Finals aim for Bracewell

BLACKCAPS coach John Bracewell said the team is out to avoid the hurt of missing the Tr-Series final against Australia.

Bracewell’s team take on England in Brisbane, with the winners taking on the hosts in the best-of-three final.

The coach accepted that they would face the world champions before travelling to the World Cup later this month, in the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy Series in New Zealand.

However, his side’s focus was on qualifying for the latter stages in Australia and building on their promising performances in recent matches.

“It would hurt in the short term but in keeping context of the big picture, with three games against Australia regardless, we’re going to get sufficient cricket going into the World Cup,” he said.

“But in terms of continued momentum, we’d be disappointed if we lose and I think it’s really healthy for us to know we’re playing in a knockout.”

The BLACKCAPS are likely to be without seamer Kyle Mills at the ‘Gabba, The State Auckland Aces bowler is struggling with a knee injury and is unlikely to feature.

However, Shane Bond is ready to play, and there are no other major injury concerns.

England captain Michael Vaughan has stated his intent to return in the game, meaning former Aces batsman Mal Loye would drop out.

BLACKCAPS (from): Stephen Fleming (captain), Lou Vincent, Ross Taylor, Peter Fulton, Jacob Oram, Craig McMillan, Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori, James Franklin, Shane Bond, Mark Gillespie, Jeetan Patel, Kyle Mills, Michael Mason, Scott Styris.

England (from): M Vaughan (captain), A Flintoff, E Joyce, M Loye, A Strauss, I Bell, P Collingwood, R Bopara, J Dalrymple, P Nixon, M Panesar, J Lewis, C Tremlett, S Mahmood, L Plunkett, C Read.