The third ODI between Australia and New Zealand will be played at Hamilton. The Kiwis had won the first game at Napier but the Aussies scraped through to a win in the second game at Auckland to level the series.

The Kiwis continue to be haunted by the injuries. They have already lost Jacob Oram to an injury and there was every chance that Daniel Vettori too would not have played in the game. Apart from that, James Franklin injured himself during the match and had to bat with a runner, and there is a good chance that he will also miss out from the game.

The good thing is that the Kiwi selectors announce a squad for the next two games, and there is a chance that they will change the side around. Franklin had begun to look like a liability batting at that number five position and there is a good chance that he will be out of the team and allowed to recuperate. In his place, one could expect Grant Elliot to make it to the squad if he is fully fit too. Expecting him to get into his side at a fitness level less than 100% will be foolhardy in a squad which already consists of enough sick men.

The Kiwis have exhibited that even without a good start they have the fire power to make the lower order count and will look to have the top-order bat in the manner they did in the first game. one is not too sure about the fitness of Ross Taylor, but it is absolutely imperative that he becomes fit for the game.

The Aussies will be disgruntled despite the win. After all, their batsmen did not perform too well, and did not convert the starts into something substantial, whereas the bowlers allowed the opposition to claw back into the game. Fortunately for them, they looked to have enough fuel in the tank to be able to hold out for a win, but will know that the Kiwi openers are dangerous enough and can strike back with much vengeance.

The visitors will know that New Zealand, by the virtue of their performance in the last three games, have had the better of them, and will now need to bat and bowl much better than they did against the other two teams this summer; West Indies and Pakistan. It is probably the lack of contest that they faced against the two sides that is making it difficult for the Australian team in this series against New Zealand - who are ready to give their opposition a run for their money.

Tag :- Australia   Daniel Vettori   Grant Elliot   New Zealand   Ross Taylor