KEY POINTS:
Research conducted by cricket website Cricinfo has revealed just how poor New Zealand's overseas record is.
In a ranking of overseas test records since 2000, excluding tests against Zimbabwe and Bangladesh, the Black Caps are equal last with the West Indies, recording only a solitary win.
Coincidentally, New Zealand's only victory against a top test nation was against the West Indies in Barbados in 2002.
Australia are the only team who have won more games overseas than they have lost. South Africa are second with 11 wins and 15 losses, while India, widely renowned as poor travellers, are fourth on the list with nine wins and 14 losses.
The research shows just how badly New Zealand bowlers, particularly fast bowlers, have let the side down.
In home conditions they average 30 runs per wicket, but abroad that number goes up by nearly 50 per cent.
The batting for New Zealand actually improves when playing overseas. However, Cricinfo did highlight just how much the side has struggled at the top of the order since the retirement of Mark Richardson.
The Black Caps last hundred opening partnership was in 2004 against England between Richardson and Stephen Fleming. The highest partnership since then is 61 with an average of 24.62.
And while Richardson amassed four centuries and 19 fifties during his 38-test career, since he retired New Zealand openers have only managed two half-centuries in 50 innings.
- NZ HERALD STAFF
