LONDON, JULY 21: New Zealand start the second Test against England at the Lord's tomorrow - a match they have to win to keep alive their hopes of taking the series.One-nil down with three Tests to play following the Edgbaston defeat at the start of the month, Stephen Fleming's side will take some comfort from England's poor record at cricket's headquarters.The hosts have won only 34 of 94 matches at Lord's and four of the last 22 Tests there.The only problem is that their own Lord's record is even more dismal. New Zealand have never won a Test at the home of cricket - losing five and drawing seven - in their their 12 visits.Skipper Fleming blamed reckless strokeplay for the first Test defeat at Edgbaston, where the Kiwis led by 100 on the first innings but were skittled out for 107 in the second and lost by seven wickets with two days to spare.``Some of the shots we played were reckless and there is no excuse for them,'' said Fleming. ``In Test cricket it's not good enough and it cost usthe match.``We bowled pretty well and that got us into the game, but to win Tests you have to give the bowlers runs to bowl at. The next Test is very important for us, we can't afford to go two down and we've got to play better cricket, especially in the batting area.''The Kiwis will have to make do without strike bowler Simon Doull after he underwent micro-surgery on his right knee a week ago.But fellow bowlers Geoff Allott and Dion Nash are fit after being used sparingly in the Kent game which finished on Sunday, allowing in-form left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori and Chris Cairns good work-outs.``We are pleased with our preparation,'' said Fleming. ``We are in good heart but that doesn't win Test matches. We have got to be really focused on the job but we are all looking forward to Lord's Test because it will be a great occasion.''England will be without Darren Gough, who has just failed to gain full match fitness following his calf injury.Chairman of selectors David Graveney admits the homeside need to ``overcome the gremlins'' they suffered at Edgbaston and Nasser Hussain is determined the Lord's jinx won't spoil his winning start as captain.``It's something we would like to put right,'' said Hussain. ``But as far as I am concerned, we are 1-0 up with three Tests to go.''England may stick with the winning 11 from Edgbaston, though bowler Dean Headley is also in contention.Former captain Alec Stewart, the last player to score a century for England in Melbourne six innings ago, will be under pressure again as he opens the batting with Mark Butcher. Stewart, who lost the captaincy after a poor World Cup, made 1 and 0 in the seven-wicket first Test win.``It was difficult for him playing in his first game not as captain,'' said Graveney. ``It wasn't easy for anyone to bat. We've decided to stand by him - he's a class player. He's had a struggle this year, but we back his ability.''Surrey's Graham Thorpe will play his 100th Test innings in the match.
