It’s been a rain-interrupted build up to the Champions Trophy and there could be more on the way in Edgbaston when Australia and New Zealand get their campaigns underway in a Trans-Tasman rivalry match. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 7pm (AEST).
It goes without saying that in a three-match tournament, with two groups of four and only the top two qualifying, even a single loss could be disastrous, and this could be the match that decides who finishes second in Group A.
England are the favourites, expected to top the group, while Bangladesh could pose some problems, but are still likely to finish on the bottom. That leaves Australia and New Zealand, with the loser of this match probably needing to find a way past England to qualify.
The location – Edgbaston in England is a world away from the sides previous encounters, with six ODI matches played between the two sides over the summer just gone.
Australia won the first series at home 3-0, before New Zealand bounced back to win 2-0 away from home, however it was against an understrength Australian team who were playing without David Warner and Steve Smith.
Warner and Smith headline the squad, alongside opening bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. Those four hold the keys to success, but the form of Aaron Finch, who scored a century in a warm-up against Sri Lanka and then backed it up with an aggressive top score before rain stopped play against Pakistan.
Given Finch’s one day form almost had him dropped from the side not long ago, he could add plenty to the Aussie batting line-up.
New Zealand come into the match and tournament as outsiders, but have plenty of cricket in the conditions under their belt, with a recent tri-series against Bangladesh and Ireland where they, as expected, were dominant but still dropped the final match against the Tigers.
That was a worrying performance to say the least, but with Kane Williamson back into the side for the Champions Trophy, he will feel the pressure to lead from the front.
With exception of the tri-series, Williamson has essentially decided how New Zealand batted in recent performances against Australia and New Zealand. Ross Taylor and Tom Latham both carry good form though, and Luke Ronchi made a promising half century as they went down to India in a warm-up match.
In English conditions, Trent Boult and Tim Southee will be the key. Apart from stopping Warner, Smith, Finch and the rest in their tracks, the way they are able to swing the ball and limit runs will be imperative to New Zealand’s success, especially if the weather stays as forecast.
Prediction
England’s conditions are likely to be closer to that presented in New Zealand, so if Williamson fires, the Kiwis could win this. Australia have more X-Factor throughout the side though, with Warner and Starc leading the way.
Australia should pick up a win.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of Australia’s opening Champions Trophy match from 7pm (AEST) and don’t forget to add a comment below.
James
Guest
It is incredibly unfair to one team more often than not, either the last 10 over batting is washed out or a team has to bat like the last 10 overs for for the first 30 overs. Only way to do it really though unfortunately.
James
Guest
Maybe spinners have a club and they didnt let Smith in the club in his early days or he was beaten up by spinners or one stole his girlfriend maybe and so he hates them all?
DavSA
Guest
Well ok . Aus used there get out of jail free card . From my perspective conditions had significantly changed once the wet weather set in. So what can we read in this.? Two big concerns for The Aussies ... Why no faith in there front line spinners to start the tournament. ... Hate to say it but Steve Smith has a bit of a history with this ..... And Finch/Warner just did not play to the conditions .. Gung ho T20 approach all the way.
Brasstax
Guest
Well the jailer has unexpectedly opened the doors of our cell and allowed us to walk. I know many of my compatriots would say that with Smith at the crease the game was not over, but it is quite undeniable that when the rain ended the match NZ were overwhelming favorites to win by a big margin. Once again our batting frailty exposed. We need batsmen with more brain as opposed to brawn.
Rats
Guest
That's sad to hear.. Thanks for the update.
Scott Pryde
Expert
The game has been abandoned Well, there it is. The news we have all been desperately hoping not to hear, yet were so sure we would hear sooner rather than later. It's still raining at Edgbaston and the game has been called off with no result, throwing the result of Group A right up in the air. New Zealand were on top and they will probably feel they have been robbed of a victory, but it's 2013 all over again with Edgbaston playing host to an Australia vs New Zealand washout. Thanks for joining me on The Roar for our live coverage of this Champions Trophy on what has been an incredibly frustrating evening. Australia continue their campaign at 10:30pm (AEST) on Monday against Bangladesh and The Roar will be live for that one as well. Bye for now.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Don't think either team will be losing today. Chances of a restart looking slim.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Social media seems to be suggesting the rain is getting heavier. I would say we will have a call about the direction of the match in the next 10 minutes or so, noting we are now only half an hour away from the latest possible starting time.
Rats
Guest
Always lose interest when matches are shortened like this due to weather. feels unfair to whichever team loses
Savage
Roar Rookie
best batsmen in the world underpressure against new zealand,must be interesting to watch.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Well, the rain couldn't come at a worse time for New Zealand. They are on fire here. Australia will be happy to get out of this with a draw now I would say. 6:48pm local time is the latest possible starting time - that makes it 3:48am (AEST).
Scott Pryde
Expert
And here comes the rain again! Everyone follows Henriques off the field and the frustration of this day continues. Covers are going down and we still need 11 overs to complete a game here. The challenge for Australia is about to get astronomical. Three down, so the DL score is going to go skyrocketing compared to overs lost if we do get back on. Australia have really struggled here. Warner looked solid, then went slashing, but Finch and Henriques looked ordinary before getting out. Steve Smith has looked reasonable, but has only faced six balls. Australia 3/53 (9) New Zealand 10/291 (45) Revised D/L target - TBC
Scott Pryde
Expert
WICKET! Moises Henriques, Caught and Bowled Adam Milne 18 (14) Australia are under all sorts of pressure now! Henriques has looked to drive a full one, but closed the face of the bat and squared up just a fraction. Gets an inside edge into the pad and it pops up to a fully alert Milne who completes the catch to put Australia up the creek. Australia 3/53 (9) New Zealand 10/291 (45) Revised D/L target - 235 in 33 overs
Scott Pryde
Expert
FOUR Milne now looking to keep building this pressure and oh wow! Lovely ball with plenty of carry on the off stump. Henriques gets an edge on it though, squaring up as he defends. It doesn't carry and then runs away to the fence. Australia 2/53 (8.5) New Zealand 10/291 (45) Revised D/L target - 235 in 33 overs
Scott Pryde
Expert
Milne now goes outside off on a good length and Henriques shows good technique in the defensive push to cover. The next is into the pads and defended to mid on. Australia 2/49 (8.4) New Zealand 10/291 (45) Revised D/L target - 235 in 33 overs
Scott Pryde
Expert
FOUR Henriques defends the first ball of this over, but then gets a bouncer on the second and sends it on its merry way to the square leg fence. Australia 2/49 (8.2) New Zealand 10/291 (45) Revised D/L target - 235 in 33 overs
Scott Pryde
Expert
FOUR Too straight and too short, Henriques pulls it through mid wicket for a boundary, then grabs a single as he hooks it around the corner. Australia 2/45 (8) New Zealand 10/291 (45) Revised D/L target - 235 in 33 overs
Scott Pryde
Expert
That's a good ball from Boult - really pushed the angle across Henriques who plays and misses. Australia 2/40 (7.4) New Zealand 10/291 (45) Revised D/L target - 235 in 33 overs
Scott Pryde
Expert
FOUR Henriques misses a couple, then goes the big wind up pull shot at a short ball. Gets a top edge and it flies away for a boundary. Australia 2/40 (7.3) New Zealand 10/291 (45) Revised D/L target - 235 in 33 overs
Scott Pryde
Expert
Full ball to complete the over from Milne at Smith who drives towards the covers, but can't beat the gap there with fielders scrambling to shut it down. Australia 2/36 (7) New Zealand 10/291 (45) Revised D/L target - 235 in 33 overs