Bevan versus Twose in one-day showdown

WELLINGTON - The two best one-day cricketers in the world will square off when New South Wales plays New Zealand side Wellington in two matches next week.

Wellington and NSW will play two matches for the Saturn trans-Tasman Trophy next Tuesday and Thursday, the matches featuring the two top one day batsmen currently - Michael Bevan and Roger Twose.

The latest world rankings have Bevan as the No.1 batsman and Twose, after his sterling performances for New Zealand in Africa, was ranked second. New South Wales coach Steve Rixon said one or two positions in the side were still undecided but Bevan, Shane Lee and former Test fast bowler Simon Cook were definite starters for the short tour.

Former Test offspinner Gavin Robertson was also likely to travel, he said. The tourists will be without Steve Waugh, Mark Waugh, Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee and probably Stuart MacGill because of Test commitments, but they will not be short on firepower.

Rixon said his side was on top of its game and there would be no slackening of standards in New Zealand.

The Blues have won three of four one-day games to be clear leaders in the Mercantile Mutual Cup.

"This isn't a holiday for us," Rixon said.

"The side I bring is basically the side that will play for us right through until the Test players come back."

Rixon was delighted the association between the two provinces had been revived and was looking forward to returning to New Zealand.

Rixon coached New Zealand for three years until July 1999 and keeps a close eye on their progress.

"The ICC Trophy win in Kenya was a magnificent effort and I watched most of their games from South Africa. It has just been a shame they got nailed in the last overs a couple of times."

Central to New Zealand's efforts in Africa was the form of Twose and his match-up against Bevan promises to be a highlight.

"Right now Twose is as good as any batsman in the world. His form has been tremendous," Rixon said.

"Bevan is also in great touch. He scored a beautiful 40-odd the other day to see us through to victory."