Staying afloat in the Basin Reserve

Non-Test issues have dominated the lead-up to a match that could settle the three-Test series. Daryl Tuffey's sex, spies and videotape inquiry had tongues wagging while travel agents were closely monitoring the developments of Brett Lee's will-he, won't-he fly back for the Pura Cup final routine. Neither bowler will have any playing roles in this match so it's time to move on.

New Zealand's series hopes could be sucked from Wellington's Basin Reserve unless they have recovered from the demoralising shift of power at Christchurch. For seven sessions they were holding the present and at the end of day three the contest was thrillingly even. From there they quickly gave up the win, folding for 131 when 250 might have done.

Batting has been Stephen Fleming's and New Zealand's problem throughout the summer. As the captain and the side's world-class batsman - in the past 17 Tests he has averaged 51.96 - he has been a double target. In case he had forgotten, Glenn McGrath reminded everybody that Fleming was again going to be plug-hole pressured.

Fleming has added to his burden with the selfless decision to walk up to the top of the order and cover Mark Richardson's retirement-enforced gap. He cannot be any more exposed than facing new balls from McGrath and Jason Gillespie, and the glare was too bright during the one-day series when Lee actually got to bowl.

Where does Fleming look for cover? Nathan Astle and Craig McMillan, the side's next most experienced batsmen, are locked down at No. 5 and No. 6. Craig Cumming will play his second Test after 74 and 7 on debut while Hamish Marshall, who showed he could learn quickly with a first-innings 146 at Christchurch, is due for his fourth match and Lou Vincent his 17th. In the baggy-green corner will be McGrath, Gillespie, Shane Warne and Michael Kasprowicz with 327 appearances between them.

The first-Test mismatch took three days to materialise, but the collapse from the threat of enforcing the follow-on to a redundant fifth day was as swift as the 80kph southerly winds expected to buffet Wellington over the next couple of days. Australia will be sweating on sweaters in the cool conditions and the frosty hands may make for more sloppy slip catching. Three easy chances were grassed last week and Fleming must hope for further donations from the cordon, and much more.

Australia's main worry continues to be Matthew Hayden. His injured shoulder is fine, although it affects his fielding, and his form rose at the start of the tour but fell again at Christchurch. Worse still for a great-outdoors man, the injury prevents him fishing or surfing. The frustration will be directed at Chris Martin and James Franklin, who must move and control the ball as they did for the first 50 overs of the opening Test.

Daniel Vettori is a name that does a rare thing in Australia dressing rooms by scaring the inhabitants. In 11 Tests he has 59 wickets against them and only Adam Gilchrist was able to escape his twirling clutches in the first innings at Jade Stadium as he picked up 5 for 106. Vettori's record at the Basin Reserve is modest, 29 wickets at 40.96 in 11 matches. New Zealand will again have to ask more of him, but he could have more support in Paul Wiseman as Fleming decides between offspin or the seam of Iain O'Brien.

Australia have played seven times at the ground for wins in 1945-46 under Bill Brown and a six-wicket victory in 1999-2000 with Steve Waugh in charge. Four draws have dominated the results and a fifth would not only be a great result for New Zealand, but it would keep the series afloat.

Australia 1 Justin Langer, 2 Matthew Hayden, 3 Ricky Ponting (capt), 4 Damien Martyn, 5 Michael Clarke, 6 Simon Katich, 7 Adam Gilchrist (wk), 8 Shane Warne, 9 Jason Gillespie, 10 Michael Kasprowicz, 11 Glenn McGrath.

New Zealand (Probable) 1 Stephen Fleming (capt), 2 Lou Vincent, 3 Nathan Astle, 4 Craig Cumming, 5 Craig McMillan, 6 Hamish Marshall, 7 Brendon McCullum (wk), 8 Daniel Vettori, 9 James Franklin, 10 Paul Wiseman, 11 Chris Martin, 12 Iain O'Brien.