Black Caps not ready to get cocky just yet

Sydney, Feb.8 (ANI): The New Zealand cricket team that is in Australia to compete for the Chappell-Hadlee trophy, is optimistic, but not ready to be cocky about handing out a possible 5-0 score line to the Kangaroos.

According to middle-order bat Ross Taylor, the Kiwis are well aware of Australia's capability to bounce back when their backs are pinned to the wall.

"I think the first goal is to win the series, and if we can do that, then we can talk about a clean sweep. Like us, the Aussies, are going through a rebuilding phase at the moment," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Taylor, as saying ahead of the third one-day international to be played between the two sides today.

"Once you lose some outstanding, world-class players, you are going to be weaker. In saying that, we've lost some key players in our team, as well. We are playing Australia in Australia and they are always going to be tough on their home track," he warned.

Taylor has been one of the outstanding and performing players for the Kiwis, having scored 64 and 47 in the two matches that have been played between the two sides so far.

But, he says that he is furious with himself for leaving the job "half done".

"I'm happy with my own form but I would have liked to have finished both games off. To get into a good position only to get out and leave the work to someone else isn't good enough. I want to be harder on myself and if that situation crops up again I'd like to be the one to hit the winning runs," Taylor said.

Taylor said the New Zealanders were ecstatic with two wins from as many matches but also warned of a possible Australian backlash in Sydney today.

"It's a pretty happy camp at the moment but at the same time we know the job is only half done right now. We still need to win one more game to clinch the series and hopefully we don't leave that up to the fourth or fifth matches in Adelaide and Brisbane," he said. (ANI)