AUS vs NZ 1st ODI Pitch Report : SportsRush brings you the pitch report for the 1st ODI match between Australia and New Zealand in Cairns.
Trans-Tasman rivals Australia and New Zealand go head-to-head in a three-match ODI series starting tomorrow at Cairns Stadium at Cairns. The Chappell-Hadlee Trophy will be held for the first time since 2016.
Australian captain Aaron Finch has already applauded, saying the New Zealand team has some world-class players and there's a reason they're number one among the ODI teams. New Zealand captain Kane Williamson is looking to secure playing time as he has only played one of his ODIs in the last two years.
AUS vs NZ pitch report 1st ODI
Cairns' Cassali Stadium will host their first ODI match in 19 years. A total of two ODIs were held at this stadium, both in 2003 against Australia and Bangladesh. Field helped the bowlers in both games, and the Chaser won both games, averaging 126 points per inning.
However, this match was played 19 years ago, so it is unfair to judge the conditions based on this match. Australia manager Andrew MacDonald said a late start in Cairns means things won't be so sharp or cold during the game.
I think the later start times in Cairns should mean the mornings aren't as sharp as here in Townsville.” Andrew Macdonald said after losing to Zimbabwe.
The challenge ahead! @JimmyNeesh and Lockie Ferguson on taking series winning momentum into the Chappell-Hadlee Series starting tomorrow in Cairns. Follow play LIVE in NZ with @skysportnz from 4-20pm NZT. #AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/oe9UFlYYfP
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) September 5, 2022
McDonald's is expecting a new wicket for this match. This means batters need extra help on the field. Spinners can play a role in middle overs, but pacers may not get as much help as McDonald's would expect.
This field also doesn't have many home games, so it will be very difficult to predict the exact nature of the wicket, but the new field will be beneficial to both batters and bowlers.