Cricket: Black Caps shrug off Aussie sledging

5.00pm

BRISBANE - New Zealand cricket coach John Bracewell admits he'd be more worried if Australian stars were not publicly targeting key Black Caps players in the lead-up to tomorrow's first test here at the Gabba.

The Australians have unashamedly talked up their chances of retaining the Trans-Tasman Trophy by taking aim at New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming, experienced batsman Nathan Astle and leading bowler Daniel Vettori before the two-test series.

Warne said he wanted to "nail" good mate Fleming, McGrath identified Astle as his prize scalp and opening bat Matthew Hayden vowed to knock Vettori off his stride early to land a psychological blow ahead of the second test (November 26-30) at the spin-friendly Adelaide Oval.

Bracewell, who played in New Zealand's historic 2-1 series triumph here in 1985, said the so-called intimidation originated from a well-worn script.

"It's just history repeating itself," Bracewell said.

"They just have a set of lines they've been using since I've been coming over here and it's exactly the same story, just a different name saying it. It's just repetitious," an unimpressed but non-offended Bracewell said.

"Greg Chappell said it, Ian said it before that, Dennis Lillee said it but it's a one-line script," said the former offspinner who admitted: "I'd be more worried if they didn't say it -- then you wonder 'what's the trick?"'

Brisbane-born batsman Scott Styris labelled the regular pre-series talk of targeting key players as a yawn.

"There's no surprises in their tactics because it happens before every series and every test they play in. It means nothing these days."

However, Styris, who is yet to play a test against Australia, said he was looking forward to copping a sledge or two out in the middle.

"McGrath only has a chat if he feels you are any good... ," he said. "It would be nice if he talks to me this series."

- NZPA