New Zealand got a boost with Mitchell Santner available after his illness
Big picture
After poor performance then improved performance, Australia performed almost perfectly to keep themselves alive in the T20I series. After a well-built hotel, lit up by the beating of Glenn Maxwell, a strong bowling display was followed by an impressive debate for Riley Meredith and a six-wicket top draw from Ashton Agar.
Preventing Matthew Wade’s early loss, if Australia could plan a T20 inn they would put together a Wellington near-the-fit template: a nine-overs touchdown run at the point midway by Maxwell getting plenty of time to assess situations and then cut loose as he did with the 28-run over Jimmy Neesham.
For a while it looked like New Zealand could repeat as they scored freely in the powerhouse, but Meredith’s wickets brace was crucial in keeping Australia ahead of him. the game. After he finished, Martin Guptill had to bat deep but when he fell to Adam Zampa the task grew too quickly – the contest was sealed when Agar took three wikis in excess.
The balance in New Zealand was taken off when they replaced the baton Mark Chapman with the sick Mitchell Santner, relying on just all five bowling options (although Chapman or Kane Williamson could have a trundle) and the side were feeling out of kilter. The good news for the home team is that Santner is available for the fourth game after receiving a negative Covid-19 test and has started to feel better.
Form instructions
(last five completed games)
New Zealand LWWLW
Australia WLLWLL
In mind
Mata Wade he is a senior in this regard as a vice-captain and first-choice keeper but has not been able to go yet. He left heavily against India late last year but there will be plenty of options to choose from when it comes to slowing down the top three as the likes of David Warner and Steven Smith become available. again. There are other retention options in this squad, most notably Josh Philippe at No. 3 in this XI, so while there isn’t likely to be any change he’s still one of the posts there for a grip.
Wade ‘s other number Tim Seifert he has had a follow-up series so far with scores of 1, 3 and 4 despite winning against Pakistan earlier in the season – where he made 57, 84 not out and 35 – a means credit in the bank. Devon Conway and Glenn Phillips are other options on this side that could take the gloves with them but before the third game New Zealand coach Gary Stead said they are desperate to leave Phillips as an outfielder where he is. among the best in the industry.
Team news
Santner is back in the mix and blocking any change would very likely return him quickly to the XI at Chapman ‘s expense.
New Zealand (possibly) 1 Martin Guptill, 2 Tim Seifert, 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Devon Conway, 5 Glenn Phillips, 6 Jimmy Neesham, 7 Mitchell Santner, 8 Kyle Jamieson, 9 Tim Southee, 10 Ish Sodhi, 11 Trent Boult
After such a sure win, there may be confidence in the change side, although the selectors may decide to turn a nimble archer.
Australia (probably) 1 Aaron Finch, 2 Matthew Wade (wk), 3 Josh Philippe, 4 Glenn Maxwell, 5 Marcus Stoinis, 6 Mitchell Marsh, 7 Ashton Agar, 8 Jhye Richardson, 9 Kane Richardson, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Riley Meredith
Park and conditions
There is some uncertainty about how the surface will play out with the growing volume of traffic. All games are played on the same pitch, which takes a total of six games with the women’s league taking place as well. At first it looked awkward in the first game, but once bats were set up scoring came free. The forecast for an afternoon is cloudy but dry with strong Wellington winds all around. “It feels like everywhere you stand the wind blows you in the face, but the ball doesn’t get to you at certain times,” said Aaron Finch.
Stats and trivia
Quotes
“The start of a hotel you’re always a little anxious, a little skeptical and when it hit me on the block it was just one of those things, it was a 50-50 call As soon as I got into my intestines I felt like I was moving a lot better, my legs were moving, my intention was there and it was a little good. get out of the middle.
Aaron Finch
“When you lose Mitchell Santner it shows the effect it has on us and then also when their left spinner takes six wikis and bowls well it shows what he brings to the team. us. “
Luke Ronchi
Andrew McGlashan is deputy editor at ESPNcricinfo