Saturday, January 31, 2009

McCullum doubt for Perth opener

First one-day international, Perth:
Australia v New Zealand
Date: Sunday, 1 February Start time: 0430 GMT
Coverage: Live on Sky Sports 3, live scorecard on BBC Sport website

Brendon McCullum is an injury doubt for New Zealand
McCullum may be restricted to batting rather than wicketkeeping

Fresh from losing 3-1 to South Africa in their one-day international series, Australia take on New Zealand in the first of a five-game ODI series.

Ricky Ponting's side return to Perth less than 48 hours after being knocked off the top of the ODI world rankings.

New Zealand batsman Jesse Ryder is ruled out with a shoulder injury, while Brendon McCullum's hip problem may prevent him from keeping wicket.

But he could play as a batsman, with Gareth Hopkins taking over as keeper.

"I'd rather be involved in the series just as a batter than not play at all," McCullum said.

606: DEBATE
medium-pacer
"I've just got to make sure I'm sensible about what's right and wrong and don't try to force it too much."

Although the doubt over McCullum affects the balance of the side, the Kiwis are likely to play five specialist bowlers in any event - with paceman Kyle Mills batting at seven.

Tim Southee should return after being rested for the warm-up game against a Prime Minister's XI.

Teenage seamer Trent Boult and all-rounder Brendon Diamanti are the two uncapped players in the Black Caps squad, while Otago batsman Craig Cumming will stay with the party while Ryder is sidelined.

Paceman Shaun Tait is pushing for a recall for Australia after missing the final ODI against South Africa.


Australia (from): Ricky Ponting (captain), Nathan Bracken, Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin (wk), Ben Hilfenhaus, James Hopes, David Hussey, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Shaun Marsh, Shaun Tait, David Warner, Cameron White.

New Zealand (from): Daniel Vettori (captain), Trent Boult, Neil Broom, Brendon Diamanti, Grant Elliott, Peter Fulton, Martin Guptill, Gareth Hopkins (wk), Brendon McCullum (wk), Kyle Mills, Iain O'Brien, Jeetan Patel, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor.

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