Cricket: Elliott wary of Zimbabwe's home turf heroics

Grant Elliott is rejected by an upset Dale Steyn of South Africa. File photo / Jason Oxenham.

New Zealand will be on guard when they face Zimbabwe in the opening ODI of their four-game visit in Harare on Sunday.

The short trip could trouble New Zealand, who are without four of their best players - including captain Brendon McCullum - who are either injured or recharging the batteries. They face a Zimbabwe side who are no strangers to troubling more highly ranked teams in their own country.

The New Zealanders flew to Zimbabwe early yesterday, after blowing away the cobwebs against local selections in Potchefstroom. A T20 game was won by 73 runs and a 35-over knockabout by 114 runs on Tuesday.

Opener Tom Latham followed his T20 unbeaten 60 off 39 balls with 51 off 56, Grant Elliott rattled up 54 in 33 balls, and Luke Ronchi 32 off 19 deliveries.

Legspinner Ish Sodhi (three for 27 off six overs) and left-armer Ben Wheeler (3 for 23 off 6.3) came out best among the bowlers against a North West selection for whom Colin Munro whacked 50 off 40 balls against his teammates.

"A lot of guys have been playing cricket so it was good to get on our legs and into the rhythm before going to Zimbabwe," Elliott said. "I have been on a diet of T20 cricket in England [for Leicestershire] so it was nice to bat a bit of time."

The Wellington veteran noted Zimbabwe's recent series against India, which although lost 3-0, produced some useful form from some of the Zimbabweans. There is also the knowledge that Zimbabwe will see this as a fine opportunity to hand out a black eye to the visitors.

"They're quite tough to beat at home, they know their conditions well so it'll be about adapting as quickly as we can."

It's a tour of opportunity for several players, given the absence of seam bowling spearheads Trent Boult and Tim Southee and allrounder Corey Anderson. The newest face, Central Districts lefthander George Worker, made runs in both games.

"It's nice to be around the new guys and give them confidence and see how they perform. It'll be a good challenge on this tour," Elliottadded.

Four games in Zimbabwe will be followed by three ODIs and two T20s against South Africa.