MELBOURNE (Reuters)
New Zealand's draw in the recent Test series against Australia was encouraging but will have little bearing the upcoming triangular limited overs series, skipper Stephen Fleming has said.

"The team feels good. We've looked forward to this series for a long time," the New Zealand captain told a news conference in Melbourne ahead of the tournament, which also features hosts Australia and South Africa.

"We're obviously happy with the Test series but we realise it has nothing to do with what's coming up so we start from scratch." New Zealand held the world's No. 1 Test team Australia to a 0-0 draw in a three-match series in November and December. Australia host New Zealand in the opening match of the tournament in Melbourne on Friday.

Fleming's decision to field after winning the toss in hot and humid conditions in a warm-up match in Brisbane on Tuesday against Australia A produced mixed results, but he said the overall message was a positive one.

His bowlers conceded 282 runs for five wickets before the Kiwis replied with 222 all out in 45.3 overs to lose by 60 runs. Shane Bond was taken to hospital with dehydration and fellow pace bowler Dion Nash suffered a thigh injury but both were recovering well and might play on Friday, Fleming said.

"It was hot and I think we realise and the bowlers realise how tough it's going to be," he added. "So I was disappointed with the result but delighted with the messages we got."

Fleming said the triangular series would allow New Zealand to measure themselves against two of the best teams in the world and help in selecting a squad for the 2003 World Cup in South Africa.

"I think there's still room for us to move and we've got 12 months to do it with the World Cup coming up," Fleming said. "We just have to be positive, that is the key thing. That is the way we'll play our one-day cricket."

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