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A fact-finding mission to England before New Zealand arrives for the cricket World Cup was money well spent, says Tim Murdoch, New Zealand Cricket's general manager.

He has just returned from a visit there where he assessed the venues, hotels and support structures in place not only for the Black Caps' World Cup campaign, but also the four-test series against England which follows.

Money for the trip was made available from funds donated by NZC benefactor Michael Watt, who has already contributed handsomely to the living quarters at NZC's high performance centre at Lincoln University.

Murdoch was able to glean advance information on a variety of issues for team manager John Graham before the Black Caps leave Christchurch for England on Sunday. Murdoch said New Zealand's host county, Hampshire, had less than ideal facilities at Southampton while a new ground was being developed elsewhere in the city. ``But the practice wickets should be fine -- they've won the groundsman of the year awards a couple of times recently.''

Murdoch investigated the grounds where New Zealand will play its World Cup games and sought to gain home ground dressing room status with most being ``neutral'' games.

``Often the visitors have some pretty small rooms so it is advantage to try and get the home team's dressing room.''

In another instance Murdoch has gained a hotel change from Hove to Arundel, saving the team travelling time to and from a warm-up match.

``It was good being able to get contact points established for net bowlers and the like and what facilities the hotel has on offer.''