Hussey - Australia need to rebuild confidence

Australia Cricket / Editor / 14 February 2007 /

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Stand-in captain Mike Hussey feels Australia need a successful Chappell-Hadlee One Day series in New Zealand in order to boost confidence ahead of the World Cup.
The world champions will play three ODI's against the Black Caps, starting with the first match in Wellington on Friday.

Australia are straight back into action following defeat to England in the Commonwealth Bank Series, but both Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist will be rested.
Hussey insisted: "The guys are very motivated to do well. We will be trying to change the momentum a little bit and get our confidence back, but I'm sure we'll put on an excellent showing.
"Obviously we're disappointed and hurting a bit from the series loss to England, so we're pretty motivated to change the momentum and try and get some confidence up heading into the World Cup."

Michael Clarke, due to be vice-captain for the series, has a hip injury and New South Wales batsman Phil Jaques has travelled with the squad as cover.
Despite their recent dip in form, Australia are trading at 1.62 to win the opening Chappell-Hadlee clash with New Zealand available at 2.5.

Hussey's men can be backed at 1.52 to win the series, with New Zealand trading at 3.25 and a drawn series is available at 12.

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