Cricket: Kiwis take an early look at Cup target

Northern Districts wicketkeeper Rory Christopherson celebrates as Afghanistan opener Nasir Jamal is bowled by James Baker for 55 during the tourists' World Cup warmup game at Mt Maunganui yesterday. ND went on to win the match by five wickets. Picture / Alan Gibson

New Zealand are leaving little to chance in their preparations for the cricket World Cup early next year.

A squad of 19 players left yesterday for a two-day camp in Melbourne, and while coach Mike Hesson said it should not be read as a closed book on the players in the frame to make the final World Cup 15, it's fair to assume the bulk, at least, will come from this group.

Along with spending some bonding time together, there are some boxes which can be ticked off, one of them done yesterday at the vast Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The MCG will host the cup final on March 29. New Zealand have yet to make a cup final, but there is a confidence within the leading group of players that this represents a fine opportunity to break that duck.

So the time in Melbourne included checking out the MCG. For most in the group playing there would be a new experience.

Only six players of those either certain or strong contenders to make the cup squad, have played an ODI in Melbourne - former captain Dan Vettori, skipper Brendon McCullum, Kyle Mills, Ross Taylor, Martin Guptill and Tim Southee.

New Zealand haven't played a test on the ground since the celebrated 1987 match , which ended with Australia nine wickets down and Richard Hadlee being thwarted in the final over by tailender Mike Whitney. That was 10 years before the most experienced player, Vettori, first played for his country.

Since then, New Zealand have played 16 tests in Australia - six at Brisbane, four at each of Perth and Hobart and two in Adelaide.

New Zealand have played 19 ODIs in Melbourne, but only five since 2000.

The visit yesterday enabled players to snap photos and familiarise themselves with the venue. It is a smart move. New Zealand might have a quarter-final in Melbourne, if they finish second in their group during the cup.

However pitching up cold for the final - if New Zealand make it - before 80,000 people would be a daunting prospect.

"It's pretty good forward planning by the management, so it's not such a shock, and they get a feel for the place," experienced seamer Kyle Mills said. "This is where we want to be come the end of the World Cup."

4 facts about NZ at the MCG

Four out of five
Since 2000, New Zealand have played only five ODIs in Melbourne - four at the MCG, one at Docklands Stadium.

New territory
Of the World Cup squad contenders, only seven have played at the stadium.

Veteran Dan
Dan Vettori has played all five, Kyle Mills, Brendon McCullum and Ross Taylor two each, Martin Guptill, Tim Southee and former Australian wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi one each.

NZ's chances
NZ could play at the MCG twice at the World Cup - if they finish second in group A and play the third placegetter in group B, and in the final.