Published: Jan 28, 2017, 05:33 PM (IST)
Edited: Jan 28, 2017, 05:34 PM (IST)
New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor has insisted that the absence of Steven Smith and David Warner will leave a big hole for Australia in the upcoming Chappell-Hadlee 2017 Trophy beginning on January 30 at Eden Park in Auckland. Wicketkeeper-batsman Matthew Wade has been named to lead Australia in the absence of Smith who has been ruled out of the One-Day International (ODI) series after sustaining what is thought to be a mild “sprain” to the medial ligament in his left ankle. Meanwhile, Warner, the explosive left-handed opener, has been rested for the series, keeping in mind the upcoming India tour starting from February 23.
And with the absence of the duo, Taylor believes that the missing pair will leave a hole for the visitors, who were the main players in Australia’s 3-0 pre-Christmas series rout in 2016. “They had a big part to play. Warner’s been in stellar form and Smith, in all formats of the game, has been very consistent and an inspirational leader,” quoted Taylor. Australia vs New Zealand: Steven Smith ruled out
“They’ll be looking to Wade to step up but at the same time I’m sure the New Zealand public would have (loved to) had Smith and Warner here. They love reminding them of a few things,” he added. The Auckland ODI will be followed by the second and third at Napier (February 2) and Hamilton (February 5) respectively. Till date , Australia have won the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy five times whereas hosts, New Zealand, are not far behind claiming the title three times in the past. New Zealand will like to start afresh after their 3-0 whitewash in the ODIs against Bangladesh recently.
