NEW Zealand bowler Doug Bracewell says confidence is high in the Black Caps’ camp ahead of the opening match of their tour of England against Somerset at Taunton, which gets under way tomorrow (Friday).

A New Zealand XI, missing a number of high profile players through injury or IPL duties, take on a Somerset side hoping to end a run of three straight defeats – and Bracewell, who could benefit from notable absences in the bowling ranks, says the Kiwis are ready and raring to go.

“I think these games are very important - we’re lucky to have two warm-up games,” said Bracewell.

“It’s usually only one and a couple of training sessions, so I think it’s great we’ve got two games and I hope the weather stays good for us, so we can get some good quality cricket in, leading into the first test.

“Every tour away is completely different for us, but the guys have been going pretty well on the back of a pretty decent World Cup performance, so the group is very positive at the moment - but we’re in England’s territory now so it’s going to be a challenge for us, but one we’re really looking forward to.”

“It’s never easy, (playing in English conditions) there’s several things you’ve got to factor into your game, but like I said before, we’re lucky to have a good lead up before the first test, so the guys will be looking forward to getting out here and playing tomorrow – and hopefully shaking the cobwebs off and getting into it.”

With Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Matt Henry currently at the IPL, Bracewell has a chance to lay down a marker ahead of the Lord’s test on May 21.

Southee and Boult arrive in England next week, along with Brendon McCullum, Matt Henry, Corey Anderson and Kane Williamson, in time for their match against Worcestershire.

New Zealand XI: BJ Watling (captain), Hamish Rutherford, Tom Latham, Ross Taylor, Luke Ronchi, Mark Craig, Doug Bracewell, Neil Wagner, Mitchell Santner, Ben Wheeler, Jacob Duffy.