Cricket: Styris, Nathan McCullum likely to miss cut

NZ batsman Scott Styris. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand cricket captain Daniel Vettori says Scott Styris and Nathan McCullum may be the players to miss out when the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy one-day international series opens against Australia in Napier tomorrow.

Vettori today said he and coach Mark Greatbatch wanted to retain the same batting lineup who completed the 3-0 one-day series whitewash against Bangladesh last month, meaning no room for the recalled Styris at McLean Park.

"It'll be the same top six as last time that we played in the ODIs. Neil (Broom) did reasonably well in the last series and we want to keep giving him opportunities, and the same with James Franklin. They've got a chance to stamp their authority on this series," Vettori said at his pre-match press conference.

Vettori said the venue might also count against offspinner McCullum, meaning a likely pace attack of Shane Bond, Tim Southee and Daryl Tuffey with backup from Franklin and Jacob Oram.

"It's a difficult ground at times for spin bowlers so that balance with Nathan and the extra seamer, that'll be the main talking point."

Vettori said the team had been talking about the one-day and test series against Australia for the past three months and were excited about the transtasman showdown after last summer's Chappell-Hadlee Trophy was squared 2-2.

He tipped a runfest against Ricky Ponting's side tomorrow.

"I don't think there's any surprises when you come to Napier, we know it's going to be a high scoring game and in the end it's the bowlers that turn up and bowl the best who can actually execute, particularly in the latter stages and the power play overs."

Likely New Zealand team: Daniel Vettori (captain), Brendon McCullum, Peter Ingram, Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor, Neil Broom, James Franklin, Jacob Oram, Daryl Tuffey, Tim Southee, Shane Bond.

- NZPA