New Zealand's decision not to tour Pakistan in the aftermath of New York's World Trade Centre disaster could mean that the national selectors have a rare full house of players to choose from for the Australian tour starting in late October.

Sir Richard Hadlee, Ross Dykes, Brian McKechnie and Denis Aberhart's predecessor as coach David Trist never had the luxury of a fully fit team to call on.

But that is shaping as their prospect as they look to name the side for Australia on Friday next week.

While the team for Pakistan was seen as a testing ground for some hopefuls, the players concerned, of whom Lou Vincent was the most notable example are likely to have to wait their chance now. Jacob Oram's hopes of inclusion were always slim and news that he has been diagnosed with a broken bone in his foot have ruled him out, although both he and Vincent are certain contenders for the one-day team later in the summer.

James Franklin is another in the same category.

Realistically, if everyone remains fit, the selection job is likely to be one of the easier jobs the selectors have faced.

If any tour requires battle-hardened players it is Australia, and it is experience that will be to the forefront of the selectors' requirements.

The emergence of Mark Richardson as an international opener last summer has been one of the brightest spots on the New Zealand cricket horizon for some years. He formed a useful combination with Matthew Bell, who regained his confidence and ensured a healthy battle for more permanent inclusion would be fought when Matt Horne returned to fitness.

Mathew Sinclair suffered at the hands of Australia in the last series played in New Zealand, after his double century on Test debut against the West Indies. He has plenty to play for to avoid an Australian bogey on his Test record.

Chris Cairns has said all along during his injury rehabilitation that he was targeting the first Test in Brisbane as his recovery point and all the signs are that he is on schedule. The prospect of having his older head back at the bowling crease, possibly in tandem with his long-time, but too occasional, sparring partner Dion Nash is an appealing prospect.

Add to that the return of Shayne O'Connor as well, and there is a rare hint of potential trouble for opposing teams.

With the need to have periods of rest on the schedule in these injury avoidance days, back-up will be needed for the older pair and last year's admirable workhorses Daryl Tuffey and Chris Martin are likely to be given the honours.

A fit Daniel Vettori will shoulder the Test spin bowling and given his selection for Pakistan it is likely that Glen Sulzberger will be the second spin bowler chosen.

Last year's requirement to pour new blood into the side, and the opportunities provided through A cricket have given New Zealand an expanded base to call on. There is a better than even chance that base will be well tested by the end of June.

A possible New Zealand team for Australia (Tests in brackets):

Mark Richardson (9), Matthew Bell (11), Matt Horne (29), Mathew Sinclair (13), Stephen Fleming (captain - 60), Nathan Astle (46), Craig McMillan (31), Chris Cairns (49), Adam Parore (70), Dion Nash (31), Daniel Vettori (31), Shayne O'Connor (18), Daryl Tuffey (6), Glen Sulzberger (0), Chris Martin (7).

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