Craig plays down England's home advantage

New Zealand have an ignominious history to contend with on their tour to England - they have not won a Test in the country in 16 years. But riding on an exceptional season of cricket culminating with their impressive run to the World Cup final, offspinner Mark Craig believes New Zealand are well prepared.

The squad has not played international cricket since March, but Craig trusts in the experience available to overcome any rust.

"I think all the boys that are overseas have played enough, and played in England so they know what to expect," he said. "I don't think it's so much an advantage. I think the boys are professional enough, and can slip in to conditions relatively quickly. I think the boys will be fine.

"I think it was massive, those six weeks with the World Cup. The whole nation got behind us, and we had people who weren't exactly cricket fans who are now fans. And the boys will look to ride on the back of that"

England, though, have aces of their own. Joe Root has amassed 1101 runs at an average of 110.10 - the best among batsmen in the last 12 months. James Anderson is the leading wicket-taker in the same period, not to mention in England's history, and he resurrected a Test that was headed for a draw in St George's.

"I think they'll be extremely tough over there at home, a few crucial players [are doing well] and [James] Anderson is bowling very well," Craig said. "So like I said before, we'll have to be on point to hopefully get a win over there. "

The last time New Zealand won a Test in England, at the Oval in 1999, resulted in a series win and Craig has said they were "definitely" hoping for an encore.

The ingredients are also available. Besides Brendon McCullum's value as a leader, he has strung a triple and two double-hundreds since 2014. Kane Williamson also has over 1000 Test runs in the last 12 months at an average of 89.16.

On the bowling front, Tim Southee and Trent Boult have been hailed as New Zealand's best ever new-ball pair by Richard Hadlee, and Craig was happy to agree. "I think they can swing anything, they can swing a square ball. They'll be relishing to bowl with those Duke balls"

On his mandate in the bowling line up, Craig said "it's more of a holding role and try to tie an end up for the big boys running down the other end. So, looking to try and do that as well as I can."