England look forward to put behind all the disappointments
of the One Day Series against New Zealand when they face up with
the hosts in the three match test series starting from the 5th of March 2008.
England have failed to live up to the high expectations set up by their
fans this series and will be eyeing to make that up with their first test series
victory in New Zealand for over fifteen years.
Click for Live Score Card of England V New Zealand
England have failed to live up to high expectations they set up after a couple
of good 20-20 victories early on in the tour and have since then slipped down
against some fine New Zealand cricket performances. England lost out in the
one day series 3-1 with the first two defeats defying excuses and explanations
and though they did register a fight back in the last three, the teams still
looks a bit raw and under tested on paper. There is no shortage of talent though
and the arrival of Monty Panesar and Steve Harmison will indeed provide the
English bowling attack a much needed boost. Matthew Hoggard is still unfit and
it remains to be seen if the fabulous four of England's ashes triumph in 2005
will ever reunite in Union jack colours. Michael Vaughan is back as captain
for this clash and the likes of Dimitri Mascarenhas make the long flight back
home. England last won an away series way back in 2004 December against South
Africa and with the likes of India and South Africa marching up the ante, England
will feel the need to push up the ante to move up the ICC cricket ratings.
New Zealand on the other hand received a much needed boost
in the one day series after a mauling down in South Africa. However, despite
the results it is still an undeniable fact that New Zealand have weakened considerably
over the past six months and will be hard pressed to win the test series with
the ease in which the One Day series. Shane Bond will be sorely missed and his
absence will indeed make a big void in the New Zealand ranks. Stephen Fleming
will be back though for the test series and he will be hoping to guide the likes
of Jamie How and Ross Taylor through to the next level in his last series in
New Zealand colours.
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