Slater slated for big score as Aussies chase another record

The bowlers dragged Australia to a 62-run win in the first Test in Auckland last week after the batsmen failed to adjust to a turning wicket in their first hit-out since breaking a stack of records during the One-day season.

“I don’t think we played Test match cricket in the last two innings at Eden Park and we’ve talked about being more responsible and protecting our wicket a bit more,” Waugh said.

The Basin Reserve wicket will be more suitable for the batsman, even though it almost glowed yellow on Thursday when ground staff peeled off the covers for the first time in 36 hours. It is expected to flatten out after the first morning, which could test Slater’s promise that his scoring drought is about to end.

The explosive opener failed to reach double figures in his last four Test innings after surging through one of his best years. “It’s got to be put into perspective. The game goes in cycles and at the moment, I’ve had a few Tests without big performances but it will happen and it will happen soon,” Slater said.

“My feet are moving well and I’m seeing the ball early. Because of that, it’s only a matter of time and it’s all about feeling good about yourself. It’s not like I’m feeling that I’m struggling. The runs aren’t there to show but they will be shortly given that I keep working hard. I’ve got a good mental approach and with those ingredients it will lead to success.”

Slater and his opening partner Greg Blewett need a solid stand to stave off the challenge of reserve opener Matthew Hayden, who watched from the stands last week as the stand failed to pass 10 for the eighth consecutive Test innings. New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming admitted the Aussie openers had been vulnerable but he did not fall into the trap of saying it would be a weak link in this Test.

Fleming indicated that left-arm swing bowler Shayne O’Connor would play at the expense of off-spinner Paul Wiseman but the Australians were likely to stick with the same team. Off-spinner Colin Miller was still in line for selection after his six wickets in Auckland, even though the conditions prompted Waugh to consider throwing swing bowler Damien Fleming back into the fray.

Four of the six Tests at the Basin Reserve ground between Australia and New Zealand have been drawn.

Teams

Australia (from): Steve Waugh (captain), Michael Slater, Greg Blewett, Justin Langer, Mark Waugh, Damien Martyn, Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne, Brett Lee, Colin Miller, Glenn McGrath, Damien Fleming.

New Zealand (from): Stephen Fleming (captain), Craig Spearman, Matthew Horne, Mathew Sinclair, Nathan Astle, Craig McMillan, Chris Cairns, Adam Parore, Daniel Vettori, Simon Doull, Shayne O’Connor, Paul Wiseman.