Sydney Thunder coach Shane Bond is surprised and disappointed that Usman Khawaja is with the BBL club, rather than preparing for the first trans-Tasman Test.

Tim Paine expects Australia's big guns to rise against New Zealand in Perth with the Black Caps having not lost a Test series in two-and-a-half years.

Former New Zealand player Ian Smith wants the Black Caps to consider four quicks for the Perth Test in a bid to unleash quick Lockie Ferguson on Australia.

Several key battles will help decide whether New Zealand can claim their first Test series victory on Australian soil in 34 years.

Veteran tweaker Steve O'Keefe, who hasn't given up hope of adding to his nine Tests, says more should be done at domestic level to help young spinners develop.

Australia coach Justin Langer says his heart goes out to the people of New Zealand following this week's deadly volcanic eruption.