THE REALITY CHECK – The trans-Tasman rivalry will be reignited in the Group A clash between Australia and New Zealand in Nagpur today. Defending champions Australia were far from convincing in their 91-run victory over Zimbabwe in the first game. In the end it was Australia’s fast bowlers who tormented Zimbabwe batsmen on a slow wicket.
Australian batsmen found it hard to deal with Zimbabwe spinners and against New Zealand they will have to deal with superior spinners in Daniel Vettori and Nathan McCullum. Ricky Ponting has opined, “We need to have our games and our own game-plans sorted out for better spin attacks.” Ponting and Michael Clarke will need to pick up their game as they are better players of spinners and both need to lead the way. Shane Watson has been doing appreciably well at the top of the order and will have to continue his good work. Australia have the edge over Kiwis pace department.
The trio of Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson and Shaun Tait make up a deadly attack and will definitely test the Black Caps. One main worry for Australia can be the lack of a quality spinner. Jason Krejza did well against Zimbabwe but against a better team like New Zealand, he has got his work cut out. New Zealand tend to pick up their game every time they play Australia. This time round they will have the added motivation of doing well for all the victims of the earthquake back home.
Black Caps have some solid batsmen at the top of the order in Brendon McCullum, Ross Taylor, Martin Guptill and Jesse Ryder and their duel with the Australian pacers will be an intriguing contest. In the late middle order too the Kiwis have some reasonable batsmen in Scott Styris and Daniel Vettori which lends stability to the New Zealand batting line up. However, if New Zealand are to come good they will have to bowl well and restrict the Australian batsmen.
The Kiwis have limited resources in pace department and they will surely be tested on a batting friendly pitch. However, the key to Australia’s success will indeed be their successful handling of Daniel Vettori if they manage to do so.
Form Guide & Conditions: Australia have a clear superiority over Black Caps in ODIs winning 84 of the 123 games played between the two teams. In the last five games, Australia have won three while Kiwis have won two. A bright and sunny day is expected in Nagpur with temperatures in low 30s. Pitch is expected to be a good one for batting with spinners also getting some purchase so we are in for a high scoring game.
