Wonders will never cease. I can understand countries playing Pakistan on a neutral venue. But Australia playing New Zealand in India for Chappell-Hadlee Trophy! What next?
Cricket Australia and the New Zealand Cricket have added extra spice to their ICC Cricket World Cup Group A clash this Friday by also contesting the Chappell-Hadlee trophy during the neighbours’ do-or-die clash in Nagpur, India.
The Chappell-Hadlee Trophy has been contested annually since 2004-05 and the World Cup is the only chance Australia and New Zealand have to play against each other in 2010-11 – thanks to Big Bash, IPL and many other meaningless matches.
This World Cup/Chappell-Hadlee trophy two-in-one match adds an extra dimension as the trans-Tasman teams play each other on Friday.
Both captains will be keen to ensure pole position in Group A. It will give added impetus to New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori to wrest back the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy from Ricky Ponting’s grasp.
Australia currently holds the Trophy following a 3-2 series victory in 2009-10 held in New Zealand.
New Zealand Cricket Chief Executive Justin Vaughan said: “The trans-Tasman rivalry is revered by New Zealand fans and we are pleased the Blackcaps get the chance to compete for the Trophy this season. This is a truly unique occasion with the two sides unlikely to compete for the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy in India again.”
Cricket Australia’s Chief Executive James Sutherland said: “I’m delighted the teams will have a chance to compete for this great Trophy, which underpins the Trans-Tasman rivalry in the one-day game. There is plenty at stake in this game.”
Dayle Hadlee and Ian Chappell will be present at the game in Nagpur, the orange city of India. Hence both families will be represented at the venue when the Trophy is presented to the winning captain at the end of the game.
First contested in 2004-05, the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy encapsulates the two symbols of the competing countries: the gold wattle and the silver fern. The sterling silver symbols are embedded at the base of the trophy, which features three stumps in Australian and New Zealand timber, a top of which rests a sterling silver cricket ball.
The Trophy was named to honour the Chappell and Hadlee families and their exceptional contributions to Australian and New Zealand Cricket.
Here are the results season-wise:
In Australia, 2004-05. Series drawn 1-1 with one drawn.
In NZ, 2005-06. Australia win 2-1.
In NZ, 2006-07. NZ win 3-0.
In Aus, 2007-08. Aus win 2-0 with one drawn.
In Aus, 2008-09. Series drawn 2-2 with one drawn.
In NZ, 2009-10. Aus win 3-2.
Of the six series, Australia has won three, lost one with two drawn. The only series NZ won, they white-washed Australia 3-0 in 2006-07.
And of the 22 matches played, Australia narrowly lead 10-9 with three matches drawn. So it is very close.
All the same, it seems an afterthought to double up a vital World Cup event with a one-match contest to honour two legendary families. To me it’s a weak compromise that demeans the Trophy’s worth.
What do you say, Roarers?
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