Underestimating New Zealand in the upcoming Test cricket series could be dangerous for Australia, former Test wicketkeeper Ian Healy warned today.

"I think New Zealand will surprise us," Healy said.

"There's so little expected of them and I know they're better than that, so the Australian players and any current ex-players will know the New Zealanders won't be easy.

"They'll play hard and they'll compete and Australia will have to play well - I think they are going to surprise a few of us."

Healy said the decision by the Australian selectors to retain Justin Langer as an opening batsman was the right decision, despite questions over his suitability to the role.

Langer was dropped as No.3 at the start of the Ashes tour, but returned as an opener in the last Test at The Oval to score a comeback century.

"I think it's the right move," Healy said.

"If you get 100 in a Test match then you deserve your spot next time if the player you've replaced hasn't come back."

Healy said Australia's all-round ability should ensure victory against the Kiwis, but he warned against complacency.

"Their (Australia's) ability to win from anywhere on the field in any circumstance is their strength and that's very scary for an opponent," he said.

With the Test series due to start at the Gabba in Brisbane next Thursday, Healy said New Zealand should not fall into the trap of trying to play Australia at their own game.

"They (New Zealand) need to stifle them (Australia) and spoil them and not let them play as naturally as they have been," he said.

"Whether New Zealand are up to that, I'm not sure."

He said while the Kiwis had the ability to hold the series together for a lot longer than England did in the Ashes, they may struggle to get on top of Australia for long enough to win a game.

"Little is expected of it - everyone is expecting an Australian whitewash - and that's dangerous because that's how the Kiwis flourish," Healy said.

© 2001 AAP