Vettori has faith in team-mates

They may be one of the most inexperienced New Zealand sides to tour Australia, but that has not stopped Black Caps captain Daniel Vettori from expecting big things ahead of the opening Test in Brisbane.

Apart from Vettori, wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum and paceman Chris Martin are the only other players in the New Zealand squad to have played in over 20 Test matches.

Australia head into the series as strong favourites, but Vettori has faith that his side can compete against the world’s top-ranked Test side when the first Test gets under way tomorrow.

"I look at our group of guys and know there's some exceptional talent there, we do have that inexperienced tag hanging over us, but I'd like to think we're better than that," Vettori said.

"I don’t want to use that as an excuse for not winning.

New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori believes his side have the talent to defeat Australia

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"I look at my team and back them to compete against Australia, and if we can put on that spectacular performance, then we do have a chance of winning."

Inclement weather has hampered the preparation of the pitch at the Gabba and Vettori believes winning the toss would go a long way to winning the match.

"I don’t want to put too much emphasis on the toss, but I think we all know it's important," he said.

"With the rain that's been about and the nature of the Gabba wicket, if you can get in there and win the toss and bowl, make some inroads, then it can make a huge difference to your fortunes throughout a game."

But Vettori knew his batsmen must perform at their absolute best if called upon on day one, where conditions are tipped to be lively and favour the pacemen.

"If we can get through those first two, two and a half sessions, then you do give yourself a chance," he said.

"If you don't get through that first session, then it makes it really tough."

Vettori hinted that his side will bring in all-rounder Grant Elliott in an effort to add depth to their batting order ahead of the opening Test of the summer.

The left-arm spinner had the support of a four-prong pace attack when the Black Caps took on New South Wales in their only tour match.

But after being humbled by an inexperienced Blues side that rolled them for lowly totals of 266 and 256 en route to a six-wicket win, Vettori suggested Elliott could get the nod for what would be his third Test.

"I haven't had a good chance to have a look at the wicket, but we've talked long and hard about it," he said.

Vettori praised once troubled batsman Jesse Ryder's attitude in the series build-up

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"Looking at the balance of the side, whether to bring in Grant Elliott at number seven, and if so, which seamer to leave out. So we'll make those decisions today.

"We're looking at him as a batsman, we try not to bring into play the fact that he bowls a bit.

"We want the best batsman at that position, and I think the guy who comes into the side will bat at seven."

The match will also be burly batsman Jesse Ryder's third Test and Vettori is expecting great things from the big hitter.

"This is obviously the real test for him," said the skipper.

"We understand how talented he is, now we're just trying to get that experience into him so he can be a very good player for New Zealand for a long time."

Ryder, who has been criticised by some sections of the Kiwi media due to weight issues and a reportedly boozy night that resulted in him punching out a glass window at a pub, is set to bat at number three.

"He's done everything we've asked of him, his fitness has improved greatly," said Vettori.

"It's always daunting your first time against an Australian side... he's got a chance to be one of those guys who can stand up at the end of the tour saying he had a very good tour."

Vettori stopped short of saying he was surprised that Andrew Symonds was automatically recalled to the Australian Test side, but did think Shane Watson would have edged him in the selection battle.

He added: "I thought Watson might have got the nod ahead of him and then they would go in with (Jason) Krejza, but if you look at Symonds’ record it's been one of continuous performance so he's earned his right to come back on sheer talent."