Published: Dec 09, 2016, 07:00 AM (IST)
Edited: Dec 09, 2016, 04:07 PM (IST)
Hello and Welcome to CricketCountry’s coverage of the third One-Day International (ODI) of the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy 2016-17 between Australia and New Zealand at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). New Zealand have already lost the series with Australia regaining the trophy for the fifth time. While New Zealand will like to make a mark in the final ODI, Australia will aim to press hard for a whitewash. Nonetheless, hosts’ are favourites to demolish Kiwis who have struggled to match the Aussies in the series.
The first ODI was played at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) where Kiwis had a good start to go 1-0 up. However, Steven Smith’s berserk 164 coupled with Travis Head’s half-century and cameo from wicketkeeper-batsman Matthew Wade took their side to 324 for 8 in 50 overs. The Black Caps had only themselves to blame as they were sloppy in the field and lost plot in middle overs.
READ: Australia vs New Zealand, 3rd ODI match
The death overs leaked plenty of runs which bolstered the hosts’ to a big score. Martin Guptill’s ton, James Neesham’s 38 and Colin Munro’s 49 compelled New Zealand to over 250 but could not reach anywhere close to the target. Australia took first honours in SCG and continued to make merry in the second ODI.
The second ODI was played at picturesque stadium of Canberra where the script remained the same. Australia propelled a mammoth 378 for 5 courtesy a brilliant ton from David Warner and fifties from Smith and Mitchell Marsh. Kiwis were no where going to chase the total as they faltered to 262 with only Neesham and skipper Kane Williamson showing some resistance in the middle.
The visitors have plenty to worry about with their bowlers leaking runs, fielding not being up to the mark and batsmen falling short of the total in hand. It will be a stiff task for them to bounce back with Australia looking at their menacing best in all departments.
Squads:
Australia: Steven Smith (c), David Warner, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Aaron Finch, George Bailey, Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, Hilton Cartwright, Matthew Wade (wk), James Faulkner, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins.
New Zealand: Kane Williamson (c), BJ Watling (wk), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Colin Munro, Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson.
