 The eighth game of the tenth edition of the World Cup will see Australia
take on New Zealand at the VCA in Nagpur. Both the sides have won their
first game and will be going into this game with a lot of confidence.
In their first encounter, New Zealand were very clinical in their approach.
They bowled Kenya out for 69 and then had used up only eight overs to get to their
total of 70. However, what that win would have done was to disallow the rest of
the side any kind of practice in the game for the sterner tests ahead. And in
this match against Australia, there cannot be too much doubt that the setting
will be a tough one for the Kiwis.
Click for Live Score Card of Australia Vs New Zealand
What will add to the New Zealand woes is that they no longer have a physio or
a trainer with them, both of whom have left for New Zealand to help their close
relatives following the earthquake in Christchurch. This will make things difficult
for the side given that the BCCI has also refused to allow any of the NCA guys
to help them out citing prior commitments.
This could be a huge issue given that it is the coach of the New Zealand side,
John Wright who has had to run around for a physio and a trainer - making his
job more difficult.
On the field, it will be interesting to see how the likes of the Kiwi batsmen
go about their business. The interesting bit it that they have done well so far
and the good news from the team's perspective is that the top four are coming
up really well for the tournament - Martin Guptill, Jesse Ryder, Brednon McCullum
and Ross Taylor will be the players to watch out for.
Australia, on the other hand, will need Brad Haddin to get going. He has
been struggling with the bat and not going on to get a huge one even when he gets
a start. This will makes thing difficult for the Aussies down the order, when
they already have a struggling Cameron White and David Hussey.
Shaun Tait may be dropped for this game as a policy of rotation one feels while
Doug Bollinger could get a go for this encounter. The rest of the side
should remain the same for the Aussies.
Nothing to choose from between the two teams here.
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