NZ pitch in for pre-test practice

News that the Black Caps batsmen have been preparing for the start of tomorrow's test against Australia by replicating match conditions had one wag wondering if that meant they'd been practising walking back to the pavilion too.

Rather than just the usual diet of nets, New Zealand have gone for open-wicket sessions on an old pitch, two along the Basin Reserve block from the test strip, to try to get the best feel possible for how the real thing will play against Australia.

In New Zealand's four previous test matches this summer, No4 batsman Ross Taylor has come in at two for 27, two for none, two for five, two for 36, two for 82, two for 57 and two for 52. That would lead you to fairly wonder if the vice-captain is getting just as early a crack during the open-wicket sessions.

"We're just trying to bat as long as we can," Taylor said of the pre-match practice.

"We're trying to simulate as much of the game condition as we can, simulating drinks breaks and sessions as well. We've got [batting consultant] Martin Crowe here, who's been a big help to all the players, and over the next couple of days we just need to bat as much as we can.

"We're training for 3 1/2-four hours [at a time] so I guess traditionally if you want to get a test hundred you've got to bat over four and bit hours to do that, so it's been good and hopefully it works and we can keep doing it."

That would leave the make-up of the bowling attack the only issue to be resolved. The southerly was whipping through the Basin yesterday and with similar conditions expected throughout the match the "into the wind" role likely to be a crucial one.

South Australian quick Peter George has been called into the Australian Test squad for the tour of New Zealand as cover for Ryan Harris who is suffering from side soreness.

- © Fairfax NZ News