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NZ adopting Aussie aggression, says Lehmann

New Zealand’s aggressive approach doesn’t scare Australian coach Darren Lehmann – but it does give him a sense of deja vu.

Nov 03, 2015, updated Nov 03, 2015
New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum adjusts his cap during the weekend's warm-up match against  Australia XI.

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum adjusts his cap during the weekend's warm-up match against Australia XI.

The Black Caps have been applauded for their positive approach, which has led to a resurgence ahead of this week’s first Gabba Test against Australia.

However, Lehmann reckons New Zealand are simply copying the aggressive style Australia started when he first took over the national reins more than two years ago.

The Black Caps are considered their best chance of notching their first Test series win Down Under in 30 years against the inexperienced hosts.

Captain Brendon McCullum’s “attack at all costs” approach has helped New Zealand move through their last seven series over the past two years undefeated – a national record.

And McCullum is not expected to die wondering in Australia against his old foe.

“That’s okay, that’s how we play the game anyway,” Lehmann told Sky Sports Radio.

“There’s been a lot of talk about their aggressive play but to be honest we started it three years ago.

“That’s great for the game. They take the game on…England play that way (and) it’s exciting cricket to watch.”
He said the shared cavalier attitude would ensure “there won’t be any draws unless there is any rain”.

Much may have also been made of Australia’s new-look batting order but Lehmann believed their bowling line-up would prove the difference in the upcoming trans-Tasman series.

Lehmann has made it clear he expects new skipper Steve Smith and his deputy David Warner to lead the way with the bat in the Test team’s next era.

But he insisted their three-Test series against the Black Caps starting in Brisbane on Thursday would be decided by the ball.

Lehmann said it was a lesson they learned the hard way in their 3-2 Ashes series loss this year.

“The bowling attack is always the difference,” Lehmann said.

“In England they out-bowled us, there is no doubt about that…they bowled well in their conditions and we didn’t make enough runs.

“But both bowling attacks here are capable of taking 20 wickets. That’s one of the things I have been happy with our side – we have managed to get 20 wickets most of the time over the last two and a half years.”

Australia have not lost a Gabba Test since 1988.

New Zealand have won just three Tests on Australian soil – but that includes their last trans-Tasman encounter in Hobart in 2011.

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