Cricket: Niggle set to continue in test series

11.45am - By MARK GEENTY

Both captains are eyeing a resumption of hostilities as New Zealand kick off next week's test cricket series with a healthy points advantage over South Africa.

A superb Michael Papps knock of 92 not out and some slick pace bowling from Daryl Tuffey, Michael Mason and Jacob Oram saw New Zealand win the final one-dayer by five wickets in Napier yesterday.

Chasing just 187 to win, they got there with four overs to spare to jump to third in the world one-day rankings with a 5-1 series win.

The first test starts in Hamilton next Wednesday with New Zealand yesterday naming Papps, Mason and gloveman Brendon McCullum as their only uncapped players in a squad of 13.

While the tests signal a fresh start, New Zealand at least take an edge in the captaincy stakes with Fleming taking a clear victory over Graeme Smith.

Fleming admitted he was playing mind games with Smith, seven years his junior, and wasn't going to let up with the verbals as New Zealand chase their first test series win over the Proteas.

"If we see a weakness then it's up to us to use it. I like the guy, I think he's a quality player but if we can grab an edge in my responsibility as captain then I'll grab it," Fleming said.

"I've been put under pressure by (former Australia captain) Steve Waugh which I remember fondly because I learned a lot from it.

"There are some ways of placing pressure on individuals, that was one of them and it's not always nice, for the benefit of the team."

For Smith's part there was a steely determination to right the wrongs of the one-day series.

"I'm sick of losing. We've definitely been outplayed in this series... we just played badly, it's simple.

"I think Stephen's trying to put me under a bit of pressure but I'm pretty much up for it.

"He's a clinical captain, he has surprised me at times with the way he has behaved, otherwise he's been as good as we expected.

"I don't profess to be innocent, and the test series is going to be played hard I can promise you that."

Smith admitted he blundered by batting first yesterday on a seaming pitch which saw South Africa reduced to 29 for five and the match all but over.

The teams reconvene in Hamilton on Monday to start the test buildup and New Zealand will welcome three in-form newcomers at the expense of unwanted gloveman Robbie Hart and injury-troubled batsman Lou Vincent.

Papps was outstanding in his 139-ball knock including 10 fours, McCullum took five catches to match his New Zealand one-day record and Mason took two for 35 including the huge wickets of Herschelle Gibbs and dangerman Jacques Kallis, albeit to a poor decision from umpire Tony Hill.

Papps was peppered with some short deliveries by the South Africa pacemen but coped well, and drove expertly when the ball was pitched up.

"It's part and parcel of the game so I'll certainly be expecting some more of those (bouncers) in Hamilton," Papps said, having been elevated after scoring 204 runs in the one-day series at 51.

He displayed all the attributes of a compact test opener to partner Mark Richardson, and was given a free rein by coaching staff.

"Braces (coach John Bracewell) and Flem and the rest of the guys said to play your natural game and that's what I've been trying to do. It's starting to pay dividends now."

South Africa meanwhile have a three-day warmup game against Central Districts, including Mason, starting in Napier on Friday.

Test specialists Gary Kirsten, Neil McKenzie and Martin van Jaarsveld -- all batsmen -- spinner Paul Adams and paceman David Terbrugge all join the side this week.

- NZPA