Kiwi sloggers target Hogg

Inexperienced Australian spinner Brad Hogg faces his sternest World Cup test when New Zealand's big-hitters target him in the Super Six grudge match at St George's Park.

Some traditional trans-Tasman niggling will ensure a tense clash with Chris Cairns declaring Australia better off without Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting claiming opposing captain Stephen Fleming struggles against the world champions.

Cairns may have been right, but Ponting appeared to have his numbers wrong.

Having already highlighted Ponting's short time in the captaincy as a potential Australian weakness, Cairns turned his attention to Hogg, saying the exuberant left-arm chinaman bowler was yet to prove himself under extreme pressure.

"I think the loss of Jason Gillespie might be a factor in their pace attack and not having Shane Warne could play a part as well," said Cairns.

"The pressure's now on Hogg, and while he brings fresh enthusiasm into their side, in the big games experience is probably more important."

A day earlier, Cairns had told AAP: "We'll be seeing what he's made of."

Hogg, returning to the Australian side last summer after almost seven years in the wilderness, has taken nine wickets at the World Cup at an average of 21.

The 32-year-old has played only 21 international one-dayers and his greatest challenge will come when the fate of a big game hangs in the balance and he has a few overs left to bowl.

There hasn't been much pressure on Hogg or Australia yet.

Cairns can't seem to make up his mind on who should be in charge of the Australian side. Having questioned Ponting's capabilities before the tournament, he now reckons Australia is stronger without the revered 37-year-old Waugh, sacked 12 months ago when Ponting took over.

"They're a better team without Steve Waugh, certainly they're a better-balanced side," said Cairns.

On suspended Warne, he said: "Its a pity he's not here. He's a great competitor and a good friend, so it's sad he's not here and I hope everything works out for him in the future."

Leg-spinners usually take a few overs to find their rhythm and the Kiwis successfully went after Warne 18 months ago in Australia.

But Ponting said the Black Caps might be in for a rude shock if they targeted Hogg because they had never faced him before.

"In Australia last time they certainly made a conscious effort to get into Warney, particularly early in his spells," said Ponting.

"Craig McMillan and Chris Cairns and those sort of blokes had a crack at him but I don't think they'll be able to do that with Hoggy because they haven't seen much of him.

"Once Hoggy gets a bit of a sniff and gets on top he tends to bowl a lot better so I don't think they'll want to risk letting him get into his game right from the start."