Aussies eyeing whitewash
New Zealand did everything but win the second one-day international but the suspicion has to be that their two-run loss will be as close as they will get to a win as they and Australia prepare for the third and final one-day international in Christchurch
Simon Cambers
08-Dec-2005
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Captain Stephen Fleming could return after missing the first two games following surgery to remove a tumour from his face and the left-hander would add welcome steel and class to a top order which has failed in both games. Only some excellent contributions from the middle and lower order helped them get close to victory last time out and they will probably need something similar if they are to do well in Christchurch. Australia could be without Michael Clarke, who has gastroenteritis, but they have plenty of depths in reserve and will be confident of wrapping up the series 3-0. History and form both favour Australia. Of the eight one-day internationals in Christchurch, Australia have won seven and lost just one, in 1985-6.
In the batting markets, bet365 are taking few risks. Captain Ricky Ponting is 7/2 (4.50) favourite, while Adam Gilchrist is next at 4/1 (5.00) and Simon Katich and Clarke are both 5/1 (6.00). Andrew Symonds, who top-scored with 156 last time out, is an 11/2 (6.50) chance, while Brad Hodge is 6/1 (7.00) and Michael Hussey 7/1 (8.00).
For New Zealand, te likey returning skipper Fleming is 7/2 (4.50) favourite, a mark of his class and the relative lack of class elsewhere in his side's ranks, while Nathan Astle is next at 9/2 (5.50). Scott Styris and Lou Vincent are 5/1 (6.00) while Hamish Marshall is 11/2 (6.50) and Crig McMillan is 13/2 (7.50).
Ponting heads the Man of the Match betting at 15/2 (8.50), just ahead of Gilchrist, at 8/1 (9.00) and Symonds, on 17/2 (9.50).
Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.
Simon Cambers is Cricinfo's new betting correspondent