Australia will hope to draw first blood in the series © Getty Images
Australia have announced their playing XI to take on New Zealand in the first game of the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy at Auckland. The biggest call for the selectors was always going to be the co-opening position to David Warner. The selectors have gone with Shaun Marsh ahead of on-song Usman Khawaja. Khawaja has been in fantastic form of late but failed when given the opportunity in the third Twenty20 International (T20I) against India. Marsh himself has been in decent nick and has the backing of experience to fall on. Josh Hazlewood returns to the side after being rested midway through the India ODI series. FULL SCORECARD: New Zealand vs Australia 2015-16, 1st ODI at Auckland
Skipper Steven Smith expressed his satisfaction with having Shaun in the opening fixture given his performances in the home ODI and Twenty20 International (T20I) series against India. “Shaun has been in the squad, he played well in Australia and I think he deserves the first opportunity, so he’s going to get that out here tomorrow,” Australia captain Smith said. ALSO READ: James Faulkner expects 400+ scores in New Zealand series on smaller grounds
Smith added that Khawaja would be given at least one opportunity in course of the three-match series. “He’s unlucky to miss out but Shaun’s going to get the first opportunity,” Smith said. “He’ll play one of the (three ODI) games at least. He does need a hit going into what is a big Test series and he’s batting extremely well.
Smith expressed confidence in his under-fire bowling attack especially with the return of Hazlewood to the scheme of things. “We’ve got quite an inexperienced bowling attack. We’ve got quite a few guys that are out but the guys are learning quite quickly,” Smith said.
Australia XI for first ODI at Auckland: David Warner, Shaun Marsh, Steve Smith, George Bailey, Glenn Maxwell, Mitch Marsh, Matthew Wade, James Faulkner, John Hastings, Kane Richardson, Josh Hazlewood