Press trust of India
Auckland, Feb 27: This cricket World Cup is going to witness one of the most fierce cricketing rivalries in what is expected to be a cracking contest when co-hosts-cum-four-time champions Australia lock horns with another title contender New Zealand in a Pool-A match here Saturday.
New Zealand have been on the roll in this tournament, having notched three consecutive victories so far to be unbeaten and perched on the top of the points table. Australia on the other hand have won one tie while the other against Bangladesh has been washed off. Skipper Michael Clarke was set to return in the Bangla game but will now lead the side out here Saturday at the Auckland Park after a lengthy delay.
New Zealand, who were regarded as underdogs in almost all the World Cups, are hoping for a turnaround as they have looked the most exciting team of the event so far. In Brendon McCullum, the Kiwis seem to have the big-hitting, in-form batsman, who can turn the game on its head in any given circumstances. “It’ll be a great challenge for both sides, he’s going to certainly come at us and we’ve got some plans for him,” stated Australia coach Darren Lehmann with a touch of caution here Friday.
Australia would be boosted by the return of inspirational skipper Clarke but his lack of match practice will be a concern for the co-hosts. Australia have won six of the eight matches against the Trans-Tasman counterparts in the World Cup. In the last edition in India, they defeated New Zealand by seven wickets thanks to superb spell by their pace spearhead Mitchell Johnson, who bagged four wickets.
This time too, Johnson will be a concern for the Kiwi side along with pacer Pat Cummins who is expected to replace and an out of form Josh Hazlewood. The good news for the Kiwis is that Tim Southee has completely recovered from the shoulder blow he suffered Thursday and will lead the home attack in conditions expected to help seam movement.
