Problems mount for injury-hit Kiwis

But on the eve of the decisive fourth Test, which starts at The Oval tomorrow, there has been a noticeable change of mood in both camps.

The Kiwis have serious injury problems. They were already without first choice paceman Simon Doull, and now Chris Cairns (knee) and Geoff Allott (back) are struggling to be fit in time for tomorrow.

A crushing innings defeat by Essex on Monday has not helped the mood in the Kiwi camp either. Coach Steve Rixon claims his side were not properly focused at Chelmsford.

“We obviously were not up to the game — our minds were planted on the final Test more than anything else,” he said.

“It was a game late in the tour after four months, and I’ll forgive on oneperformance.

“We have played good Test match cricket and we will reinforce all the good things we have done in the series.”

All-rounder Cairns may yet play just as a batsman but Allott is not expected to recover and his place will almost certainly be taken by inexperienced left-arm paceman Shayne O’Connor.

England have responded to the inadequte displays of the last two Tests by axing opener Mark Butcher, Graeme Hick, wicketkeeper Chris Read and Peter Such.

Captain Nasser Hussain, now fully recovered from the fractured finger he sustained in the second Test defeat at Lord’s, will lead the side and uncapped trio Darren Maddy, Graeme Swann and Ed Giddins, who has made a great comeback with Warwickshire since serving an 18-month ban in 1996 after testing positive for cocaine, have also earned call-ups.

Essex all-rounder Ronnie Irani, who played the last of his two Tests against India at Lord’s three years ago, has also been given a recall.

Stewart will once again become wicketkeeper and drop downthe order to bat at No 5 and all the players will be out to impress incoming coach Duncan Fletcher, who takes over after the series.

“The opportunity is there for us to win the series,” said chairman of selectors David Graveney.

“There’s a prospect of an exciting game — it’s the last game for both teams before a new management team comes in, and it’s all there to be won.” The four-match series is currently tied 1-1.

TEAMS

England (from): Mike Atherton, Darren Maddy, Nasser Hussain (capt), Graham Thorpe, Alec Stewart (wk), Mark Ramprakash, Ronnie Irani, Graeme Swann, Andy Caddick, Alan Mullally, Chris Silverwood, Phil Tufnell, Ed Giddins

New Zealand (probable): Matthew Horne, Matthew Bell, Stephen Fleming (capt), Nathan Astle, Roger Twose, Craig McMillan, Adam Parore (wk), Chris Cairns, Daniel Vettori, Dion Nash, Shayne O’Connor.