AUS v NZ, 1st ODI Preview: Revitalized hosts hope to dominate their depleted Trans-Tasman rivals

Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand and Australia are set to revive rivalry in the upcoming Chappell – Hadlee trophy which commences with the first ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground tomorrow (4th December). The visitors, New Zealand, will be high on confidence after a thumping win which came less than a week ago at home. For them, it will be about getting the series honours and rewrite history which is somewhat horrible, having never won a bilateral series.

Australia, on the other hand, has had a really turbulent time in the recent past. Steve Smith and men’s character has been tested in the toughest way possible. Test losses to Sri Lanka (away) and South Africa (home) apart from the 5-0 whitewash against South Africa in the limited overs series which was sandwiched between both the Test series brought them under intense fire. They now have a revitalized side and will be looking forward to mending their fortunes

Talking about the ODI form, both the teams come after receiving a bashing in the last respective ODI series they played. Therefore, they will be looking forward to restore some pride in their pants and put their past disappointments behind.

Australia:

There’s no doubt that Australia’s ODI side looks far more experienced than the opposition. The Australian sectors have had a busy time in the recent past filtering out the domestic performers in a bid to improve the team. The team which brought home the humiliating 0-5 clean sweep against South Africa, was sort of under strength, especially in the bowling department.

But, with Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood back in the scheme of things, the bowling attack has once again got its potency back. Their inclusion comes at a cost though as Australia’s leading ODI wicket-taker in 2016 – John Hastings – will be sitting out.

The hosts have also added Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh and right-arm fast bowler Patrick Cummins in the team. The trio’s return has created a lot of interest in the series. Usman Khawaja has paid the price for his poor South Africa tour and has been removed from the squad. Batting all-rounder Hilton Cartwright is only new face in the squad and will most likely not get a place given the present combination.

Probable XI: 

David Warner, Aaron Finch, Steven Smith (C), Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, Matthew Wade (wk) James Faulkner, Pat Cummins, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood

New Zealand:

While the opposition has bolstered its line-up with ODI specialists, visitors New Zealand arrive with no Ross Taylor, who is recovering from eye surgery and no Adam Milne, Mitchell McClenaghan, or Corey Anderson, all of whom are unavailable due to injuries.

These exclusions have brought new faces into the squad namely all–rounder Colin Grandhomme, the seam bowling all-rounder, who made a stunning Test debut against Pakistan last month. He has only one ODI to his name which came nearly five years ago against South Africa.

The 25-year-old uncapped fast bowler Lockie Ferguson will replace Adam Milne. Ferguson comes in with the same reputation which Milne possesses. The Auckland-based right-arm fast bowler carries the ability of clocking 150 plus when at his peak.

Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi has been left out again as selectors now seem to be trying to test the potential of another leg-spinner Todd Astle. He is yet to make his ODI debut. There is a huge chance that all the new faces will most likely get their debuts in the upcoming game barring Todd Astle who might lose out to left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner as New Zealand won’t like to fiddle too much with the line-up in the opening game itself.

Probable XI:

Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson (C), Henry Nicholls, James Neesham/ Colin de Grandhomme, BJ Watling (WK, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Matt Henry/Lockie Ferguson

Stats & facts:

• If Smith’s side loses the first match on Sunday they will become only the second Australian outfit to ever lose six ODIs in a row. The last time it happened was way back in 1996.

• If the Australians lose the first two matches of this series it will be the first time Australia has ever lost seven ODIs in a row.

• Not since the summer of 1982-83 has New Zealand defeated Australia in a bilateral one-day series on Australian shores (more than one match contest).

• The Chappell-Hadlee series has been an official item on the cricketing calendar since 2004 before losing a bit of importance between the 2011 World Cup and the 2015 World Cup.

• Martin Guptill has scored 4,955 runs and needs another 45 runs to become the fifth New Zealand player to reach the 5,000 runs milestone.

• Glenn Maxwell has taken 45 wickets, and needs 5 more to reach the 50 wickets milestone, and also the 1,000 runs/50 wickets milestones.

• Matthew Wade has effected 99 dismissals and needs 1 more to reach the 100 dismissals milestone, and also the 1,000 runs/100 dismissals milestones.