FANTASY
Follow UsThe 2022 edition of the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy between Australia and New Zealand was expected to be a thrilling contest between bat and the ball, however it turned out to be a battle between the bowling attacks. Run-scoring came at a premium as only three fifties, all by Australians, were scored in the two matches.
The hosts clinched the series 2-0 after Adam Zampa's fifer in the second match bundled out New Zealand for 82 while chasing a low target of 196.
The Black Caps will be eager to get a consolation win to close out the bilateral series before they begin preparations for the T20 World Cup. Their batters will hope for a more positive outlook despite the sluggish nature of the surfaces at Cairns. Meanwhile, Australia will look to send off their captain Aaron Finch with a win after the opener has announced his international retirement.
Ground details
In total, only four ODIs were played at the Cazalys Stadium in Cairns where the highest score across eight innings was Australia's 233/8 in the first ODI. Even in the 18 List-A matches played at the venue, the highest target chased was 218 which further explains how difficult batting has been.
Pacers have claimed 39 wickets from eight ODI innings while spinners have accounted for 18 wickets at Cairns. Economy is not a problem for either of the departments, but pacers have claimed at least five wickets on average while spinners have picked up three wickets on average. It is good to have five full-fledged batters, at least two allrounders and four pacers in your team.
Suggested team
While you could go for the above team, you can also choose your team from Cricket.com’s Fantasy Research Centre. You can use this tool to build your team with the help of algorithms. Then, based on your preferences, the platform will guide you through creating the ideal fantasy XI.
Captaincy suggestions
For small leagues: Adam Zampa (Captain), Michael Bracewell (Vice-Captain)
For grand leagues: Trent Boult (Captain), Marcus Stoinis (Vice-Captain)
Stats that matter
Scoring is going to be difficult at the Cazalys Stadium. The highest T20 score chased at the venue is 123 while in ODIs, that number is 233 which was achieved by Australia in the first ODI.
New Zealand will be hoping for a big contribution from allrounder James Neesham who has scored just 58 runs and took one wicket from four ODIs this year.
Despite his overseas form under question, Steve Smith has been solid in Australia with an average of 52.67 and 158 runs from five matches this year.
Grand league punts
Michael Bracewell has had a fruitful 2022, as the allrounder averages 44 with the bat from 10 ODI innings and has also picked up 10 wickets from 12 matches at an economy of 5.1.
Trent Boult has the best numbers for any bowler at Cairns as he picked two four-wicket hauls in the last two matches at the venue at an average of 9.8.
Besides his match-winning 89 not out in the first ODI, vice-captain Alex Carey has been the best Australian batter this year with 351 runs from 13 innings.
Here are the Top 10 Criclytics Projections
Probable XI:
Australia: Aaron Finch (c), David Warner, Steve Smith, Josh Inglis, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa, Sean Abott
New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson (c), Tom Latham (wk), Daryll Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult
