BRISBANE, November 5: New Zealand face the prospect of a humiliating defeat in the three match Test series against Australia which starts here on Friday.After two crushing defeats to Queensland and New South Wales, the Kiwis are already dejected and inquests have already started into the tour disaster before the Tests even start.

New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming and coach Steve Rixon are fully aware of the onslaught they will face in the first Test at the Gabba.

Rixon, the former Australian wicketkeeper who last year became the first foreigner appointed to coach the New Zealand team, believes his players are not mentally ready to take on Mark Taylor's formidable Australians.

Former New Zealand captain Martin Crowe has called for extra coaching support for the hard-pressed Rixon.

``We always knew this tour was going to be a huge test for the players,'' said Crowe. ``They aren't showing their talent, but with positive leadership, they can turn it around.''

Teams

Australia: Mark Taylor (capt), Matthew Elliott, Greg Blewett, Mark Waugh, Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting, Ian Healy, Paul Reifel, Shane Warne, Michael Kasprowicz, Glenn McGrath, Andy Bichel.

New Zealand (possible): Bryan Young, Blair Pocock, Matt Horne, Stephen Fleming (capt), Nathan Astle, Chris Cairns, Chris Harris, Adam Parore, Daniel Vettori, Simon Doull, Heath Davis, Shayne O' Connor.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.