Butler impresses, and Adams continues to impress

The first game in Christchurch did not begin well for us when we assembled as we learnt that our pace ace Shane Bond had suffered what looked like a stress fracture of the foot.

He was going for some x-rays in the afternoon and it would realise the break which is what Dayle Shackel our physio suspected earlier on.

Practice on the Monday with the game on Wednesday started with an informal discussion between Flem [Stephen Fleming], myself, Brian McKechnie and Sir Richard Hadlee about a replacement for Bondy.

The final decision is always with the selectors but they wanted our thoughts on a possible replacement.

Even though Flem and I had never even laid eyes on Ian Butler, let alone seen him bowl, we both thought he was the person to take over from the fastest bowler we had.

We both thought it was a case of replacing apples with apples and bringing in the country's second fastest bowler for the fastest.

Practice next morning was the first time most of the CLEAR Black Caps had met Ian, so it would have been pretty daunting for him also I suspect!

He was to open up with Daryl Tuffey and taking the first over his debut couldn't have started better with a key wicket of Marcus Trescothick.

Although his figures didn't flatter him, he bowled with good pace but it is too early to say anything about how he will go in the future although he seems to have a good attitude and loves his cricket.

Half-way through the English innings we were looking at chasing 300! Macca [Craig McMillan] started the English collapse with a brilliant run out then some brilliant fielding along with some great bowling from Dan Vettori ment we were only chasing 190.

An opening stand of substance which we were lacking in Aussie gave us the best possible start and other than a bit of a hiccup in the middle-order we cruised home courtesy of Nathan Astle and our other find so far this seaon Andre Adams.

One-nil and on to Wellington where when we turned up on the morning of the match the pitch resembled something of a farmer's backyard!

Having played in England for a few years I know how the English cricketers mind works and when things sometimes don't look right they can talk themselves into believing things are worse than what they really are.

I got the impression that England were not keen to play because of the wicket and how badly it might play. This attitude affected them all day and in all facets of the match we outplayed them.

Everybody in the Black Caps chipped in and buoyed on by the most supportive crowd I have played in front of in New Zealand a most comprehensive win has now seen us needing only one more victory to take the series.

England may well bounce back but within our side there is a good feeling and it is great to see young and new guys coming in and performing.

Last word goes to Andre Adams who has been in terrific touch and will only get better. His ability with both bat and ball has given the team a real boost and he is growing more confident each match, long may it continue as his exciting play is there for all to see.