As widely reported and expected, stand-in captain George Bailey and tall quick Josh Hazlewood have been dropped from Australia’s one day side to play in their second Cricket World Cup match of the tournament.
Hazlewood was struggling for pace and form, despite strong ODI and Test performances earlier in the summer. He has been replaced by young quick Pat Cummins.
Widely talked about before the World Cup, Bailey has also been dropped, with a half century in Australia’s tournament opener against England not enough to spare him the axe.
Skipper Michael Clarke will take Bailey’s place in the order, with the Tasmanian to act as 12th man.
Clarke’s return will see him play his first competitive match since injuring his hamstring in the first Test of the summer.
Shane Watson retains his spot in the order, with all rounder James Faulkner sure to press him for a spot if he comes back to full fitness before the end of the tournament.
Australia XI to play New Zealand:
Clarke (c), Warner, Finch, Watson, Smith, Maxwell, Marsh, Haddin, Johnson, Starc, Cummins, Bailey (12th)
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