KEY POINTS:
New Zealand's cricketers believe they have unearthed a flaw in Kevin Pietersen's armoury, one that has the added bonus of placing his English teammates under pressure.
Pietersen, regarded as England's key batsman, has not yet fired in the one-day series.
But his innings in Hamilton and Auckland - where he compiled a measured 41 off 65 balls - have hinted an influential score looms.
New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori has already admitted when Pietersen strides to the wicket his team lifts a notch or two in the field - and yesterday strike bowler Chris Martin explained why.
While Pietersen's ability to dismantle an attack is unquestioned, there is a suggestion he can be a liability - particularly for his partner at the other end.
"If you tie him down for a few balls he does have the knack of putting his partner under pressure at the other end when they run a quick single," Martin said.
"Most of the guys in the ring have been aware their (England's) running has been pretty bad in this series so when he gets there .... we put pressure on him and make sure he doesn't hit boundaries. He can be a guy to run other people out."
England have already lost seven wickets through run outs though ironically Pietersen could not be held culpable for any of them.
He was never at the wicket when three each occurred in Wellington and Hamilton while opener Phil Mustard was the first - and only batsman to be caught short during England's six-wicket win at Eden Park.
However, there could be merit in the New Zealand belief, as Ian Bell was twice fortunate to survive borderline singles while adding a pivotal 107-run partnership on Saturday night.
Bell, who top-scored with 73 as England prevented New Zealand taking a 3-0 series lead, was fortunate throws were wide of the stumps when he scampered to safety when on 22 and 52.
The diminutive right hander was one of three English batsmen to find form in Auckland, Pietersen and captain Paul Collingwood were the others instrumental in sealing a confidence-boosting victory.
Pietersen may have made the smallest contribution but the former South African remains the key scalp in the eyes of New Zealand's bowlers.
"At this stage we're keeping him under wraps a little, he hasn't broken out completely yet, but we're aware he's a very good player," Martin said.
"He tends to hit good length balls on the top of the bounce. That makes you wary of the lines and the lengths you have to hit. There's a very small margin for error."
New Zealand's bowlers at least have reliable back-up from a fielding unit that appears to be on top of their game, particularly inside the 30-metre circle.
That is rarely Martin's domain - though he took a catch at mid-on at Eden Park to dislodge Alastair Cook.
"We've got a few genuine athletes that are nimble on their feet and who pride themselves on their fielding," Martin said.
"It's an added bow to your selection issues. If you're a guy reknowned for being a run out king in the circle you can go through your phases (of poor form) and still contribute to the team.
"Guys like Ross Taylor and Jamie How, if they've had a bad day with the bat they can come out and really make an impact in the field."
New Zealand go through their fielding drills again tomorrow with specialist fielding coach Travis Wilson while a struggling Peter Fulton will be looking forward to a net after his trip to Christchurch on Sunday to play for Canterbury was undermined by a washout.
Jesse Ryder's left ankle will also come under scrutiny though he seemed to be making progress yesterday.
Meanwhile, England have their own batting issue, though Collingwood was relaxed at Mustard's failure to post a big score.
Designated as the English equivalent of Brendon McCullum, the keeper has made three starts - 31, 13 and 15 without going on.
"I'm not concerned yet," Collingwood said.
"The Colonel (Mustard) is one innings away, he's shown potential there. He hasn't scored the big one for us yet but he's an aggressive player, that's how we want him to come out.
"You've got to give those types of players a good run - they're exciting when they come off."
- NZPA
