New Zealand coach says England favorites to win 3-test series

New Zealand cricket coach John Bracewell has warned his team to expect a tough three-test series against England.
"We're definitely the underdogs," Bracewell said before an indoor net session at Lord's. "This tour is going to be hard work given our lack of experience and the fact that we are in a rebuilding phase."

A depleted New Zealand squad arrived in England on Thursday without five players who are taking part in the lucrative Indian Premier League. Captain Daniel Vettori, deputy captain Brendon McCullum, Jacob Oram, Ross Taylor and Kyle Mills are expected to join the squad by the start of May.

Opening batsman Jamie How will captain New Zealand in the first two warmup games of the tour. The first test starts May 15 at Lord's.

New Zealand lost 2-1 at home against England in a test series that ended March, and was further weakened by the retirement of Stephen Fleming - its top run-scorer with 7,172 runs from 111 tests.

Bracewell said the Black Caps were equal to England in the game's one-day format but could struggle in five-day matches.

"In the test department ... they are simply better than us," Bracewell said. "This tour is going to be a tough task."

Bracewell said there was no hard feeling toward the five players in the IPL Twenty20 competition, and said the situation had improved for New Zealand cricketers.

"For the first time we are at the same earnings levels as the rugby players," Bracewell said. "It's a huge incentive for our players."

How also saw it as an opportunity for younger players.

"Even though I know I'll only be captaining for a short period, it's still a huge honor," How said. "We know we have to grab our chances."