McCullum soothes Black Caps nerves ahead of Gabba challenge

New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum has told his players not to be overawed by the hard and fast Gabba wicket.

Speaking ahead of next week's first Test against Australia, where the host have not lost since 1988, one of the team's players James Neesham was quoted by the Sydney Morning Herald, as saying that McCullum had told the boys not to be being overawed by reports that the Gabba would be quick and bouncy and to just treat that first Test match like another game in Wellington.

Neesham, however, said that the feeling of being overawed cannot be wished away, as the Australians have an enviable record in Brisbane over the last 27 years.

He said that New Zealand is aware that it has a strong team and a settled unit, and if they can play to full potential, it should stand them in good stead against the hosts.

The Black Caps say they are "quietly confident" and do see themselves as ending their 30-year drought in Australia by defeating Steve Smith's side.

Though history is against them, their current players have of late made a habit of breaking hoodoos.