KEY POINTS:
NORTHAMPTON - Runs for New Zealand's under-performing top-order and a keen contest for pace bowling spots in the third test is the focus for tomorrow's three-day cricket tour match against Northamptonshire.
Coach John Bracewell indicated opener Aaron Redmond and No 3 James Marshall would retain their spots in Nottingham next week but need some confidence-boosting runs, while Peter Fulton takes Jamie How's place as he rests a chipped bone in his left ring finger.
Redmond and Marshall have managed two useful starts apiece in four test innings in the series, but neither has kicked on past 30.
Bracewell said it was too easy to blame the top-order for their six-wicket defeat in the second test at Old Trafford, after the much-discussed second innings collapse for 114.
New Zealand's fourth wicket has fallen at 76, 115, 123 and 85 in the series to date.
"It's experience, we've got a young batting lineup and we've got to work with them and keep faith with them," Bracewell said.
"They're really good cricketers, they're giving us opportunities to win test matches but we're just not taking them."
Redmond has scored nought, 17, 28 and six in his first four test innings but already reached a significant milestone with the in-form How in the first innings at Old Trafford.
The pair put on 80 for the first wicket which was New Zealand's best opening stand in four years, since Mark Richardson and Stephen Fleming's 163 in Nottingham four years ago.
How, who is determined to play in the third test despite his injury, hoped Redmond would be given an extended run by the New Zealand selectors.
"Hopefully it's some progress because it's not a great stat," How said of the ordinary run of opening partnerships since 2004.
"We're working hard to make the position our own and if we'll hopefully see some good results.
"Aaron's good to bat with. We have a bit of a laugh out there, even if we play and miss or nick one through the slips now and again, it's always nice to have someone there that's level headed and with a determined fighting nature.
"We're forming a good partnership and our running's getting a bit better."
Bracewell said How, Jacob Oram, Chris Martin, Iain O'Brien and captain Daniel Vettori would be rested for Northants match, with Brendon McCullum taking the captaincy.
But rookie batsman Daniel Flynn's place remained uncertain as he recovered from his fearful head knock, and Vettori would play as a batsman if Flynn was ruled out.
Gloveman Gareth Hopkins, paceman Michael Mason and spinner Jeetan Patel will all get a run.
How much time the test hopefuls get on the Northampton pitch is another matter with England's big wet forecast to continue. Showers are forecast for the market town tomorrow and Sunday, and heavy rain on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the focus will be on pacemen Kyle Mills and Tim Southee who will get their chance with the new ball this weekend.
Mills wasn't used on the fourth day at Old Trafford as England chased victory but Bracewell insisted he wasn't injured, just struggling to swing the ball as pacemen from each side were.
Southee struggled to recover from a virus and lost his place to seamer O'Brien who was seen as a better option on the Old Trafford surface, but if Southee swings the ball and takes wickets here he will be tough to leave out.
- NZPA
