Marshall happy as underdog

Marshall: Happy with New Zealand's underdog status

James Marshall is hoping a new-look New Zealand side can catch England by surprise in the three-Test series this summer.

"We are looking forward to the challenge, we are obviously not going to back down and hopefully you will see a few stars of the future." Quotes of the week

The Black Caps go into the first match at Lord's on May 15 with several new faces from the recent series between the two teams Down Under.

With former captain Stephen Fleming retiring and opener Matthew Bell not selected, Marshall is set to be part of an inexperienced top-order for the tourists.

However the 29-year-old, brother of Gloucestershire batsman Hamish Marshall, believes that England cannot afford to under-estimate their opponents.

Underdogs

"The underdog side can be a dangerous one because there are a lot of players the English haven't seen," he said.

"We know we have the tags of underdogs and yes we are more inexperienced than the English side but at the end of the day we have to go out there with what skills we've got and what team spirit we've got, so it's not a big issue for us at all."

"It will be hard to work out plans for some players. We are looking forward to the challenge, we are obviously not going to back down and hopefully you will see a few stars of the future."

Marshall, who is likely to bat at number three in the opening Test at Lord's, has made just five appearances, while opener Aaron Redmond has yet to make his international debut.

As well as Fleming, New Zealand will be without all-rounder Scott Styris and pace bowler Shane Bond, who is currently playing in England for Hampshire.