Cricket: Black Caps out to strike early blows

Tim Southee will lead the Black Caps while Brendon McCullum has a rest. Photo / Brett Phibbs

New Zealand won't turn their nose up at the idea of scoring a few psychological blows in their first two tour matches in Canberra this week.

The Australian sides representing the Prime Minister's XI (one-day pink ball game) and the Cricket Australia XI (two-day red ball match) have several players pressing for spots in the first test side for Brisbane.

New Zealand bowlers nailing early scalps of those players has some appeal to coach Mike Hesson, but he has other priorities on his mind.

"Possibly yeah. But it's more about our guys getting right (for the first test, starting on November 5)," he said yesterday.

"We've had one first class game (in the Plunket Shield last week) but we'll use the next seven days to make sure we're firing from a skill level perspective. If we get a bonus of knocking a few guys over cheaply we'll take it. But the key is getting ready for that first morning in Brisbane."

Australian batting hopefuls appearing in one-day Matador Cup games yesterday didn't exactly set the scoreboard alight.

Veteran Adam Voges hit 81 off 106 balls for Western Australia against Queensland, but Shaun Marsh (10) and Cameron Bancroft (0) missed out. Usman Khawaja, who played against New Zealand on their 2011 tour with modest success and captains the Cricket Australia side at the weekend, made 13 for Queensland.

Hesson confirmed captain Brendon McCullum will sit tomorrow's opener out, along with wicketkeeper BJ Watling and probably class batsman Kane Williamson. Seamer Tim Southee is expected to lead New Zealand in the one-dayer.

Hesson indicated plans are in place for all players to keep them active in the leadup to Brisbane.

McCullum was back hitting balls yesterday and "he's very much on track" after his trip to London to testify in the Chris Cairns perjury trial.

Hesson said it had not been a distraction as "we've known the time line for a long time. He's great. He's enjoyed being back with the group."

The New Zealand first test team is fairly settled, with "one or two" places under consideration.

"We do have depth. We've had guys come in and done well due to injury, so when the current guys come back they're chomping at the bit."

The third seamer role for the first test, between Matt Henry and Doug Bracewell, is one for which form may be a determining factor as opposed to any pre-conceived notions.

And Hesson made it clear he fancies an allrounder, which is a clear pointer Jimmy Neesham is strongly placed for the No 6 role - although young spinner/batsman Mitchell Santner could throw up a challenge in the coming week - with the expectation his medium pacers can do a quality supporting role.

He's not getting ahead of the game, but hopes his team can play well and earn respect from the Australians in their own back yard.

Tall left arm seamers have been requested for their net sessions, to try and mimic the threat posed by Mitchell Starc.

He's ranked No 2 in ODI cricket, which isn't relevant for this tour, and No 20 in tests. Fellow left arm quick Mitchell Johnson sits at No 6, so the pair are reasonably comparable to New Zealand's Trent Boult (fourth) and Tim Southee (10th).

Hesson hopes to see Boult and Southee getting the ball to swing in Brisbane as he maintains any side struggles against quality bowlers who can utilise that skill.

"Tim and Trent are pretty good exponents. If those two get it right, and it does swing, they can put any side under pressure, and Australia are no exception to that," Hesson said.