Black Caps set for changes

New Zealand coach to act after Hamilton loss

Last updated: 10th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Black Caps set for changes

Greatbatch: Changes due

We did bits, we went towards it but we didn't execute. We need to stay long in the game with Australia and if you don't you go backwards.

Mark Greatbatch
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New Zealand coach Mark Greatbatch is set to make changes to his side's batting line-up for the fourth one-day international against Australia after a dismal display in Hamilton.

New Zealand made a mere 246 on a batter-friendly pitch at Seddon Park, a total that was easily chased down by Australia with six wickets to spare as the visitors went 2-1 up in the five-match Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series.

With injured players Daryl Tuffey (calf) and James Franklin (hamstring) said to be on the fast track to full fitness, Greatbatch admitted there will definitely be changes if the two are fit to play in the fourth ODI of the series at Eden Park on Thursday.

"I would say you are going to see some changes, up the order," he said. "We are losing wickets early, we seem to have a reasonable run rate, but you could see changes [being made] there."

Step up

With Peter Ingram (5) again failing to cope with the step-up from domestic cricket, and only Ross Taylor (62), Gareth Haopkins (45) and Scott Styris (41) showing any form with the bat, the top order has come under scrutiny.

"We got a bit of a lesson yesterday, probably for the first time in the series," he added. "We need to readjust and go back and look to counteract what they are putting in front of us.

"We did bits, we went towards it but we didn't execute. We need to stay long in the game with Australia and if you don't you go backwards."

Hopkins, while pleased with his efforts during the series, felt he should be contributing more to the team.

"I've been pretty happy with my performances, to a point," said the 33-year-old wicketkeeper.

"But at number seven your goals are to finish the job and win games, and I haven't been doing that so while I'm happy with my starts, I still need to kick on and finish.

"Last night if I had kicked on we could have got to 270 or 280 and put them under real pressure."

Bailey arrival

Australia have called-up Tasmania captain George Bailey to their squad following the return home of vice-captain Michael Clarke for personal reasons.

Middle-order batsman Bailey, however, is unlikely to make his international debut in Auckland with the tourists set to retain the same starting XI.

New Zealand (from): D Vettori (capt), S Bond, N Broom, J Franklin, M Guptill, G Hopkins (wkt), P Ingram, B McCullum, N McCullum, M Mason, T Southee, S Stewart, S Styris, R Taylor, D Tuffey

Australia (from): R Ponting (capt), G Bailey, D Bollinger, B Haddin (wkt), R Harris, N Hauritz, J Hopes, M Hussey, M Johnson, C McKay, A Voges, S Watson, C White