Nathan Astle holds the record for the fastest ever double-century in Test cricket and is one of New Zealand's most fearsome weapons in England. We spoke to him in the build up to Thursday's clash at Lord's.

Astle and Fleming

England supporters will best remember Astle for his double-ton off 153 deliveries, scored in Christchurch in March 2002 (a match made more remarkable by Andrew Caddick's 6/122 in the second innings to claim the win).

Astle is something of a veteran now: he has 59 Tests and 3592 runs under the belt. He has played England more than anyone else, averages 42.4 against them and New Zealand win more than they lose when he is in the team.

We caught up with Mr. Astle and asked him a few questions...

Q: You last played a Test in October. What is it like being part of the New Zealand team again?

A: Fantastic! It's been a rocky 12 months for me. I came back and then had another knee operation. It was just a privilege to hear my name being announced in the squad selected for this England tour.

Q: Chris Cairns was quoted as saying that this is the best New Zealand team of which he has been part. Do you agree?

A: Yes, on paper it is one of the best teams to leave New Zealand, but that does not count for anything. We still have to go out on the park and do the job. Man for man, this is a good team, but we have to be wary of being complacent.

Q: Michael Papps has had an encouraging start to his Test career in you absence. Is there any pressure on you to regain your Test place?

A: No pressure, I am just happy to be back in the team. Competition for places has always been a good thing. The boys have done really well in the last couple of months, especially during the last home series.

Q: As a senior player in the Black Caps team, does Stephen Fleming expect anything special from you?

A: Nothing 'special' is expected from me. Fleming will, however, wander across to myself and a couple of other senior players like Chris Cairns to bounce ideas off and look for a couple of different ones. But Fleming himself is pretty good at coming up with ideas of his own.

Q: Their has been an emergence of a good crop of young batsmen namely Hamish Marshall, Scott Styris, Papps and Brendon McCullum. What does this mean for New Zealand cricket in the future?

A: It creates healthy competition. It's good for the future of New Zealand cricket, as it keeps us older guys at our peaks and makes us work harder. It's also good for New Zealand cricket because it makes for smooth transitions when the older guys leave. Those boys have done really well and that's all better for New Zealand cricket.

Q: Like yourself, fast bowler Shane Bond has spent the last 12 months on the sidelines. Does his continued absence leave a hole in the team? 

A: There is no 'hole' in the team, as the other guys have really worked hard in the last 12 months, but his extra pace is a big asset and hopefully we'll get to see more of this in the near future.

Q: The team have not had a great start to the England tour. A draw to Worcestershire and now a loss to Kent. How does the team feel about the loss in particular?

A: It's been a real kick up the butt - but then again it has been a good thing. We were way too laid back and complacent in that match, so a good kick did nobody any harm. Hopefully, this will get us into good shape for Thursday.

Q: You were there when the Black Caps beat England at Lords in 1999. How did that feel?

A: I've been there once and won one. So that's a good feeling. But it'll be even better to go there twice and win twice. (Laughing)

By Zaahier Adams.