Cricket: Good start crucial for squad says Sir Richard

Ross Taylor

The Black Caps batting line up is wicket savvy but stuttering early tonight can change the nature of the opening test match in the blink of an eye.

That's the verdict of Sir Richard Hadlee, who was in Hawke's Bay to fulfil guest-speaking obligations.

Should the Mike Hesson-coached Kiwis crumble to 2-20 and 3-30 at Lords then psychologically it will become a different ball game.

"If we get off to a good start then there's the likes of [Ross] Taylor, [Brendon] McCullum and [Kane] Williamson who can get some good scores," says Hadlee.

"The side needs the likes of Taylor and McCullum to be effective."

The Black Caps batting line up is solid, boasts flair, talent and has ability.

"England, I think, is the place to perform and make your mark so, hopefully, they'll rise to the occasion."

Hadlee says it's about making the most of one's opportunities.

Martin Guptill, Hamish Rutherford and Tom Latham are in the equation to open in the two-match series.

While two-ton Latham didn't play in the limited-overs World Cup here, Hadlee says he's had a promising start in the red-ball format.

"So it's a big opportunity for him to get it right," Hadlee says of the young Cantabrian.

Guptill, he feels, is forcing his way into consideration while Rutherford, if he gets another dig, also needs to seize the moment.

Not much has been written or said about CD veteran Taylor but Hadlee says his resume speaks volumes.

"Ross is an important member of the side and a quality player and his test record suggests that, averaging 46.

"That puts him as one of our best ever, statistically, so there's a lot of pressure on him to perform and I think he'll want to as well."

Bar Williamson, Kiwi batsmen facing spin has been a problem but Hadlee doesn't think it'll be an issue in England.

"It's the seam, swing bowlers who tend to do well but I think there's a great opportunity for Mark Craig. He doesn't look out of place, taken the opportunity well and got wickets," he says, stressing off-spinners will prevail more than leggies or left-arm orthodox.