Cricket: Butler hits back at 'popgun' attack label

11.00am

Ian Butler has put a positive spin on the New Zealand pace attack's paucity of test cricket experience, arguing they are no worse off than any other unit preparing to take on Australia.

The Black Caps' bowling attack has been labelled "popguns at 22 yards" by local critics who say Australia can't possibly lose 20 wickets in either the Brisbane or Adelaide test.

"How does that affect us?" Butler asked.

"The reality is no other team in the world has a 1000 test wickets between two players (Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne have 995).

"Every team in the world is going to be light on experience against these guys.

"It's (inexperience) not an excuse," Butler said, after taking three for 47 against New South Wales yesterday.

"I've played eight tests, that's not a lot, but I've been around a while.

"Our whole attack has had success at one time or another -- it's just a matter of deciding who's going to be the best way to go."

Collectively, Butler, James Franklin, Chris Martin and Kyle Mills -- the 12th man for the four-day match against New South Wales - boast just 29 tests; the Australian trio of Glenn McGrath, Jason Gillespie and Michael Kasprowicz tally 185.

The New Zealand selectors will continue to ponder the permutations for the first test at the Gabba today as the Black Caps seek to wrap up the NSW innings early at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The hosts start the penultimate day at 278 for eight, an overall lead of 65.

Defending a sub-standard total of 213 yesterday, the New Zealand attack toiled hard but lacked penetration on a sub-continent style wicket which offered little, if any, assistance.

Left armer James Franklin, who has played just five tests, took three for 70 while offspinner Paul Wiseman (two for 76) was the other wicket taker.

Chris Martin, the most experienced pace bowler with 16 caps, deserved better than 0-40 off 20 overs.

A 93-over slog represented the New Zealand pace attack's first workout before the Gabba test starts next Thursday, and although they kept the run rate sluggish for most of the day, they would be disappointed not to have wrapped up the innings after removing dangerman Dominic Thornely (59), the sixth wicket to fall at 175.

Matthew Nicholson and Jason Krejza overhauled New Zealand's total during their partnership of 54 for the seventh wicket with Krejza continuing on to reach his maiden first class 50 in his third state appearance.

He was the last wicket to fall, caught at slip by Scott Styris for 54.

New Zealand will need to remove Brett Lee (28) early tomorrow before the Australian paceman can add to a scoring splurge included four boundaries and a towering six over long-on off Jacob Oram.

- NZPA