***Official*** Australia in New Zealand

[Craig]

or there is an injury

Thing called the super sub?

 

[Josh]

Lewis SHOULD get a game before Clark. Should've been picked before Clark anyway.

 

[Mister Wright]

Lewis SHOULD get a game before Clark. Should've been picked before Clark anyway.

Aint that the truth.

 

[marc71178]

This explains Fleming's absence. A press release from NZ Cricket.

When I heard the news about the personal medical matter I must admit I feared the worst - thank god it's turned out to be nothing too serious.

 

[Prince EWS]

Lewis is one guy who I really dont rate. Hes a good first class cricketer, but I really dont think he could be much more than that. He'll probably do well against the lesser sides, because I dont think they are of much better quality than the Pura Cup, but he'll struggle to make any sort of impact on the international level against proper international opposition. I think he is extremely over-rated, particularly by Victorians.

In saying all that though, I still think hes a better choice than Stuart Clark, which just shows how low I rate Clark. Clark didnt even get picked in a full-strength NSW side in one match this season, which really tells you something. Hes not up to it at all.

I can see the logic in picking Lewis, even though I dont rate him, but Clark's selection boggles the mind. If Australian selectors are going to be relying on bowlers like Stuart Clark, Michael Lewis and Cameron White to win them matches on a regular basis, they are in for a rude shock. In saying that though, I dont really know who I would have picked. After Lee, McGrath, Bracken and Hogg, the best one day bowlers in the country are Kasprowicz and Bichel, and I think they have been pretty much blacklisted. Damien Wright just isnt QUITE there as a specialist bowler IMO. He could be picked as a bowling allrounder ala Harvey and Hopes if his batting improved slightly, but I dont think hes quite up to it in terms of being a specialist bowler at international level. Bowlers like Griffith and Rofe arent accurate enough for ODI cricket, and unlike bowlers like Lee, they cant quite make it up with their pace. Cleary is far too inconsistant, while young players like Johnson arent quite ready.

I honestly think Kasprowicz and Bichel, and maybe even Gillespie, are the best options.

 

[JASON]

Does anyone know what Fleming's mystery illness is (that keeps him away from the first ODI on December 3rd ) ?
Or is it the impending birth of his first child that is keeping him away from First ODI ?

This explains Fleming's absence. A press release from NZ Cricket.


Quote:
Stephen Fleming will not be available for the first two matches of the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series, BLACKCAPS general manager Lindsay Crocker confirmed today.
“Stephen last week had a potentially cancerous tumour removed from his jaw-line in front of his left ear, and yesterday received the very good news that the tumour was benign.
“The size of the tumour caused nerve damage which was repaired with further surgery on Wednesday.
“Stephen will aim to play for Wellington in a State Championship match against Canterbury beginning in Christchurch on December 5 and will be considered for the final ODI against Australia on December 10.
“We are very pleased for Stephen who must have had a stressful time over the past week. When he was selected we did not know whether he would be available for the first match or whether he would be out for a longer period, but now hope that he will be fit to play on December 5.
“Daniel Vettori will captain the BLACKCAPS which will present him with a valuable opportunity to captain the team at home against the world champions.
“Nathan Astle will step in as the vice captain. With Stephen being ruled out of the first two matches, the squad is now 13 and no-one will be added to or released from the squad for the first match.”

Just saw the above on previous page. Pleased Stephen Fleming is well and will play in 3rd ODI.

 

[aussie]

Lewis is one guy who I really dont rate. Hes a good first class cricketer, but I really dont think he could be much more than that. He'll probably do well against the lesser sides, because I dont think they are of much better quality than the Pura Cup, but he'll struggle to make any sort of impact on the international level against proper international opposition. I think he is extremely over-rated, particularly by Victorians.

In saying all that though, I still think hes a better choice than Stuart Clark, which just shows how low I rate Clark. Clark didnt even get picked in a full-strength NSW side in one match this season, which really tells you something. Hes not up to it at all.

