It has been a while coming, but the most pivotal match of New
Zealand's cricketing summer to date looms against Australia
at a packed Seddon Park today.
Both combatants yesterday talked up the importance of the
third Chappell-Hadlee Trophy one-day international as they
underwent their final shakedowns in warm sunshine, with the
five-match series poised at 1-1.
Australia is dominant favourite with the bookies after its
12-run win in Auckland last Saturday when it defended a
substandard total of 273, with assistance from New Zealand's
misfiring top order, some Mitchell Johnson magic and the
Duckworth-Lewis method.
A win today by Ricky Ponting's tourists will see their
growing confidence skyrocket and reduce them to microscopic
odds to retain the trophy and set themselves up for the
following two-test series.
New Zealand started outstandingly in Napier and was solid
again with the ball in Auckland, but the top-order batting
and key injuries make it a difficult job in Hamilton.
"It's probably the most important game of the series. The
team that can go 2-1 up only needs one more to win the series
so we're trying to put everything into this game.
"We enjoy playing here, it's a great cricket ground and the
guys are pretty excited about being here," New Zealand
captain Daniel Vettori said.
Vettori gave himself (neck injury) and Brendon McCullum
(back) the all clear, although Gareth Hopkins will keep
wicket, but pronounced key batsman Ross Taylor and
all-rounder James Franklin (both strained hamstrings) 50-50
prospects after both batted in the nets.
Taylor was a better chance of playing today than Franklin,
purely because he was not a bowler.
A decision will be left until this morning.
"If Ross was able to get on the park we'd be pretty grateful
for that," Vettori said.
"All these sorts of decisions you need to make for yourself,
because if you can't get it right in your own head, then your
performance won't be great.
"I'll leave it completely up to Ross to make sure that he's
all right and that he feels comfortable playing."
If Taylor and Franklin were both scratched, Canterbury's
Shanan Stewart will make his debut at No 6, behind the
in-form Scott Styris at No 5.
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