The Black Caps cricketers have had their first training in England as they begin preparations for their upcoming tour, but the visitors are not yet a full contingent due to injuries and the Indian Premier League.
Ross Taylor Photo: PHOTOSPORT
New Zealand's last Test-series win in England was in 1999.
Their attempts to break that 16-year duck have not been helped by the fact that five of their best players, captain Brendon McCullum, Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Corey Anderson, arrive in the country just three days before the first Test.
The Black Caps batsman Ross Taylor conceded it's a difficult situation.
"That's the landscape we live in," he said, "it's not ideal."
Taylor was quick to point out, however, that the Black Caps won the first Test in the West Indies last year after the team came together just a few day before the match following the conclusion of the IPL.
Anderson, who suffered a fractured finger in the IPL and has returned to New Zealand, is expected to be fit for the first test at Lord's on May the 22nd.
Fast bowler Adam Milne, who missed the IPL with a heel injury he aggravated in the World Cup, should be available for the five one-day internationals starting on June the 9th.
Taylor said the English will be tough to beat at home despite their recent mediocre performances.
England have just played out a tepid 1-all test series draw in the West Indies after losing the third and final match.
They were also bundled out of the recent one-day World Cup in the group-stage and speculation is mounting that their coach Peter Moores is set to be sacked.
However Taylor says England are a different prospect at home.
"Anytime you play England in their home conditions it's going to be tough."
"Obviously they'll have even more motivation coming off a loss against the West Indies and we know we'll have to be at our best to compete against them this year," he said.
The Black Caps take on Somerset in Taunton this weeked as they build towards the first test at Lords.
