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London, June 24: Sir Richard Hadlee is backing New Zealand to build on their World Cup achievements and beat England in the forthcoming four-Test series, reports Reuters.

``New Zealand have only won two Tests in England in our cricket history. But I think the timing is absolutely perfect for us to make it three, four, five and six, in all seriousness,'' Hadlee said.

Hadlee, who played in the Test-winning sides at Headingley in 1983 and at Trent Bridge in 1986, where New Zealand clinched their only series victory in England, explained his thinking at a reception at the New Zealand High Commission.

``England have got problems. They are going to have a new coach after David Lloyd (stepped down). It appears they are going to have a new captain. One or two new players will probably be tried or experimented with,'' Hadlee said.

``If we New Zealand can just hold it together, get our act together, then there's no reason why we can't be very, very competitive in this series and perhaps go on and win another Test series in this country.''

Hadlee, the second highest wicket-taker in Test history, said New Zealand reaching the World Cup semifinals had given the team a huge boost. ``I always felt we would struggle to make it to the Super Six (second) stage. But beating the Australians in Cardiff was a tremendous result. To get into the semifinals was a fine effort in a tough competition,'' Hadlee said.

The former all-rounder insisted he was not worried about the negative press New Zealand had received for being a ``boring'' side, since they arrived in England.

``We have basically some good hard-working players. We haven't got any stars. We go about doing our job in a fairly mechanical role if you like,'' he said.

Hadlee said left-arm swing bowler Geoff Allott, who took a record-breaking 20 wickets in the World Cup, was crucial to New Zealand's chances.

``Allott had an outstanding World Cup. He's arrived on the international scene. It's important he continues that form in the Tests.

``We need (paceman) Simon Doull back in the side. With Doull/Allott going well, (all-rounder) Chris Cairns and (left-arm spinner) Daniel Vettori, the bowling looks good.

``But you would have to be concerned about our batting. The top-order has been pretty disappointing. We have got to get some starts, get some partnerships going. Otherwise it puts too much pressure on the middle order.''

According to Hadlee, England need to follow the example of World Cup winners Australia if they are to get back to the top in the world game.