Is Butler in the OD squad - I can't remember & what is the prognosis re his injury? Also how is Oram's injury / problem - will he bit fit for selection?
IMO NZ has the advantage re current form with so many players backing up from the Test series in good form - Vincent, Styris, McMillan, Vettori, Tuffey. I'm a bit concerned regarding that we may go into the series a batsman short with Astle out, unless they decide to open with someone other than Vincent (which would be a mistake).
While Australia had a comfortable series win over Zimbabwe, I question their attack going into the series on these flatter tracks. Similarly it is so early in the season here that the ODI specialists have not had any cricket since the Bangladesh series. I know the NZ season has not got under way but their Test players are well settled & acclimatised to the pitches & weather, which should compensate a bit.
India need a far better showing in this series to regain some confidence; & Australia will still back their ability to win anywhere & will want to further demoralise India ahead of the Test series.
Australia & India have more to play for IMO which may be the deciding factor in which team qualifies.
IMO NZ has the advantage re current form with so many players backing up from the Test series in good form - Vincent, Styris, McMillan, Vettori, Tuffey. I'm a bit concerned regarding that we may go into the series a batsman short with Astle out, unless they decide to open with someone other than Vincent (which would be a mistake).
While Australia had a comfortable series win over Zimbabwe, I question their attack going into the series on these flatter tracks. Similarly it is so early in the season here that the ODI specialists have not had any cricket since the Bangladesh series. I know the NZ season has not got under way but their Test players are well settled & acclimatised to the pitches & weather, which should compensate a bit.
India need a far better showing in this series to regain some confidence; & Australia will still back their ability to win anywhere & will want to further demoralise India ahead of the Test series.
Australia & India have more to play for IMO which may be the deciding factor in which team qualifies.