The fourth ODI between Australia and New Zealand will be played at the Eden Park in Auckland. This was also the venue for the second ODI. The Aussies lead the series 2-1 thanks to a belligerent century by Brad Haddin and will look to finish off the series in this game itself, but the hosts will need to comeback with a stronger batting performance to be able to take the game into the fifth and the final game.

If one were to go by Kiwi track record so far, it is only evident that the hosts are good chasers of targets. In both the first two games, they batted well when up against a target and played well under pressure to run the Aussies close. In turn, they also won the first ODI and lost a close game in the second.

However, batting first is a different kettle of fish for the New Zealand team, and much was on evidence in the third game of the series. The batsmen were never in control and kept losing wickets at such regular intervals that they ended with a below-par total on the pitch. Of course, the return of Ross Taylor augured well for the side, but one gets the sense that the batting is a tad short in the middle, and it is difficult to expect the guys like Styris, Vettori and Hopkins to come to the party all the time.

Apart from that, the bowling relied heavily on the pace bowlers, but one gets the sense that they could seriously consider the option of playing a Nathan McCullum in the side. He may definitely be a better option to Michael Mason who went for 68 runs in his ten overs. The other option that the Kiwis could look at is for Mason to bowl after the bowling Powerplay and in the middle of the innings, such that he does not leak the number of runs that he had in the previous game.

Australia would have probably missed the services of Michael Clarke, who had flown back home, but for the lack of runs on the board. He will continue to miss the series, and in his place, George Bailey will fly down to New Zealand and will feature in the remaining two matches. He may not get a chance to play, as Adam Voges will be a natural first choice for the Aussies.

The Kiwis will need to bat really well if they hope to make it 2-2 in the fourth ODI.

Tag :- Adam Voges   Australia   Michael Mason   Nathan McCullum   New Zealand   Ross Taylor