TelstraClear Black Caps team to meet Australia named

TelstraClear Black Caps chairman of selectors Sir Richard Hadlee today named the team to play Australia at St George's Park, Port Elizabeth, tomorrow (Tuesday, March 11).

The team is:

Stephen Fleming (captain)
Andre Adams
Nathan Astle
Shane Bond
Chris Cairns
Chris Harris
Brendon McCullum
Jacob Oram
Scott Styris
Daniel Vettori
Lou Vincent

12th man: Daryl Tuffey

Kyle Mills was unavailable for selection because of injury.

Hadlee said the selectors are still concerned with Craig McMillan's lack of form and that they felt Australia's bowling attack would quickly expose this.

"Craig has yet to address to our satisfaction some of the issues that have been hampering his form," Hadlee said.

"He is still not moving his feet or being disciplined in his application at the crease, which is why he failed on a flat wicket against Zimbabwe on Saturday."

Hadlee said Lou Vincent had recovered from his dislocated thumb and that he would replace McMillan.

"As well as giving us number of batting options, Lou provides the team with speed, agility and accuracy in the field which can help build pressure on opposing batsman."

Hadlee said the match against Australia would provide a measuring stick as to the advances the team has made.

"I believe this team has improved significantly in the last year.

"It will be interesting to see how well they compete with the form side in world cricket.

"If they stop the Australian juggernaut they will almost certainly book themselves a place in the semi-finals.

"This should be incentive enough for them to produce their best performance at the World Cup to date."