Broad Ready for NZ Challenge

England Twenty 20 captain, Stuart Broad is in no doubt that New Zealand represent a real test for his side, as they perpare to do battle in the first of three Twenty20 games this weekend.

Although the black caps struggle in the longer form of the game, they have just recorded a fine ODI series win in South Africa, and will represent a tough nut to crack in their own back yard.

Indeed, England had a stark reminder this week, of the talent lurking in the background of New Zealand, when a NZ XI, beat them in the second warm up match ahead of the start of these T20 matches.

Broad agrees that this is a tough test for his side "New Zealand have big dangers with the white ball," he told BBC Sport. "They have been one of the best teams in that format for a number of years. "We know the dangers they offer but we have played some really good stuff."

"We've got a new coach in Ashley Giles. He's got some good ideas and guys are really excited and have been fantastic in training."Broad concluded.

England will face some of the shortest boundaries in World Cricket, when they play at Eden Gardens, in Auckland. The ground is home to the New Zealand national rugby side, and will have a drop in pitch.

The boundary rope will be only some 45 metres, easily within reach of the big hitters on both sides.

The capacity is also at 55,000, and whilst the T20 match will see a healthy crowd, when the two sides meet later in March for the third test match, at the same venue, it will probably be a different story.

Play gets underway in the first T20 at 6am GMT on Saturday 9th February.

Follow it on SKY SPORTS HD from 5.30am, or via the BBC WEBSITE