Cricket: McCullum hankers for victories

New Zealand have won just eight tests out of 54 against Australia, drawn 18 and lost 28. Photo / Getty

New Zealand will take the draw, and look ahead to the series decider in Adelaide, enjoying that they have Australia's respect, but really seeking wins.

The draw at the Waca in the second test yesterday was a significant improvement on the first test beating in Adelaide. But captain Brendon McCullum hankers for victories.

New Zealand have won just eight tests out of 54 against Australia, drawn 18 and lost 28.

McCullum will be targeting a ninth at Adelaide when the first pink ball test begins on Friday next week.

"Australia respect us as a cricket team and what we've achieved over a period," McCullum said.

"The margin in the first test (by 208 runs in Brisbane) was reflective of that match but not the gulf between the teams. Perth has shown the teams are a lot closer.

"It's important for us to win respect for how we play and the skill and tenacity we have.

"We still want Ws in our column, or at least drawing series, but if we continue playing with as much resilience with bat and periods with ball we will earn that respect."

McCullum admitted he "can't put my finger" on why New Zealand have been slow to get up to speed in the first test of recent series away from home.

The loss in Brisbane followed similar first-up setbacks against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi late last year, and at Lord's in May.

On both occasions New Zealand bounced back, playing considerably improved cricket to level the series.

To balance that, New Zealand beat the West Indies in Jamaica to go 1-0 up in their tour 18 months ago, then lost the second in Trinidad before bouncing back to clinch the rubber in Barbados.

"We're a pretty young side," McCullum said.

"Sometimes there's so much anticipation and excitement in a series that until you get your feet under the desk in those series, that's when you start to feel completely comfortable, without inhibitions."

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