Australia vs New Zealand 2016: 5 players to watch out for
The last time Australia and New Zealand played in a One Day International, New Zealand trumped Australia in their home-ground courtesy a blazing start by Brendon McCullum and a composed half-century by World Cup hero, Grant Elliott. The duo have retired now and New Zealand have a bunch of fresh faces in their ODI squad.
Australia is not without change either. They have lost the services of Michael Clarke, Mitchell Johnson, Shane Watson and Brad Haddin, all of whom have retired since the 2015 World Cup win. Their obsession for all-rounders in the mould of Watson has meant additional chances for the floundering Mitchell Marsh. It has also resulted in the call-up of Hilton Cartwright, yet to represent the Aussies in any format.
The home team are on the back of an embarrassing Test series loss to the Proteas, although a face-saving victory in the 3rd Test has raised hopes for Australia. In ODIs, Australia did not fare any better, losing 5-0 to South Africa in their home, their first whitewash loss in a five-match ODI series.
When New Zealand set foot on Australian shores, they will know they have Australia at their vulnerable best. However, they are not very confident themselves, with a new look outfit at their disposal. The series promises to be an enticing one despite the two teams being familiar foes.
Let us take a glance at five key players in the upcoming series.
#5 Josh Hazlewood
The tall right-arm seamer was the pick of the Australian bowlers in the Test series against South Africa, plucking out crucial wickets with his line and length. He had South Africa's most experienced batsman, Hashim Amla, in a tangle. While Mitchell Starc steals the limelight with his fiery bowling, Hazlewood has been silently chipping away at the other end.
He had a decent series against the South Africans in the ODI series too, being the only bowler to get a measure of Quinton de Kock. New Zealand have a couple of dynamic batsmen at the top in Guptill and Taylor. Hazlewood has this unique ability to keep aggressive batsmen quiet and will be key in silencing Guptill.
The fast bowler has 39 wickets in 26 ODIs with a best of 5/31. He will surely add to that wicket tally in this series unless the Kiwis find a way to tackle Hazlewood.