The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : A blow for Australia

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Friday, Feb 16, 2007
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A blow for Australia

Wellington: The depleted Australian cricket side suffered a further setback with an injury to Brett Lee on the eve of the opening match against New Zealand.

However, the injury to the Australian bowling spearhead has done little to lift the hopes of a full-strength New Zealand side which has consistently authored its own downfall this year.

If Lee is ruled out, he will join resting captain Ricky Ponting and wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist as well as the injured Andrew Symonds. Batsman Michael Clarke is also in doubt after arriving in New Zealand with a hip problem.

This has produced an experimental Australian side with still unfamiliar names such as Adam Voges, Cameron White and Brad Haddin.

While both teams need to find some momentum before heading to the World Cup, the match is looming as a pivotal moment in Daryl Tuffey's resurrection. The last time the 28-year-old played for New Zealand it was a disastrous two-over spell against Australia in which he conceded 25 runs.

In the six games played so far for the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy, Australia has won three, New Zealand two and one match was washed out.

The teams (from):

New Zealand: Stephen Fleming (Capt.), Lou Vincent, Ross Taylor, Scott Styris, Craig McMillan, Jacob Oram, Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori, James Franklin, Shane Bond, Daryl Tuffey, Mark Gillespie and Jeetan Patel.

Australia: Michael Hussey (Capt.), Matthew Hayden, Shane Watson, Brad Hodge, Brad Haddin, Michael Clarke, Phil Jaques, Adam Voges, Cameron White, Brett Lee, Brad Hogg, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Bracken and Glenn McGrath. — AP

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