Must win at Auckland for struggling Kiwis

With Australia leading 2-0 after the first two matches, the Kiwis head to Auckland knowing that only a win will keep them in with a chance to win the series. However, Bet365's latest odds make the Australians firm favourites to win their 5th consecutive ODI, putting Australia at 4/11 for the match.

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Australia's top order can normally be relied upon to score heavily, yet Adam Gilchrist has only managed four runs from the two games to date. But it is rare for the Australian opener to go for long without a big innings - he posts a fifty approximately every four matches - and he is 7/2 to be Australia's top batsman.

Ricky Ponting also looks good value, in the likely absence of the injured Matthew Hayden, the batsman who has so far dominated the New Zealand bowlers. Ponting has already posted two fifties in the series and, with a sparkling 98 from just 55 balls in the Twenty20 match between the two sides, he is certainly the form man.

For New Zealand, Stephen Fleming will hope that his series takes an upturn at Auckland: after two matches, he averages a meagre 3. However, against the Australians, he averages more than 30 in one-dayers and if he plays to this form he could be worth a punt for either Man of the Match (9/1) or to be the Kiwis' leading runscorer (7/2).

bet365 odds
Adam Gilchrist: Man of the Match 8/1 | Top Team Batsman 7/2
Ricky Ponting: Man of the Match 8/1 | Top Team Batsman 7/2
Stephen Fleming: Man of the Match 9/1 | Top Team Batsman 7/2

One-dayers at Auckland tend to be lowscoring: an average innings total of only 222, so a bowler may well be the matchwinner here. Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath are both good value at 12/1: they have bowled superbly in tandem so far this series and, together, they may well prove the difference between the sides.

The allrounder Daniel Vettori has also bowled tightly in the previous two matches and topscored at Christchurch with a spirited 83. He could play a key part in any New Zealand success and is a generous 12/1 to be Man of the Match.

bet365 odds
Brett Lee: Man of the Match 12/1
Glenn McGrath: Man of the Match 12/1
Daniel Vettori: Man of the Match 12/1

Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.