Cricket World Cup: Haddin praises Black Caps

Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin. Photo / Dean Purcell

Wonder if Australia are stressing over having a day of cricket washed out in Brisbane on Saturday? Think again.

Veteran wicketkeeper Brad Haddin said tonight that not being able to play the World Cup match against Bangladesh - which fell victim to cyclone Marcia and therefore deprived both sides of trying to obtain two points for the win - was disappointing, although the extra day of inactivity was not a problem.

"It would have been good to get a game but we've had a long summer, so having a day off from cricket won't hurt us," Haddin said.

Australia, who arrived in Auckland tonight, won't have had a game for a fortnight when they step onto Eden Park next Saturday to face cup co-hosts New Zealand. No worries, said Haddin.

He also praised New Zealand's form at present. On the back of spectacular opening batting from captain Brendon McCullum and classy seam bowling, most recently Tim Southee's best ever New Zealand ODI figures, seven for 33, to topple England in Wellington last week, Haddin called the clash of the co-hosts "an exciting game".

"New Zealand are playing good cricket at the moment. They're they team everyone is talking about," Haddin said.

"They are playing some brave cricket, playing with a lot of confidence. They've got dangerous batters and bowlers who are on form. We will have to bring our A-game to compete.

"It will be a good test for us."

The upshot of the rained out Bangladesh game is that New Zealand have shot clear in group A with six points from a three-out-of-three record so far, while Australia are languishing on three, after an easy win over England and the one point from Brisbane.
New Zealand have three group games left. Win the lot and they can't be headed as winners of the group.

Getting knocked over by Australia will even the situation up. The one scenario under which New Zealand would miss out on playing a semifinal at Eden Park - should they get that far -- and have to play it in Sydney is if the Aussies finish ahead of New Zealand in the pool.

New Zealand have broken up for a couple of days rest with their families.

The forecast for next Saturday in Auckland, and surrounding regions is grim, with heavy rain forecast for several days so all the speculation which is sure to build during the week may count for nought.

For more coverage of the Cricket World Cup from nzherald.co.nz and NZME check out #CricketFever.