Have New Zealand hardened up enough?

Looking ahead to New Zealand's Test series in Australia, Glenn Turner, writing for Fairfax Media, says: "It is fair to say, though, that the talent gap between New Zealand and Australia is much closer than it has been for many years."

Most of New Zealand's discussions will centre on whether to play four or five frontline bowlers. The discussion should be shortlived, because the batting tail is too long if all four seamers play. On a bouncy pitch against quickish bowlers it would be an unexpected bonus for any of our four seamers to contribute much with the bat. Wicketkeeper Reece Young is a useful batsman, but he has limited experience at this level and therefore batting at No 8 makes more sense than No 7. I prefer Daniel Vettori at No 7 rather than No 6 too, which means Dean Brownlie comes in at 6 and can also be used to bowl a few overs.

Adam Parore, writing in the New Zealand Herald, has a different point of view: "Ross Taylor and coach John Wright face one conundrum: do they go for broke and choose five frontline bowlers and drop a batsman, or stick to the tried and trusted formula of six batsmen, wicketkeeper, spinner and three fast-medium bowlers? I'm inclined to think five bowlers is the way to go, and accept that that is something of a punt."

Also in the New Zealand Herald, David Leggat elaborates on the selection system John Buchanan and Kim Littlejohn have put in place in New Zealand.

Here are the relevant percentages which will help decide who makes the cut, and who misses out: 35 per cent significant performance; 25 per cent consistent performance; 15 per cent contribution to the team; 10 per cent fielding; 10 per cent fitness; and 5 per cent selectors' intuition. This plan is the work of NZC director of cricket John Buchanan and his fellow Australian Kim Littlejohn, the national selection manager. Be confident it's not the brainchild of coach and former New Zealand captain John Wright.