Australia have an opportunity to finish their summer off on a high note after a curious blemish in the ODI series against South Africa.
The ODI format has been troublesome for an Australian team thriving in the T20I, and Test arena and New Zealand will fancy their chances of a rare series win across the Tasman.
Photo Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
First ODI | Friday 13 March 2020 | Sydney Cricket Ground (SGC), Sydney | 05:30
To Win
Australia 57/100
Tie 35/1
New Zealand 29/20
Australia
Australia have kept faith with the same group of players who made the trip to South Africa barring Jhye Richardson, who drops out of the squad after one appearance in the whitewashing at the hands of the Proteas.
Mitchell Marsh holds onto his place despite some underwhelming displays since returning from injury. He has work to do to convince Justin Langer that he is Australia’s best allrounder option long-term.
Australia’s top four need to do the bulk of the work, and not lean on the lower order and tail as much as they have done.
The hosts will don gold helmets once again in a series that looks to summon summers past.
Australia’s overworked pace attack have been pressed into duty again, though Josh Hazlewood will be glad to be back in international action.
New Zealand
The Black Caps will give the world an ode to their teal origins in a nostalgic twist but will be eager to assert their recent good form onto their hosts who struggled to find a rhythm against South Africa.
The emergence of Kyle Jamieson has been a considerable boost to New Zealand’s growing pace stocks. They may be in teal, but this New Zealand side will not be sending down military medium dross.
Colin de Grandhomme hasn’t had the best season, especially with the bat and he could use a powerful finishing cameo to boost his confidence.
Lockie Ferguson returns from injury but might find it hard to get into the team with Jamieson, Trent Boult and Tim Southee likely to get the nod.
Verdict: New Zealand 29/20
New Zealand to burgle one in Sydney.
Written by James Richardson for Hollywoodbets
You must be logged in to post a comment Login