PERTH. Nov 10: Martin Crowe's New Zealanders face their moment of truth here Friday when they cross swords with Australia in the opening clash of a three-Test cricket series, reports AFP Allan Border s side, buoyed T>y a comprehensive 4-1 whipping of England in the Ashes Series in last year, are formidable fores given an even sharper edge on a WACA ground wicket rated as helpful as any in the world for quality pace bowling.
They must ■ be strong favourites to win back the Trans-Tasman Trophy, but Border has warned players not to under-estimate the opposition.
"We have to be wary because we have been beaten by New Zealand a few times." he said. "When they appear to be at their worst, they come up and oeat you."
New Zealand coach Goff Howarth said: "It's certainly never been a problem for New Zealand sides to get motivated for Tests, especially against Australia."
The Kiwis have a psychological advantage: Their five-wicket win at Eden Park. Auckland. In March in the Anal Test of a three match series which they squared 1-1.
But. judging by their form over the past three weeks, ^they'll need more than a fair "share of the breaks to trouble Australia on their own soli, and more particularly In Perth.
The home team have two proven speed champions. Craig McDermott and Paul Reiffel. to let loose on the bouncy pitch.
and a third, newcomer Glenn McGrath, is licking his licks at the opportunity jo start his career In such helpful conditions.
McDermott Is back to peak form after serious Injury problems in Erigland.
Reiffel grew in stature during the England tour, taking 19 wickets in three Tests.
McGrath. 23, has earned the nod for the third pace berth after promising early season form. Including in Impressive performance against New Zealand in the tourists first-class game in Newcastle, where they gained their only win In five warm-up matches.
New Zealand’s capacity to handle this hungry trio, in the other Tests In Habart and Brisbane as well as this one. may determine the outcome of the series.
The tourists must be concerned that, over a span of eight completed team innings, only one player, Crowe, has notched a century.
They have been desperately unlucky In their past three games to be without seasoned opener Mark Greatbatch, who broke a finger in the opening first class game of the tour against Western Australia here.
Greatbatch still has hopes of being fit for the Test. Such is his importance in the side that a decision is likely to be delayed for as long as possible.
If Greatbatch remains sidelined. the Kiwis will be forced to open with Blair Pocock. 23. and Bryan Young. 29. a pairing with no Test experience and a recent record suggesting they are unlikely to succeed at that level.
In their past five associations against the new ball they have forged stands of 2. 0. 10, 0 and
16.
It is imperative for the tourists to make solid starts to protect key batsmen such as Crowe, vice captain Ken Rutherford and Andrew Jones, recently the sides most consistent runmaker.
New Zealand's attack also faces a stern examination against a powerful Australian batting line up.
Mark Taylor, Michael Slater. David Boon, Steve and Mark Waugh and Border all had marvellous England tours arid even wicket-keeper Ian Healy averaged almost 60.
The Kiwis will rely heavily on accomplished pace operator Danny Morrison, who has 103 Test scalps from 29 games.
Chris Cairns has displayed perseverance and penetration in recent matches and must con-•tlnue to fire for the new ball attack to be credible.
Indications are the tourists will also play fast-medium pair Willie Watson and Murphy Su'a despite their modest recent form.
Kenyan-born off-spinner Dipak Patel, in fine touch. Is expected to provide the variety.
While slow bowling has seldom had a significant Impact on a Perth Test, Australian legspinner Shane Warne Is certain to play in the wake of his record-breaking 34-wicket performance in England.
AUSTRALIA: Allan Border leapt). Mark Taylor (vice capt). David Boon, Ian Healy. Craig McDermott. Glenn McGrath. Tim May. Paul Reiffel. Michael Slater. Shane Warne. Mark Waugh. Steve Waugh (12th man to be named).
NEW ZEALAND: To be announced.