Allan Border has warned Australia to beware the threat of a New Zealand side riding a wave of emotion when the trans-Tasman rivals meet in a World Cup clash on Friday, overshadowed by the devastating Christchurch earthquake.
New Zealand's 15-man squad Tuesday desperately scrambled for news of loved ones caught up in the 6.3 magnitude quake which has left at least 98 dead, with the team admitting to being left shocked and numbed.
Former Australia captain Border, a World Cup winner in 1987, said the tragedy would give the Black Caps additional motivation.
"They're a side that tend to lift against Australia and given the recent events in Christchurch, they've got the added incentive to do well," Border told foxsports.com.au.
"Not that that should make that much difference, but you've got that incentive in the back of your mind to lift for the sake of your countrymen. They're a dangerous opponent, there's no doubt about that."
The Black Caps have seen physio Dayle Shackel return home for a week to leave then relying on Australian support staff here Friday.
New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori said a win for his side over Australia could lift national spirits.
"The greatest thing we can do for a lot of people is to win the game against Australia. I think that will bring a bit of light relief to some people going through tough times," he said.
The fixture has been given an added edge by being designated this year's Chappell-Hadlee Trophy match as it is the only chance Australia and New Zealand have to play each other in 2010/11.
The trophy, named for the contributions of Australia's Chappell family and New Zealand's Hadlee clan to their respective national teams, is currently held by Australia after a 3-2 series win last year in New Zealand.
Australia captain Ricky Ponting goes into the match having been reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after smashing a television set in a fit of fury after being run out during the champions' 91-run tournament opening win over Zimbabwe in Ahmedabad on Monday.
Australia, bidding for an unprecedented fourth successive title and fifth in all, looked awkward against Zimbabwe left-arm spinner Ray Price in an otherwise convincing victory that stretched their unbeaten run in World Cup matches to 24 straight games dating back to 1999.
"We know that spin factor will be a big one in this tournament. We know these conditions and know how to play in India or Sri Lanka," Ponting said.
But Australia are without Michael Hussey, one of their best batsmen against spin, after doubts over his fitness following a hamstring injury saw the left-hander left at home.
With New Zealand boasting two fine slow bowlers in Vettori and Nathan McCullum, he would have been a valuable asset against the Black Caps.
"Hopefully it won't come back and hurt us at all," Ponting said of Hussey's controversial omission.
"We've got what we've got now. We understand that Mike was disappointed not to be in this squad in the first place.... The medicos and our selectors felt he wasn't fit enough to come away on the tour."
For New Zealand, who thrashed Kenya in their opener, the match promises to be a stern test of their World Cup ambitions but Vettori is confident his inconsistent side can raise their game.
"If we are going to do well over here, we are going to have to beat the likes of Australia," said Vettori, who backed the Black Caps top order, which includes powerful hitters such as Brendon McCullum and Jesse Ryder, to propel New Zealand to what would be a first World Cup crown.
"I really believe our top four, top five can win this tournament for us and I think they will find Australia's pace attack to their liking."
Source: http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/37045/trans-tasman-rivals-to-meet-in-emotional-clash Tweet
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