Cricket: Their laughs are on us

By RICHARD BOOCK


Not for the first time in recent exchanges, New Zealand have almost been laughed out of town over their theories on Australia's fifth-day weaknesses.

An eerily-similar build-up to New Zealand's 2001 series opener at the Gabba continued yesterday with Australian captain Ricky Ponting nearly choking with laughter over a suggestion that the world champions were vulnerable in a final-day shoot-out.

New Zealand's strategy for the first test starting today has been the source of much discussion over the past weeks, particularly in terms of their only realistic option; playing as defensively as possible to increase Australian risk-taking.

John Bracewell started the ball rolling on Tuesday when he claimed that, since 2001, Australia had won only 33 per cent of tests that continued into the fifth day.

It was almost an exact replica of the theory floated by coach Denis Aberhart in 2001; an idea that, when revealed to a supporters' club breakfast on the morning of the first day, almost brought the house down.

"He can think whatever he wants," Ponting said. "If we're in a position to get a result on the fifth day, I'll be backing our side to beat theirs, there's no doubt about that."

Ponting said he was prepared to take Bracewell's word on the fifth-day stats. "But what about what's happened on the third or fourth days?"

New Zealand had previously rejected the idea that the same strategy would be carried into this month's series, but all the signs are pointing to a similar game-plan, not least the way the team have been practising in the nets.

Most of the bowlers have been training their line outside off-stump, and the batsmen have looked cautious and quick to shoulder arms to anything not threatening the stumps.

And lending more weight to the suggestion is the fact that New Zealand simply have no better option but to make Australia work as hard as possible throughout the test.

Ponting, at least, said he believed that was where the test match was heading, and that his team had discussed the difficulties of making all the play against a defensively-minded opponent.

"That could well be their game plan," he said. "We've discussed what they might come up with and I think trying to slow our scoring rate will be one of their aims.

"But we've had to put up with that in different tests around the world over the past 10 years, so I think we'll be ready for anything New Zealand throw at us this time around."

Australia have a formidable record at the Gabba, having not lost there since being trounced by the West Indies in 1998.

So confident are the present side that Ponting not only named his playing XI yesterday, he also confirmed that he would bat if he won the toss.

In contrast, New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming conceded he was more conservative when it came to pre-test predictions and that he couldn't rule out a steamy and overcast Brisbane day tempting him to consider his options.

But he said Australia's decision to make Brett Lee 12th man was another reminder of the startling depth of talent at the home side's disposal.

"I'm not surprised someone had to go," Fleming said.

"I guess that's what happens when your cupboard's overflowing.

"But I still think they've got three really good bowlers and for Brett Lee not to be chosen just demonstrates the scary depth of players here."

Test line-ups

Australia: Ricky Ponting (c), Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Damien Martyn, Darren Lehmann, Michael Clarke, Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne, Jason Gillespie, Michael Kasprowicz, Glenn McGrath.

New Zealand (possible): Stephen Fleming (c), Mark Richardson, Mathew Sinclair, Scott Styris, Nathan Astle, Craig McMillan, Jacob Oram, Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori, James Franklin, Ian Butler.