Cricket: Black Caps 'a good chance' to topple Australia

BJ Watling, left, and Brendon McCullum. Photo / Mark Mitchell.

New Zealand wicketkeeper BJ Watling rates his team "a good chance" to topple Australia in their three-test series starting in Brisbane next week.

It's been 30 years since New Zealand, spearheaded by Richard Hadlee's 15 wickets, beat Australia at the Gabba. Australia have built a formidable record at the Brisbane venue.

However Watling, relishing the prospect of three tests in Australia, reckons New Zealand are in good shape.

"We've definitely got a good chance. We've got a settled side, but we know they are a quality opposition," Watling said today.

"They have quality players and we need to play well against them, need to be at our best to challenge them.

"We did manage to beat them at Hobart four years ago, but a three-test series here is brilliant and we're looking forward to stepping up."

Watling said, amid speculation that Australia will push for the pink ball test in Adelaide to be changed back to a traditional red ball, that preparations from the New Zealand end will continue for the inaugural pink ball match.

"We'll prepare as if the schedule stays the same. We'll worry about it if it changes a bit later but we can't do much about that."

Watling does not believe Australia will be particularly vulnerable, even though they are in a transition stage, especially in their batting department.

"The Aussies know their conditions, how to bowl and bat on them. We've got to be on our game and make sure our plans are right for the Gabba."

And Watling ruled out any lifting the intensity of the on-field verbals as any sort of payback for the Australians attitude during the World Cup final in Melbourne where, led by retired wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, they dished out unwanted advice during the match, won comfortably by Australia.

"I don't think so. We'll keep playing the way we play and deal with situations at the time. Australia will play their way.

"We were obviously disappointed to lose it (the final) but it's test cricket now, not one-day cricket."