Ponting: Too soon to think about Ashes

Australia's cricketers arrived in New Zealand today, dismissing suggestions they only have England on their minds.

They are to play the Kiwis in three Tests and five one-day internationals and captain Ricky Ponting said: "Everybody else is talking about the Ashes but we have this very big and vital series to play first.

"New Zealand are a very good side and they are hard to beat."

Opening batsman Matthew Hayden passed a late fitness test after being bed-ridden for a week suffering from pleurisy.