New Zealand and Australia continue to battle it out for the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy when the two teams face off in the second ODI in Napier, and after a disappointing loss in the first ODI, Australia will hope to level the series with this match, something they need to do to stand a chance of winning the series.
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The bad news for New Zealand is that they will miss Martin Guptill for this match, but they are hopeful that he will be fit for the third game. Dean Brownlie will most likely take his place in the New Zealand team and the opener is really excited and determined to make the most of this opportunity.
"It's exciting. I'm aware if I do get the chance I'm warming Guptill's seat but it's also an opportunity to play against a very good side, which I've always enjoyed. Hopefully if I get a shot I can make a good contribution. I stopped shaving, and, I don't know, it's a bit of a pun but it kind of grew on me and I enjoyed it. At some stage it'll get too annoying and it will go, but I'll leave it for now" Brownlie was quoted as saying.
New Zealand had a small batting collapse in the last game as Tom Latham, Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor all failed to get going with the bat and despite the fact that Neil Broom and James Neesham covered for them, New Zealand's top order batsmen need to up their game in the second ODI.
Australia, on the other hand, came really close to winning the first ODI, all thanks to Marcus Stoinis who first took three wickets and then hit an unbeaten 146, with the last man Josh Hazlewood getting run out in agonising circumstances.
Despite that, Australia will be highly motivated to put in a better performance in the second ODI and will be hoping that Stoinis can put in a similar show with ball and bat. Australia will also need to step up their batting game in the second ODI.
None of their first six batsmen scored above 20 in the first match as Stoinis, along with James Faulkner and Pat Cummins, came late on in the match to saved Australia from an embarrassing defeat.
Australia also have some bad news prior to this match as Matthew Wade injured his back during a fielding drill and has been sent back home for further treatment.
"It's heartbreaking I couldn't take the field as captain but it's been a real honor to have been appointed captain and to be able to lead the group in the time I've been here in New Zealand. And after all, it's all about the team, it's not about me. Hopefully we can win the next two games and win the series" ESPNcricinfo quoted Wade as saying.
When to watch
The second ODI between New Zealand and Australia is set to start at 14:00 local time (01:00 GMT, 6:30am IST)
TV and Live streaming information
India: TV: No coverage
New Zealand: TV: SKY Sport 1. Live Streaming: Sky Go
Australia: TV: Fox Sports 2. Live Streaming: Foxtel Go
US and Canada: Willow TV
UK: TV: Sky Sports. Live Streaming: Sky Go
