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.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Watson or Bailey for Marsh. Mitch is an extraordinary talent and his time will come - just not at this cup.
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
Mahee, if possible, I'd encourage you to find on Youtube the 1999 WC Semi-Final between South Africa and Australia. I was 13 when that happened, and this game only ranks a shadow behind that as the greatest ODI I've ever seen.
Renegade
Guest
I know Bobbo.... it was a sarcastic response to your Kiwi mate above. I'm pretty sure Clark is the NZ version of Don Freo ;)
Renegade
Guest
Haha needed a good laugh this morning..... "4-0" haha classic. If there's any green on pitches, India would be bowled for under a 100.
Aucklandlaurie
Guest
Nothing beats New Zealand playing at Eden Park.
Ll;oyd Banton
Guest
When the team selection was announced it was very shocking and unbelievable, it was a big blow for the advancement of West Indies cricket team. Even the commentator was astonish that Clive Lloyd and the West Indies cricket board have left out two of the best cricketer Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo those two player would have bought stability and experience to the team, I myself could not believe the decision of the selection I thought that it was one of the most stupid and selfish decision to made, the reason that was given was unacceptable to me and everyone else. That is big blunder and a stumbling block, just why they have gone against the right thing to do, when it come to batting Chris Gayle is number one and Kieron Pollard is number two Kieron Pollard when it come to fielding Kieron Pollard is the best fielder in the West Indies team, Kieron Pollard is a clinch hitter and he can win you any game, why would you leave out your second best batsman, I find that ridiculous and stupid. You should explain to the general public the reason why, just what is the issue or beef that you have with Kieron Pollard.I am so disappointed with Clive Lloyd and the West Indies cricket board selection, just what are these people thinking how can you experiment with substandard players, when you mess with the dynamics or structure of the game without no concrete solution, majority of the time you would end up losing the game long before you start. It is very bad selection that is damaging the game of cricket you do not experiment with untested player in a major game of cricket for that is nonsensical and not practical. The team line out should have been Chris Gayle Dwayne Smith Marlon Samuels Johnson Charles Lendl Simmons Kieron Pollard Dwayne Bravo Darren Bravo Andre Russell Darren Sammy Jason Holder Sunil Narine Jerome Taylor Denesh Ramdin.
Ll;oyd Banton
Guest
I know that people sometimes have to make very unpopular or unpleasant decision that don’t suit us all but this decision that is made by Clive Lloyd and the West Indies cricket board is dam right ridiculous and counterproductive, Clive Lloyd and the West Indies cricket board is out of touch with the modern up to date game of cricket, the reason that was given for not selecting two of the world best known try and tested player Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo not picking these player is next to madness, I repeat back to you Clive Lloyd words he said that he want to give these new players a chance, the irony is that these players is not new nor are they dependable and also they have been around for some time now, you have a world cup cricket match to play and your picking a lot of substandard cricketer to play cricket, why have you not pick Johnson Charles in your team selection. Without no doubt Kieron Pollard have proven himself over and over again that he is the second best batsman in the west indies team, and plus he is the best fielder I just can’t understand what is the big issue or beef with Kieron Pollard, The whole thing just do not add up or make any sense, I am so flabbergasted with the poor decisions of the selection of the team. West Indies need more clinical bowler that can keep the batsman in check and also take wickets. The team line out should have been Chris Gayle Dwayne Smith Marlon Samuels Johnson Charles Lendl Simmons Kieron Pollard Dwayne Bravo Darren Bravo Andre Russell Darren Sammy Jason Holder Sunil Narine Jerome Taylor Denesh Ramdin
13th Man
Guest
Yeah agree. Batting really was poor. Missed Bailey and Faulkner to provide middle order grit and lower order fightback I think. Watson has gotta go. He started the whole collapse thing. Also looks like Smiths form is gone, all good things must come to an end.
Statistic Skeptic
Guest
Ross Taylor's last 4 innings haven't been great - but his 2015 average is still over 40 (and his 2014 is over 60)... he's not going anywhere.
Benjamin Conkey
Editor
So this is why I love cricket. First 3 overs Australia 36..then 1-80..then complete transformation. 19 wickets fall in 55 overs in the match YET McCullum still scores 50 off 21 and Williamson plays a calm innings in amongst the chaos. Not to mention the contrast in economy rates of the bowlers. One of those scorecards that will look very strange for future generations looking back on with no context.
Prosenjit majumdar
Guest
The real great spell of fast bowling came from starc,not from trent boult.
Bobbo7
Guest
Overall great game. This week we will all hear that NZ cannot handle pressure, weak middle order etc. NZ went hard the small total as they did against Scotland. I am not too concerned about their ability to bat properly for 50 overs. I was particularly annoyed with Milne and Southee. They knew the ball they were getting and did not adjust but they were great nuts all the same. Williamson confirmed he can handle the big stage and is a class above Australia bowled well, obviously so credit where it's due, though Johnson was not much chop Australia struggles against quality bowling and fielding. Let's be honest, England and India were average in the tri-series before the WC. Against a team that can put it together for overs at a time they came up short. Australia still favourites for the cup but you do feel any of SA, NZ, India, beat them if them on their day.
Mahee Hossain
Guest
I'm 14, and that was probably the greatest cricket match I've seen.
ethan
Guest
If NZ hadn't suffered a similar batting collapse, it would have been underwhelming. The thing that makes cricket great is not so much how many runs are on the board, but how tight the game is. That game was tight, and as such, great entertainment.
Nudge
Guest
I've backed Watto all the way, but I can't do it anymore. It's time to move on. Faulkner if fit will be his replacement. That would leave the team like this. Warner Finch Smith Clarke Maxwell Marsh Haddin Faulkner Johnson Starc Cummins/ Hazlewood. Maxwell has to be in the team but it makes me very nervous with him at 5. Haddins been in great touch the last 5 or 6 games and has opened in about half his one day career. I wonder if this could work? Warner Finch Haddin Clarke Smith Maxwell Marsh Faulkner Johnson Starc Cummins/ Hazlewood.
ethan
Guest
To be fair, Johnson didn't handle the pressure any better today. He had the worst figures.
ethan
Guest
We seem to have four all rounders to choose from, and IMO we need two of them in the team: Watson, Maxwell, Marsh and Faulkner. Against NZ we had three and we were caught out with a batting collapse. Would love to see Bailey come back and take the other spot.
ethan
Guest
Smith, Bailey, Faulkner can all possibly provide that role. But two of them weren't in the team, and the other failed. Well, we can't expect Smith to knock out 100's every innings.
Bobbo7
Guest
I was also mucking around. No doubt Australia bowls well and fights like a backyard dog to the end. I thought the team that batted first would win and Australia should have made 300 plus But good for NZ. They will learn a lot from that
Bobbo7
Guest
He'll come good.