20 Mar 2013

Boycott still confident of England series win

6:44 pm on 20 March 2013

The former England cricket captain Geoff Boycott is confident England will win the third and deciding test against New Zealand, as long as the Eden Park pitch offers some assistance to the pace bowlers.

The series is level at nil-all after the two tests in Dunedin and Wellington but more than a day's play was lost due to the weather in each of those matches.

Benign pitches also played a part but the Eden Park drop in wickets did offer plenty of pace and bounce during the one day and Twenty-20 matches and if that's present in the test strip, Boycott believes that will secure England victory.

The New Zealand pace bowler Doug Bracewell makes his claim to return to the Black Caps lineup as he plays for Central Districts in their one day match against Canterbury in Christchurch.

Bracewell missed the first two tests with a foot injury and, if he comes through that game without any problems, will be included in the test squad.

However coach Mike Hesson concedes Bracewell will be hard pressed to make the starting lineup as he's been satisfied with the performances of Tim Southee, Neil Wagner and Trent Boult.