New Zealand's hopes of scoring an upset win over Australia in their opening one-day cricket international here on Saturday have dimmed with fast bowler Shane Bond likely to be ruled out with injury.
Bond strained his right hamstring during fielding drills on Friday and has also been shaking off the effects of a stomach bug which caused him to miss training the day before. Pace bowler Chris Martin is on standby.
While Australia remains secure at the top of the world one-day rankings, New Zealand has slipped to seventh place following their 4-0 drubbing at the hands of South Africa in October and November.
The Kiwis are firm underdogs for the three match Chappell-Hadlee series but see the absence of Glenn McGrath from Australia's new look bowling attack as a hopeful sign.
Following the Ashes series loss to England earlier in the year, Australia has restored its normal confidence after completing this week a 3-0 Test clean sweep over the West Indies.
The absence of New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming, who is recovering from the removal of a benign tumor from his jaw, has forced some changes at the top of the New Zealand batting order. Lou Vincent will step in to open the batting with Nathan Astle, a position Vincent has occupied before with mixed results. Hamish Marshall, who was out of touch in the South African one day series, is likely to bat at three. Stand-in captain Daniel Vettori says it is essential the misfiring top order batsmen rediscover their scoring form.
The Australian attack includes Stuart Clark who has played just one international and their super sub will be leg spinner Cameron White who has played in three internationals..
NEW ZEALAND (from): Daniel Vettori (captain), Nathan Astle, Lou Vincent, Hamish Marshall, James Marshall, Scott Styris, Craig McMillan, Chris Cairns, Jacob Oram, Brendon McCullum, Kyle Mills, James Franklin, Shane Bond, Chris Martin.
AUSTRALIA: Ricky Ponting (captain), Adam Gilchrist, Simon Katich, Brad Hodge, Andrew Symonds, Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey, Brad Hogg, Brett Lee, Stuart Clark, Nathan Bracken. Super sub: Cameron White.