First ODI preview: Australia vs New Zealand
The recent prominence of the Black Caps hasn’t translated into undoing the hoodoo Australia hold over them.
Australia are taking international cricket to all ports in Queensland with a late winter start to their home season.
Australia vs New Zealand | First ODI | Tuesday 6 September | Cazalys Stadium, Cairns
Australia
An abnormal loss to Zimbabwe in their last outing is a reminder to Australia that their former invincibility will not be easy to replicate in the modern era.
The batting ranks will doubtless have much more to do in this series with more quality on the opposition in both bowling and batting.
There have been no changes to the Australia group but we might see Josh Inglis get a run in this series.
Steve Smith’s form and strike rate will be things to watch for Australia who will see these as a barometer of success.
New Zealand
Kane Williamson leads New Zealand but finds himself struggling for form in ODI cricket.
The form players for New Zealand are now men like Finn Allen and Devon Conway while the lower order are consistently a strength when called upon.
Trent Boult remains in the group despite asking to be pulled from the central contracts list and spearheads a great pace attack that often can’t find a place for the likes of Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson.
Mitchell Santner is arguably one of the most valuable players for New Zealand in the ODI format.
Verdict: Australia
The hosts should hold the edge.
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