Australia v New Zealand Preview, Match 20, Auckland

But, Australia has more going for them than merely batting, and the inclusion of James Pattinson ahead of Josh Hazlewood tells you that pace and aggression are not going to be in short supply when it’s Australia’s turn to bowl. New Zealand’s top order, especially McCullum, has been brutal against some attacks, but whether the same flailing-rapier approach can be successfully applied against the pace of Mitchell Johnson remains to be seen.

Auckland is likely to be warm and sticky in time for the afternoon start, the forecast for showers having given way to more optimism. On match eve, a sharp burst interrupted Australia’s practice session, but they would not mind that too much. As long as the weather held on Saturday, both teams will be happy, for this match-up is too delicious to be washed away.

Squads
**New Zealand:**Brendon McCullum (capt), Trent Boult, Grant Elliot, Tom Latham, Martin Guptill, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Adam Milne, Daniel Vettori, Kane Williamson, Corey Anderson, Tim Southee, Luke Ronchi (wk), Ross Taylor.

**Australia:**Michael Clarke (capt), George Bailey, Pat Cummins, Xavier Doherty, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin (wk), Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Shane Watson.