Win and runs would be the perfect send-off to World Cup

Paul Hitchcock: called up as cover for Bond for final ODI

Runs, runs, runs has to be the hope for both sides when the seventh and final match of the National Bank Series is played in Hamilton tomorrow.

Conditions couldn't be more of a contrast from those that greeted the sides that met here three weeks ago for the second Test of their series.

The pitch looks a much better proposition, but then after all the pitch problems of this series, it is once again a case of wait and see.

But as the last official outing for the two sides before the World Cup, it is important for both to get their two order batsmen among the runs.

New Zealand are still without their preferred batting options with Nathan Astle opening and Craig McMillan at No 3. Mathew Sinclair will open again with Stephen Fleming and Chris Harris will be at No 3.

Fleming was confident the pitch would be better on this occasion because the groundsman had prepared the ground in a different way and it had been ready for a day and a half.

"It looks a very good surface and it would be great if we could finish on a positive note. The pitch has been used before which is an interesting way to prepare and maybe if it plays well it is something we have to look at a little bit more," he said.

"We've won only 36% of our games so we are in no position to think we have got a strength anywhere. Part of the process this summer has been exploring areas we see as a strength, getting them stronger and strengthening up other areas at the same time."

New Zealand had been off the mark with their bowling in the last game, but they couldn't afford to be off the mark in any aspect of their game.

Little mistakes had crept in when they had not been challenged and going into the last game they had to create challenges, which was the same in all the games since they had taken a 4-0 lead.

"We've looked at areas of strength in the past and put them in the bank. What we need to do is develop different people in that area so that it can be done better.

"What we have done is put players under pressure in different areas looking for a positive response," he said.

The side was looking to turn over every stone in developing a style because the style of the past had not been good enough.

Fleming said they side was closer to the desired philosophy for the World Cup and while there were concerns with form at the top of the order, the philosophy was proving sound.

New Zealand's preparation had been thrown further into disarray as the result of the ear infection suffered by Shane Bond. Wicket-keeper Brendon McCullum was also being checked out after suffering dizzy spells.

As a back-up for Bond, Paul Hitchcock will join the side in Hamilton.