I don't see a major problem in a drawn-out and hard-fought result against Zimbabwe for the Black Caps. If they'd cantered to an easy win in four days, and many would expect no less against the minnow of all minnows, I don't believe it would have done our cricketers that
Mark Richardson: Aussie series vital for us
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New Zealand in Australia, however, always stimulates interest. Games always rate well on Sky Sport and for New Zealanders a tour of Australia is still viewed very much as the proving grounds. Australia are not held in the same awe as they once were but it is still a team of abundant quality and has a hard edge to it. Performances against Australia will rate highly with the armchair critic.
An admirable performance in the two-test series in Australia may not immediately raise the international profile of New Zealand cricket but it will do a world of good. It will set the summer off in the right direction and inject some badly needed respect into our summer game.
The big and badly needed pay day for New Zealand Cricket comes later in the summer when South Africa tour and the Black Caps need to build interest and anticipation for that.
A poor showing in Australia followed by the rather underwhelming prospect of Zimbabwe in New Zealand will flatten the feeling for cricket even before we hit the real part of the summer.
The good news is I feel relatively confident about this Australian tour. I'm excited about the batting because there is some experience and quality there that will be keen to prove a point in Australia - and that mentality often brings the best out in our key batsmen.
I'm still concerned about the lack of penetration in the bowling but the ball does swing in Australia which will help Tim Southee, Chris Martin and Doug Bracewell no end.