Cricket: Weary Kiwis slaughtered

New Zealand cricket captain Stephen Fleming hopes his tiring team are saving one last effort for a series-clinching win over England in the test match starting tomorrow night.

New Zealand lost yesterday to Essex by an innings and 40 runs and they have just 48 hours to prepare for the fourth test at the Oval with the series tied at 1-1.

It was the first loss to a county side in a first-class game on this tour.

Fleming said the team were feeling the effects of the long tour.

"We haven't played the last week on the tour very well, but I'm hoping the guys are just biding time for the test match, which we so desperately want to win," he said.

Roger Twose top-scored yesterday with 91 in New Zealand's disappointing second innings of 217. It was his highest score on tour. He hit 12 boundaries and was the last batsman out.

Fleming said he was not reading too much into the five changes to the England team.

"England look pretty well balanced, probably the best so far," he said. "Our big concern at the moment is trying to get everyone fit for Thursday.

"Geoff Allott and Chris Cairns are doubtful but we would like Cairns in particular to get on the park."

Fleming said they would not know this morning about the fitness of Allott for the test, while Cairns had a better chance of playing.

Reports on the pitch at the Oval suggest another slow spinners' track on the later days. - NZPA