- SCG surface could assist bowlers
- Thudnerstorms are forecast
- Warner 3/1 for top Aussie bat
Australia v New Zealand
Saturday 22 October, 08:00
TV: Live on Sky Sports
Team news
Australia are expected to leave out Steve Smith and go with batting power. That means Glenn Maxwell should retain his place.
Marcus Stoinis, Tim David and Matthew Wade are charged with finishing duties. There are concerns about Pat Cummins' leaky bowling but he plays, for now.
Probable XI: Warner, Finch, M Marsh, Maxwell, Stoinis, David, Wade, Cummins, Starc, Zampa, Hazlewood
The Kiwis also have an issue with their batsman of the big reputation. Kane Williamson hasn't been cutting it in this format for awhile. But he should start the tournament.
Daryl Mitchell is expected to miss out in game one with a niggle. When he is fit again Williamson may come under pressure.
Probable XI: Allen, Conway, Williamson, Phillips, CHapman, Neesham, Bracewell, Sodhi, Southee, Milne, Boult
Pitch report
The SCG pitch has been pretty consistent over the last 20 games in T20s. Eleven of those first-innings saw 160 or more busted. Ten were won by the side batting second.
A poor weather forecast complicates innings runs wagers. Thunderstorms were forecast all day in Sydney and there was at least a 40% chance of rain predicted for toss time.
With bowling conditions helpful, going shy of 140 or 150 in the first dig could work out. But don't be surprised if this is a reduced -overs affair.
How to play
Australia are 1.491/2 with the Kiwis 3.02/1. We're not enamoured with the New Zealand side at all - a first for a World CUp - but they will be grateful for cloud and rain to reduce the gulf.
If the ball zips about they are more than a match for the Aussies, who could be caught cold. At the least the visitors can get the odds to flip and tarde at 1.910/11.
Tops value
David Warner has been boosted to 3/1 with Sportsbook for top Aussie bat. That's a bet. It's value on win rate and we also have a reduced-overs affair on side. The openers are probably the wises wager. Devon Conway for the Kiwis has been upped to 7/2 but don't discount Finn Allen at 7/2.