Key - Kiwis are a threat

Kent skipper delivers warning ahead of opening Test

By Joe Drabble   Last updated: 12th May 2008

Robert Key England Kent

Key: England warning

They're a very well oiled outfit, really. You can't underestimate them.

Rob Key
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Rob Key has warned England not to underestimate an "improving" New Zealand side ahead of the first Test at Lord's on Thursday.

Key has been able to cast a close eye on the touring side after he skippered the England Lions against the Black Caps at the Rose Bowl last week, as well as hitting an unbeaten century in a rain interrupted warm-up game at Canterbury at the end of April.

And the 29-year-old believes the Black Caps have the ability to cause England some discomfort in the upcoming series after a number of key players have re-joined the tourists squad after participating in the inaugural Indian Premier League.

Well oiled

"They're certainly an improving side, I think," Key said.

"I played them in one of their first games on tour and there was a bit more life in the Rose Bowl pitch.

"They're a very well oiled outfit, really. You can't underestimate them.

"They haven't got that legend of the game coming in, there's no Murali, no Warne, that sort of thing, but they're a very well-drilled outfit.

"They stick to their plans pretty well and it's our job to negate that and try be as positive as you can. They know their game and they just stick to it and it's whether or not you're up to it."

Despite only managing a draw against the Lions, New Zealand will still be entering the opening Test with confidence having delivered a solid performance at the Rose Bowl following victory over Essex.

Kiwi vice-captain Brendon McCullum said: "I think this was a thorough workout leading into the Test match.

Vettori hope

"I think we got through some pretty sound work for the bowlers and the batsmen really put their hands up and took their opportunities.

"Hopefully we lead into the Test match with some real confidence after this display."

New Zealand were without influential captain Daniel Vettori for the Lions clash and McCullum admits he and his team-mates are praying their skipper recovers from a cut to his left index finger in time for the series opener.

"We're crossing our fingers that he's going to be all right," he said.

"He's such a huge part of our team captaincy-wise, bowling-wise and also with the bat and to have such an experienced player like that on the sidelines is obviously a huge frustration.

"If Daniel's playing it certainly gives us a lot more opportunity to win a series than what it does without him."