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 He has been replaced by young quick Pat Cummins.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)
Trigger
Guest
poor decision is to keep playing mr 25 runs shane Watson ,why drop bailey when he scored a 50 under pressure last match,selectors have rocks in their heads for keeping on picking him.
Trigger
Guest
But Boof calls the shots ,captain/coach perhaps !!!
Broken-hearted Toy
Guest
Won't be surprised to see Cummins get smashed around, he's got a pretty ordinary record in ODIs.
moaman
Guest
You remember NZ not liking Lee's pace? And this is relevant-how? Differnt time,pitch,players.I mean...NZ didn't like Truman's pace either ffs! FYI the NZ players regularly train against some pretty sharp bowlers....
sd
Guest
than watson?
Don Freo
Guest
It won't be Lehmann who does that. He's not playing.
Danno74
Guest
Good move bringing in Cummins against NZ. I remember NZ never liked facing Lee's pace in the One Dayers. Hopefully Lehmann brings him on early as he is special bowler.
b
Guest
Based on what exactly? Clarke has a great record as both batsman and captain, and is widely regarded as one of the best captains playing the game.
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
Unfortunate for Hazlewood but he did look really out of rhythm against Eng and bowled poorly. Great to see Clarke back, hopefully he finds touch quickly.
Rob G
Guest
Poor decision. Bailey offers more as a batsman and as a captain than clarke.
Wayne
Guest
Lets hope Clarkes hammie lasts the distance otherwise bad choice.
jameswm
Guest
No surprises. No alarms and no surprises. Cummins has apparently been lightening in the nets.