Cricket: ‘Harry’ standing by for shot at ODI milestone

Wily veteran Chris Harris is poised to make his 250th one-day international appearance as New Zealand seek to clinch the inaugural Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series in Sydney.

Harris was overlooked for the tourists' stunning four-wicket win at Melbourne on Sunday, but after surveying a low and slow SCG wicket yesterday, 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 game one, could be the man to make way for the Canterbury allrounder.

With rain forecast, coach John Bracewell will hold off finalising his XI for a clash the world champions must win to avoid the Friday finale in Brisbane becoming meaningless for Australian fans.

Fleming said the prospect of rain had clouded management's thinking and they would not trim a 12-member squad until shortly before the toss.

Bad weather may also work in Harris' favour, with Fleming saying his batting could be useful lower down the order.

- NZPA