Australia look to bounce back

The Chappell-Hadlee trophy heads to Auckland as Australia take for the second game of the 5-match ODI series. New Zealand lead the series 1-0 after a stunning victory at Napier.

Despite the win, New Zealand will know that the job is only half-done as Australia will come back at them with all their arsenal. This was Australia’s first loss in 14 matches and they should be favourites to bounce back with a win. New Zealand could go into this match without the services of Jacob Oram, who picked up a knee injury and could be ruled out for the rest of the series. Michael Mason has been brought into the squad as his replacement. Daniel Vettori has been suffering with a neck injury and could miss the second ODI as well. Nathan McCullum could be called up in case Vettori misses out. The key players for New Zealand will be their top order batsmen in Nathan McCullum and Ross Taylor, who are the biggest threat for Australia. Scott Styris showed that he still has the ability to bat under pressure after he took his side over the line on Thursday.
Australia, on the other hand would be disappointed with their batting performance in the first game. Most of their batsmen got off to good starts but none of them could capitalise and go on to play a telling role. Shane Watson has failed to make an impact on this tour so far and it might be the ideal opportunity for him to come good. Cameron White, Michael Hussey and James Hopes make a very strong lower order and each of them are capable of turning the game in the later stages of the innings. Australia would probably just have to put that defeat behind them and continue to stick with their team combination, which has got them success all through the summer. Out of 14 matches that the two teams have played at this venue,  Australia have won nine ODIs and lost five.