- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
It is the battle of the co-hosts, as New Zealand host Australia in Auckland in the blue ribbon fixture of the Cricket World Cup group stage. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 11:30am (AEDT).
Familiarity may breed contempt, yet it is a stretch to suggest that the lengthy absence of meetings between New Zealand and Australia makes anyone’s heart fonder.
It is true that while both nations have thirsted long for the resumption of Trans-Tasman hostility, neither will admit to missing each other’s presence. The last completed one-dayer yielded an Australian victory in the last World Cup, while their last Test fixture was far more memorable – a seven-run ambush victory by the Black Caps in Hobart in 2011.
So for all the natural rivalry that befits this stage, the truth is that there is plenty for both sides to learn about each other on Saturday – not least of which is their joint status as favourites of this World Cup.
In New Zealand’s case, the proof is in a perfect three from three record, capped off by a ruthless demolition of England last Friday. Australia’s favouritism though is earned more by reputation. That’s through no fault of their own, given their last scheduled game was washed out. Indeed, Australia’s sole outing also saw them make short work of an insipid England.
In short, New Zealand not only have the form and home advantage, but also the match condition and internal stability to boot.
Picking a New Zealand XI is a relatively simple task these days. Coach Mike Hesson’s alternatives of Kyle Mills, Nathan McCullum, Mitchell McClenaghan and Tom Latham are safe bets to again sit out of a line-up that has built a regular habit of victory. While choosing an XI is the easy part, the challenge for New Zealand may be confronting what will stand as their toughest opponent in the last six months.
The crucial cogs of the team remain captain Brendon McCullum, Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor to lead the run scoring, while both Corey Anderson and former Australian Luke Ronchi are crucial in providing impetus later in the innings. On the bowling side, Tim Southee is fresh from his best ever outing in one-day cricket, and is partnered by the sharp left-arm swing of Trent Boult, while Daniel Vettori’s ability to limit runs in the middle overs will enable McCullum to freely attack at the other end.
For Australia, selection headaches have not been made easier due to the washout in Brisbane. Michael Clarke will now return in the cauldron of Eden Park, while vice-captain George Bailey is likely to be omitted entirely due to the former’s restoration in the middle order. Aside from that, Australia will likely keep the same team that defeated England on the opening day, with James Faulkner still not fit. Although the entire batting lineup will be critical to Australia’s fortunes, the key man will be Mitchell Starc. Early wickets of McCullum and Williamson can go a long way to nullify the partisan New Zealand support.
The tactics from both sides will gravitate towards attack, especially around the bowling. Despite Eden Park’s relatively short straight boundaries, both captains will encourage their fast men to pitch up in pursuit of any swing. Against this prospect, the early innings batting may be somewhat circumspect, with a focus on piling a large total mostly late in the innings.
Picking a winner is nigh impossible, despite the aforementioned advantages in New Zealand’s favour. However, the winner of this game is likely to come via the bowling, and which team can inflict the most early damage to the opponents’ dangerous batting line-up.
In light of this, we can be set for a thrilling Cricket World Cup encounter in Auckland. Join me on The Roar from 11:30am (AEDT) for the live blog.
Build your own fantasy cricket team and put it to the test with Draftstars daily fantasy competitions. Pick your match, pick your team and watch the points roll in to take out cash prizes on each match. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit.