Date:08/12/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/12/08/stories/2004120800251700.htm

Sport - Cricket

Kiwis set sights on trophy

SYDNEY, DEC. 7. Veteran Chris Harris could make his 250th one-day international appearance when New Zealand tries to clinch the inaugural Chappell-Hadlee Trophy cricket series against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday.

Harris was overlooked for New Zealand's four-wicket win in Melbourne on Sunday, but after surveying a low and slow SCG wicket on Tuesday, captain Stephen Fleming indicated the 35-year-old ``was back into the equation.''

Another barren SCG surface is likely to favour New Zealand's battery of medium pace bowlers, prompting Fleming to suggest pace bowler Ian Butler, who took one for 58 off eight overs in the first game, could be the man to make way for Harris.

With rain forecast, coach John Bracewell will hold off finalising his 11 until Wednesday morning.

While Australia held a vigorous fielding session on Tuesday, the New Zealanders, who were set down for a three-hour stint, had a light stretch and a brief team meeting on the oval before retiring to their hotel.

``John is keen on keeping the team fresh,'' Fleming said.

``Part of doing that is almost shock treatment to get guys making sure they're thinking about the game — not just going through the motions of bowling in the nets and doing the same things we've been working on pretty hard. We're almost netted out.''

Fleming's counterpart Ricky Ponting decided to put his players through their paces after a sub-par fielding performance contributed to New Zealand's upset victory.

``Fielding is a vital part of the game — having that energy and spirit out in the field is crucial in a one-day game and that was lacking a bit in Melbourne,'' Ponting said.

Meanwhile, Brett Lee is hoping his performance against New Zealand in last Sunday's limited-overs international might help him reclaim his place in the Australian Test team. Lee has not played a Test since January but could be in line for a recall after capturing two for 40 against the Kiwis including the wicket of New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming for a duck.

The teams (from): Australia: Ricky Ponting (captain), Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden, Damien Martyn, Darren Lehmann, Michael Clarke, Andrew Symonds, Simon Katich, Shane Watson, Brad Hogg, Brett Lee, Jason Gillespie, Glenn McGrath.

New Zealand: Stephen Fleming (captain), Nathan Astle, Mathew Sinclair, Scott Styris, Hamish Marshall, Chris Cairns, Jacob Oram, Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori, Kyle Mills, Ian Butler, Chris Harris. — AP