glenn maxwell
Glenn Maxwell has been in the news for all the wrong reasons ahead of the first ODI between Australia and New Zealand getty

Australia take on New Zealand in the first game of the three match One Day International (ODI) series at the Sydney Cricket Ground on 4 December (Sunday).

Where to watch live

Match starts at 3.20am GMT. Live coverage of the game is available on BT Sport Europe.

Overview

Australia start their home leg of matches with a visit from their neighbours New Zealand against whom they will play three ODIs starting from 4 December (Sunday). The hosts come into this game as the number one ranked side in the limited overs format with 118 points despite being white washed by South Africa 5-0 in their most recent assignment.

In David Warner, Aaron Finch, George Bailey and skipper Steve Smith the hosts have a batting line-up that is capable of winning matches on their day while bowling line-up consisting of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazelwood and Adam Zampa is bound to give the opposing batsman the jitters.

Australia have brought in uncapped all-rounder Hilton Cartwright and Pat Cummins to the squad while recalling Glenn Maxwell. Pacer Josh Hastings who is their highest wicket-taker of 2016 has been left out.

Their opponents New Zealand come into this short series full of confidence after thrashing Pakistan 2-0 in the Test series at home. The Kiwis are ranked third in the ICC ODI rankings just six points behind Australia and will look to give them a tough fight.

The problem for the visitors is that they come into the series without key personnel with a number of their first team players either injured or suffering from poor form. Ross Taylor, Adam Milne, Mitchell McClenaghan and Corey Anderson are all injured while leg spinner Ish Sodhi and keeper Luke Ronchi have been left out.

While they have brought in all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme, leg spinner Todd Astle and pacer Lockie Ferguson the onus will fall to the senior players to perform. Martin Guptill, Trent Boult, Tim Southee and skipper Tim Southee will be expected to step up if the Kiwis are to go away from the series with a win.

A look at the line-ups and the hosts Australia come into the game as the clear favourites to win and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Prediction

Australia to win

Betting odds (betfair)

  • Australia to win: 2/5
  • New Zealand to win: 2

Team news

Australia

Squad: Steve Smith (c), David Warner, Aaron Finch, George Bailey, Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, Hilton Cartwright, Matthew Wade (wk), James Faulkner, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazelwood, Adam Zampa.

New Zealand

Squad: Kane Williamson (c), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Colin de Grandhomme, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Colin Munro, James Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, BJ Watling (wk).

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