I can see the logic in picking Lewis, even though I dont rate him, but Clark's selection boggles the mind. If Australian selectors are going to be relying on bowlers like Stuart Clark, Michael Lewis and Cameron White to win them matches on a regular basis, they are in for a rude shock. In saying that though, I dont really know who I would have picked. After Lee, McGrath, Bracken and Hogg, the best one day bowlers in the country are Kasprowicz and Bichel, and I think they have been pretty much blacklisted. Damien Wright just isnt QUITE there as a specialist bowler IMO. He could be picked as a bowling allrounder ala Harvey and Hopes if his batting improved slightly, but I dont think hes quite up to it in terms of being a specialist bowler at international level. Bowlers like Griffith and Rofe arent accurate enough for ODI cricket, and unlike bowlers like Lee, they cant quite make it up with their pace. Cleary is far too inconsistant, while young players like Johnson arent quite ready.

I honestly think Kasprowicz and Bichel, and maybe even Gillespie, are the best options.

well Dizzy seems to be getting is act together again & Tait is recovering so hoefully wont have much use for jokers like Clark & we have all our top ODI bowling options.

 

[Mister Wright]

well Dizzy seems to be getting is act together again & Tait is recovering so hoefully wont have much use for jokers like Clark & we have all our top ODI bowling options.

If Dizzy keeps his form up he'll be back for the VB series IMO.

 

[aussie]

If Dizzy keeps his form up he'll be back for the VB series IMO.

yep & that would be great..

 

[Ming]

When I heard the news about the personal medical matter I must admit I feared the worst - thank god it's turned out to be nothing too serious.

Hmmm....I would still say it's serious despite it being benign....

Hopefully McCullum will open the batting and add impetus to the innings at the start.

 

[Tim]

I reckon it'll be James Marshall & Nathan Astle. There was a whisper of Vettori opening but i'd say thats very unlikely now that he's got the job of Captaincy as well. Which is good anyway because Vettori is not an opening batsmen, and it would be ridiculous to give him the job when we should be building to the World Cup.

I really don't see James Marshall as an ODI opener, i'd much prefer to see McCullum have a crack, but I think the selectors will want to keep him down the order.

 

[cric_manic]

McCullum shud be given a crack he played well against the australian fast bowlers last time

 

[Darrin]

I reckon it'll be James Marshall & Nathan Astle. There was a whisper of Vettori opening but i'd say thats very unlikely now that he's got the job of Captaincy as well. Which is good anyway because Vettori is not an opening batsmen, and it would be ridiculous to give him the job when we should be building to the World Cup.

I really don't see James Marshall as an ODI opener, i'd much prefer to see McCullum have a crack, but I think the selectors will want to keep him down the order.

I don't know about mccullum opening because i can't see him producing anything other than a quick 30-odd.

Anyone of your top-3 MUST have the ability to score a 100. Here-in lies the problem we don't really have another astle. We are really going to miss fleming and his opening with astle. Other players will have to pick up the slack a bit.

 

[Blaze]

I don't know about mccullum opening because i can't see him producing anything other than a quick 30-odd.

Anyone of your top-3 MUST have the ability to score a 100. Here-in lies the problem we don't really have another astle. We are really going to miss fleming and his opening with astle. Other players will have to pick up the slack a bit.

McCullum can do the job. He is a genuine batsman. I rate him highly. He hasn't really had the opportunity to score big runs because he bats so low.

 

[Tim]

Well i'd much rather have McCullum actually attack the Aussie bowlers and try to put some pressure back on them than have the scenario of James Marshall fending & proding at most deliveries before eventually getting out.
Astle seems to have shelved his aggressive style in the last year or so, so someone needs to go up and have a go.

 

[Darrin]

Well i'd much rather have McCullum actually attack the Aussie bowlers and try to put some pressure back on them than have the scenario of James Marshall fending & proding at most deliveries before eventually getting out.
Astle seems to have shelved his aggressive style in the last year or so, so someone needs to go up and have a go.

Why is james even there? I would have prefered Peter fulton. I cannot for the life of me see the reason why james is there?

I do agree about astle, but he still is the key to our batting in ODI'S.

 

[Lyell_Chris]

I think Cairns should be put up the order so he can have time to build an innings

I think I read some-where Vincent might be openning, I hope McCullum does though

 

[AndrewM]

Hey boys, thought i'd put this up here because a) it is of relevance and b) to see you guys' thoughts, agree or otherwise.

