In their quiet and unquiet ways, the Trans-Tasman rivals have become important protagonists in the ongoing World Cup. Australia, the traditional elder brothers, are trying their best to mend their ways after early hiccups. Inferior by no stretch of imagination, New Zealand are looking to consolidate on a strong start.
The flight of the men from the land of the flightless bird called the Kiwi was brought to a halt by India. Winning run snapped, New Zealand will eagerly look forward to this match. They are the superior side at the moment, going by recent records. And they also have this advantage of spending time in Dharamsala, where they played their last game. Australia have travelled there from Delhi.
This is the last match in India’s most picturesque venue, which made headlines for not providing the kind of outfields befitting of a World Cup in the first few weeks. That apart, things have played true and even to a large extent. The pitch has been alright for batting. There have been totals in excess of 350, and targets over 270 being chased down.
New Zealand would still be wary of their opponents. Australia enjoy a psychological edge against them and they are coming back from a bad start. David Warner is back among the runs, Mitch Marsh is contributing and Glenn Maxwell has recently done what only he can. They have other resources as far as putting up runs on the board is concerned.
Led by Pat Cummins, Australia’s bowlers have made a comeback. The skipper does not have great figures, but he has made a difference with his body language and performance. He has made his presence felt at crucial moments and set examples. Adam Zampa is leading the list of wicket-takers after a slow start and they have done a decent job as a unit. Maxwell’s off-spin has been vital.
New Zealand should relish this challenge. They have the batting and bowling to take on top teams. If the fitness of some of their bowlers does not become a problem, this is an enviable attack. There is a combination of pace, swing and spin. All of them are experienced. No headline-grabbers, they know how to get the job done. Mitchell Santner, second after Zampa on the wicket-taking chart, is a perfect example.
Most of their batters are in good nick and they have taken Kane Willamson’s absence in stride. They have different kinds of players for every occasion. There is power-hitting and consolidation at the top and in the middle in the form of Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham and Daryl Mitchell. There are players who can chip in lower down the order.
In relative quiet, a sound contest is on the cards. Head-to-head over the years and in recent results, Australia are way ahead. They would like to extend that superiority. They also have some momentum. New Zealand would quietly wait for their chances. This apparently silent mode of operation has done them a lot of good and it is also their best bet.
Time and Venue Details
October 28, 2PM. HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala
Expected conditions
It should be cool and devoid of rain. The pitch has played well so far. So expect runs.
Possible XI
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham (c/wk), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitch Santner, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tim Southee.
Australia: David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Pat Cummins (c), Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc.
Match-up
Santner vs Warner: New Zealand’s left-arm spinner is tossing up tricks. They have fetched him the rewards so far. In Australia’s left-hand opener, he faces a man on a mission.
Starc vs Conway: The Aussie quick can do better than he has done so far. Lately, he has shown signs of coming good. Conway knows that and has to take up the role of the senior for his team in the early exchanges.
Teams speak
I think in the last few games you’ve seen us be a bit more aggressive – batting and bowling … that’s a standard we want to keep going with for the rest of tournament.
Pat Cummins, Australia captain
We’ve shown throughout this tournament that we’ve seen plenty of teams that on their given day can beat anyone. Australia are no different. We’re expecting them to be at their best and hopefully we can play well as well.
Tom Latham, New Zealand captain