Australia's captain Ricky Ponting won the toss and chose to bowl first in the fourth Chappell-Hadlee Trophy one-day cricket international against New Zealand at Eden Park here today.
New Zealand made three changes from their six-wicket defeat in Hamilton on Tuesday, with Canterbury batsman Shanan Stewart handed an ODI debut at No 4 in place of opener Peter Ingram who was released to play for Central Districts.
It meant a shift to the top of the order for Martin Guptill.
Allrounder James Franklin (hamstring) and paceman Daryl Tuffey (calf) were both passed fit after missing the Hamilton match, replacing Neil Broom and Michael Mason.
Australia, who lead the five-match series 2-1, named an unchanged side after Ponting won a fourth consecutive toss of the series.
The weather was fine and warm in Auckland with a start due on time at 2pm (NZT).
New Zealand
Daniel Vettori (captain), Brendon McCullum, Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor, Shanan Stewart, Scott Styris, Gareth Hopkins, James Franklin, Daryl Tuffey, Shane Bond, Tim Southee.
Australia
Ricky Ponting (captain), Shane Watson, Brad Haddin, Michael Hussey, Cameron White, Adam Voges, James Hopes, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Hauritz, Ryan Harris, Doug Bollinger.
Umpires: Asad Rauf (Pakistan), Gary Baxter (New Zealand).
- NZPA
Cricket: NZ bat first as Stewart gets debut
Canterbury batsman Shanan Stewart has replaced Peter Ingram in the Black Caps side. Photo / Getty Images
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