Bracewell wants more England losses

John Bracewell hopes England's string of defeats to Australia will improve New Zealand's chances of a strong CB Series campaign, which they begin in Hobart on Sunday. The competition starts in Melbourne on Friday with Australia playing England and Bracewell, whose team has landed in Australia, would like another defeat for the tourists.

"[England is] a side we hope have taken a dreadful towelling and will be blown apart in terms of morale by the time we arrive," Bracewell said in The Australian. "But I doubt it somehow because they have some quality batting within their side and if [Andrew] Flintoff stands up they're a dangerous team."

All three teams will be focussing on the World Cup starting in West Indies in March and Bracewell expects New Zealand will have an edge over England because of their all-round make-up. "[England are] a side that's reliant on the vital few as opposed to the group, the greater number, which we rely on," Bracewell said. "If that vital few hit form at the right time, they are in with a shout. If they don't, then they really haven't got a price."