Warne threat looms for NZ in Adelaide

Australia are looking to bury New Zealand under a pile of runs before unleashing the spin menace of Shane Warne to sweep the series.

Australia are looking to bury New Zealand under an avalanche of runs before unleashing the spin menace of Shane Warne to sweep their series against New Zealand in the second cricket Test getting underway at Adelaide Oval on Friday.

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The signs don't look promising for the Kiwis, smashed by an innings and 156 runs inside four days after being skittled for a record-low 76 in their second innings last week, despite controlling the opening two days at the Gabba.

Adelaide is traditionally a bat-friendly wicket which takes turn later and with scorching hot weather forecast for the entire five days the emphasis will be on spin.

Warne, Test cricket's leading wicket-taker with 549, will be Australia's trump card, while the Kiwis will use two spinners, Daniel Vettori and Paul Wiseman.

Warne revels in the Adelaide Oval where in 10 Tests he has taken 41 wickets at 28.97. But the Kiwis warn about over-emphasising his influence.