prospects mounted and Australia's top bowlers started naming their preferred victims.

Hammered by New South Wales, distracted by injury problems, and still unsure over the availability of their skipper, New Zealand have been given almost no chance in the opening test, and already appear to have the makings of a decent siege mentality.

To make matters worse, their opponents - far from being worried about developing a superiority complex - have begun their seasonal habit of taking pre-series pot-shots at them, and are unlikely to ease off as the test draws nearer.

First out of the blocks was star spinner Shane Warne, who singled out an ailing Stephen Fleming for some special treatment at the Gabba, telling reporters the New Zealand skipper usually struggled to read him.

"Stephen Fleming is the man I am nailing," Warne said yesterday. "He is my mate and I'm going to nail him. I'm going to give it to him.

"No more Mr Nice Guy for him. I want to really test him out.

"I am really going after him. We will enjoy a beer after it, but I want his wicket.

"Hopefully the quicks get him, but if they don't I will try to nail him because I am not sure he picks exactly what I bowl.

"There will be a bit of sledging going on out there and a beer afterwards."

Warne continued to bait the visitors, declaring that he was more of an allrounder against New Zealand because of his success against them in the past with the bat.

Next into the fray was Australian fast-bowling star Glenn McGrath, who promised to target Nathan Astle, even if it meant leaving nothing for Warne.

Then it was Matthew Hayden's turn, the big Queensland batsman promising to make life tough for the New Zealand bowling attack, and particularly left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori.

"He [Vettori] is the key to their attack and will be under pressure here," said Hayden, who believed the Gabba pitch would offer less for the slow bowlers than the second test venue at Adelaide.

At the moment, the biggest talking point for New Zealand supporters is the question of Fleming's undiagnosed virus and the likelihood of him being well enough to lead the side on Thursday.

A decision on his availability may be announced tomorrow, although coach John Bracewell could delay a call until the morning of the test to give his key batsman every possible opportunity.

But, as if that's not enough, there is also concern over Vettori's shoulder injury, the status of Astle's back, and a hamstring strain suffered by Mathew Sinclair, the only New Zealand batsman to emerge from the New South Wales game with much credit.

The strain was certainly starting to show yesterday, when the touring party refused to speak to the media on their arrival, snubbed New Zealand reporters at their hotel, and waited until after 9pm (NZ time) to grant any interviews.

They arrived after a weekend in which the Australian rugby and league sides were beaten. The Sydney Morning Herald ran a headline declaring, "Wallabies walloped, Kangaroos crushed, just be glad for the netballers and thank God we're playing New Zealand at cricket".