A tough ask without Fleming

Every player in the New Zealand squad must be at the top of their game to stand a chance in the second Chappell-Hadlee series.

Captain Stephen Fleming is recovering from cancer surgery and will miss the games in Auckland and Wellington. This is offset by the reselection of Chris Cairns and a fit Jacob Oram.

New Zealand has good all-round strength but it is the specialists that need to perform. Nathan Astle, Hamish Marshall and Craig McMillan have under-produced of late. With no Fleming to open, Astle must look to take on the raw Australian pace attack. Lou Vincent is expected to replace Fleming's opening spot.

Ricky Ponting's side will look to bat first and take New Zealand out of the contest. Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist have been in ominous form and must be dealt with early to expose their less established middle-order.

The Australians have made more wholesale changes, introducing batsman Brad Hodge, resting Glenn McGrath while adding fast bowler Michael Lewis and spinner Brad Hogg.

Australia is sure to target stand-in skipper Daniel Vettori. Although only 26, he has played more than 150 ODI's and 65 tests. Vettori was captain against Bangladesh earlier this year, but admitted he was seldom pressurized. He seems unfazed by the challenge and will be keen to stamp his own style.

A Vettori-Cairns brains trust will be a fresh change from Fleming's long-standing approach. Nathan Astle has been appointed vice-captain but expect Cairns to have a strong influence out in the middle. Cairns' experience and new determination could be New Zealand's trump card.

With no McGrath, Brett Lee heads a slightly green attack short on international experience. The untested duo of Stuart Clark and Lewis will partner Lee. With the ninth World Cup just 16 months away, Australia is understandably looking to blood new talent. Conversely John Bracewell is basing his campaign on the squad for this series and has no such selection luxuries.

Shane Bond plays his first match against Australia since he took 6-23 in the last World Cup. He struggled in last month's South African series, but should find some form at home. Bond, like Lee for Australia, will lead his side's attack. If Bond does not take early wickets then New Zealand will struggle to contain the Australian batsmen.

If Bracewell has learnt from previous campaigns against Australia, winning the first match of a series is absolutely vital. Australia is most vulnerable at the beginning, and New Zealand must strike first if they are to win.

Australia have won the last 6 ODI's, with New Zealand's last victory in game one of the 2004-5 Chappell-Hadlee Trophy. The truncated schedule will benefit New Zealand's one-day unit, who have played more ODI's recently than their counterparts.

December 3rd, Game 1, Auckland (D/N)
December 7th, Game 2, Wellington (D/N)
December 10th, Game 3, Christchurch (D/N)

Head to Head:
Played 97, Australia 68, New Zealand 26 (3 no result)

New Zealand (from): Daniel Vettori (capt), Nathan Astle (vice-capt), Lou Vincent, Hamish Marshall, Scott Styris, Craig McMillan, Jacob Oram, Chris Cairns, Brendon McCullum (wk), Kyle Mills, Shane Bond, James Franklin, James Marshall.

Australia (from): Ricky Ponting (capt), Adam Gilchrist (vice-capt, wk), Nathan Bracken, Stuart Clark, Michael Clarke, Brad Hodge, Brad Hogg, Mike Hussey, Simon Katich, Michael Lewis, Brett Lee, Andrew Symonds, Cameron White.

 

[parisa]

It'll be interesting to see what Vettori comes up with against the Australians.It doesn't get any harder than that...captaining against Bangladesh really doesn't count but he still did a pretty good job with the captaincy.

Shane Bond has a thing for the Australian batsmen so hopefully he'll get it right from the first ball. Doesn't Shane Bond have the best record for any bowler around the world playing against the Australians?Another player who will be under a tonne of pressure is Chris Cairns it's like everybody is expecting him to make glorious comeback.

 

[Linda]

Ricky Ponting's side will look to bat first and take New Zealand out of the contest. Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist have been in ominous form and must be dealt with early to expose their less established middle-order..

I, for one, will certainly be more than a little surprised if Haydos walks out onto Eden Park on Saturday..