NZ v AUS, 3rd ODI Preview: Australia aims to draw level for pride in Hamilton

As Kane Williamson’s New Zealand would be looking to wrap up the series, Aaron Finch’s Australia will also be hoping to prevent the Kiwis from regaining the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy. While Williamson’s men are favorites, the manner in which Marcus Stoinis brought the visitors astonishingly close, something that allowed many to entertain the crazy idea of the makeshift Aussie side would actually pull off a win.

However, a terribly wet outfield and some rain in the vast expanse of McLean Park in Napier ensured that the Kiwis had an unassailable lead. This has now setup an interesting series, something that Finch and his men will definitely be attempting to overhaul as the encounter goes straight to Hamilton, provided there is no rain on the day.

Prelude

The backdrop of the series witnesses Kane Williamson grow into his role as captain of New Zealand. Of course, 2016 was a rather mixed year with the 26-year old tasting the two extremes of cricketing captaincy, but the fact of the matter is that he has either won the series on several occasions with the Kiwis or they have been blown out of the park on several occasions. Once again, the cloud of uncertainty prevails over the whole ordeal as they fact of the matter witnesses the whole excitement over the encounter, something that is certainly something both sides will be looking ahead to.

Broom’s gain; Guptill’s loss

A hamstring injury has seen Martin Guptill ruled out of the series. However, in the grand scheme of things, it is also quite clear that there is a massive gain in terms of an ODI return for someone like Dean Brownlie who has not featured in international cricket for some time now. However, while Guptill watches from the sidelines, there will be a significant spotlight on Neil Broom who has been in decent nick in recent times with the bat.

Marky’s blazing gun

Marcus Stoinis wrote his name in the books of each of the Australian selectors with some amazing batting performances as well as a decent outing with the ball. This innings also came at a time when Stoinis went ahead and ensured that the 26-year old certainly went ahead and cemented his place in the side. With the tour of India and the ICC Champions Trophy looking over the horizon, it would not be such a bad idea to grab the opportunity by the throat and absolutely slice it in the manner that Marcus Stoinis did on the day.

New Zealand

The Kiwis will be without Martin Guptill as they were on the previous ODI. However, this time around, the fact is that the rain clouds are expected to stay away while Dean Brownlie gets another crack at ODI cricket. Ish Sodhi has been drafted back into the side after a brief stint with the Brisbane Heat with the track expected to offer a lot of turn.

Australia

While a few of the players have indeed been impressive for Australia, it is certainly clear that they will also go ahead with a spinner in the side in the form of Adam Zampa. In addition, Pat Cummins looks highly unlikely to feature in this particular encounter while Aaron finch will be looking to squeeze out a win at the very least.

Probable XI

New Zealand: 

Kane Williamson (C), Tom Lathan (WK), Dean Brownlie, Neil Broom, Ross Taylor, James Neesham, Colin Munro, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sohi, Trent Boult

Australia: 

Aaron Finch (C), Peter Handscomb (WK), Shaun Marsh, Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, Sam Heazlett, Marcus Stoinis, James Faulkner, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazelwood

StAttack

1. Seddon Park in Hamilton seems to be one of the happier hunting grounds for New Zealand. In four ODIs played between these two sides, a Kiwi win is highly likely given the fact that they have won three of the four matches as compared to their Australian counterparts.

2. Glenn Maxwell requires 43 runs to complete 2000 ODI runs. His teammate Shaun Marsh requires 136 runs to do the same. James Faulkner however, requires 12 runs to complete 1000 runs.

3. Faulkner also stands on the brink of another record as he requires 8 wickets to complete 100 ODI wickets as well. Glenn Maxwell requires 5 wickets to complete 50 ODI wickets.

4. Ross Taylor requires 158 runs to complete 6000 ODI runs. However, while he stands on the brink of achieving this feat, he also is on 15 centuries and requires one more to become the join-top century-maker for New Zealand. Only Nathan Astle, the former New Zealand all-rounder has more centuries than him in ODI cricket at the moment.