Image Credit- AFP
In the second Twenty20 International in Auckland,
skipper Mitchell Santner of New Zealand chose to bowl against Australia, giving
Steven Smith an opportunity to make an impression as seasoned seamer Trent
Boult made his comeback to international cricket.
With the T20 World Cup less than three months away, both teams made a number of
changes after Australia’s exciting triumph in the series opener in Wellington.
Boult, Ben Sears, the speedster, and Will Young, the hitter, have been selected
for New Zealand. Before the Test series against Australia, veteran seamer Tim
Southee has been rested for games two and three, and spinner Ish Sodhi has been
dropped. After hitting a half-century in the first game, Rachin Ravindra
started to feel pain in his left knee, which caused him to miss the match.
It is hoped that Boult’s presence will enable New
Zealand to recover and sustain the series. Boult’s T20 franchise commitments
have prevented him from playing for his country since the 2022 World Cup.
In the Chappell-Hadlee series, Australia took the lead after Tim David’s
final-ball boundary secured their incredible chase down of 216. However, they
will alter their lineup, with Mitchell Starc being given a breather and speedy
Nathan Ellis replacing a resting David Warner at the top of the order.
All-rounder Matthew Short is squeezed out and replaced by wicketkeeper Matthew
Wade due to a paternity leave.
Following 431 runs in the first innings of the series,
Eden Park, known for its short boundaries, is set to see another high-scoring
match in clear conditions.
For both nations, the three-match series is essential practice as they try to
finalise their rosters for the T20 World Cup in June.