New Zealand look to turn the screw

Having lost the first match in the one-day series to continue their sorry run of form of late, the pressure is on Australia going into Friday's second one-day international in Melbourne, with New Zealand looking to keep their foot on the gas as they chase series glory.

Australia have decided to rest captain Ricky Ponting for the next two games - a dangerous ploy because if they lose them both, the series will be gone. There is no question that Ponting needs the rest, with a Test series in South Africa on the horizon, but it may backfire as far as this series is concerned.

Bet365 make Australia 4/11 to win the second match, while New Zealand are 2/1. Right now, there is no way I would be backing the Aussies to win anything at odds-on, so New Zealand's price looks generous.

In Ponting's absence, Michael Clarke will lead the team and Australia will be hoping he maintains his perfect record of seven wins from seven matches as captain, in one-day internationals and at Twenty20.

But the Australians have a host of injury problems - Shaun Marsh misses the Melbourne match with a hamstring strain - and their side is pretty inexperienced compared to the sides of 12 or 18 months ago.

New Zealand, on the other hand, are full of confidence and are not about to let up in their bid to win the Chappell-Hadlee series. Always better than the sum of their parts, they are a fine one-day side and will take some stopping again.

Clarke is 10/3 favourite to lead by example by top-scoring for his side, just ahead of Michael Hussey, who is the only other batsmen that would have got into the team even a year ago.

David Warner is a 4/1 chance, while David Hussey, Callum Ferguson, James Hopes and Adam Voges are all 6/1, with wicket-keeper Brad Haddin on offer at 7/1.

For New Zealand, Ross taylor heads the betting at 11/4, with Brendon McCullum 3/1 and Martin Guptill is 4/1. Peter Fulton is 6/1, Grant Elliott 13/2 and Neil Broom 8/1.

There is still not much between these two sides, but at the odds, I'd have to go for New Zealand to kick Australia when they are down, something they clearly enjoy, especially as the chances to do it have been few and far between for the last 15 years.