Chappell-Hadlee Trophy: Australia can’t afford to take Black Caps lightly in ODI series

MAN-for-man Australia outstrip New Zealand for this ODI series but that never seems to bother the feisty Kiwis, writes Ian Chappell.

Aaron Finch and David Warner will spearhead the Australian batting order.

MAN-for-man Australia outstrip New Zealand for this ODI series but that never seems to bother the feisty Kiwis.

Despite being thrashed in the 2015 World Cup final, the New Zealanders hold the Chappell-Hadlee trophy by virtue of a 2-1 series win at home in 2015-16. In their two victories the margin was substantial, a further warning to Australia not to take their opponents lightly.

The biggest advantage Australia have is their explosive opening combination in Dave Warner and Aaron Finch. They’re capable of setting off at such a hectic pace that Australia can post formidable targets that are out of reach even in this era of escalated run scoring.

If New Zealand can’t keep this dynamic duo quiet they may well face oblivion. The openers are followed by the likes of Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh and James Faulkner, a mixture of one classy batsman and a trio of innovative stroke makers who can drive bowlers to ­distraction. The biggest headache will be which all-rounder to leave out.

Aaron Finch and David Warner will spearhead Australia’s batting line-up in the ODi series against New Zealand.

The inclusion of the talented Hilton Cartwright is a wake-up call to Marsh. He’s been a permanent fixture until recently without doing enough with the bat to cement his place. His bowling is greatly improved but his batting has remained stagnant.

Cartwright is a powerful striker with a decent technique who should comfortably hold a spot in the top six. If he performs to his capabilities he’ll excite crowds with his ability to hit a long ball, especially straight down the ground.

His bowling is nowhere near the Marsh class and he’ll only provide the occasional over of medium-paced variety. However, with Faulkner and Maxwell also in the side as all-rounders, this should be acceptable. Cartwright’s selection will send a strong message to Marsh that the selectors have another option in all forms.

Australia’s bowling has variety, consistency and the wicket-taking potency of Mitchell Starc. In an era of fast scoring and expansive shot making, taking wickets is crucial to restricting the opposition total.

Hilton Cartwright is one of the fresh faces in Australia’s team.

Consequently, the return of Pat Cummins holds great interest. Considering the heavy workload of Starc and Josh Hazlewood — both experienced and expected — there will be opportunities for Cummins to remind everyone why he’s such a valuable commodity. A successful ODI series could lead to his return to the Test arena, which would be a great boost to that attack’s potency.

In the past, New Zealand served up a steady diet of medium-fast seamers but their attack is now more formidable.

Headed by the swing of Tim Southee and Trent Boult they’ve added some genuine pace with Matt Henry and newcomer Lockie Ferguson. As long as their pace is well-directed this is an attack suited to Australian conditions and aimed more at wicket-taking than containment.

The two skippers Kane Williamson and Smith have much in common. Both young, they lead their side’s batting and apprenticed under aggressive captains in Michael Clarke and Brendan McCullum. The captain who holds his nerve best in the face of an onslaught will prevail.

Australia’s Test team badly needed a boost of youthful energy and enthusiasm. The ODI side is not in need of any such resurgence and their greatest incentive will be to defeat a pesky neighbour and regain the Chappell-Hadlee trophy.

The Black Caps will keep the Australian team on their toes.

Originally published as Chappell-Hadlee Trophy: Australia can’t afford to take Black Caps lightly in ODI series