Haddin to lead Australian challenge by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:	BJ Haddin, MJ Guptill
Event:	New Zealand in Australia 2008/09

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DateLine: 14th February 2009

 

Brad Haddin will be donning the captain's garb for the first time in his international career as he leads a relatively young Australian side to their T20 assignment. Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey have been rested by the selectors as a hectic international calendar looms before them, while Michael Clarke is left out as he is nursing a a back with Johnson taking time to get his bruised ankle healed before they leave for the shores of South Africa for the return series. Victorian batsman Rob Quiney has received his maiden call-up.

 

The match - reduced to 22-overs a side - gave New Zealand a sound hit-out before the Twenty20 encounter. Martin Guptill's unbeaten 64 from 34 balls might have sealed the series for the visitors had the heavens not opened, particularly with Brendon Diamanti (26 not out from 22 balls) providing strong support. Diamanti has held his place after Kyle Mills withdrew with an unfortunate Achilles injury. Ross Taylor is struggling with a hamstring problem but is expected to play but as a precaution Peter Fulton has been kept on stand by.

 

Australia (from): Brad Haddin (capt), David Warner, David Hussey, Callum Ferguson, Moises Henriques, Adam Voges, James Hopes, Cameron White, Nathan Bracken, Ben Hilfenhaus, Peter Siddle, Rob Quiney.

 

New Zealand (from): Daniel Vettori (capt), Neil Broom, Ian Butler, Grant Elliott, James Franklin, Martin Guptill, Brendon McCullum, Nathan McCullum, Peter McGlashan, Brendon Diamanti, Iain O'Brien, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor.