Kiwis on the offensive

Daniel Vetorri knows that Australia will come at them hard in the one-day series

New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori believes his side must be prepared to “scrap” if they are to be successful in the Chappell-Hadlee series against Australia.

The five-match one-day series begins in Perth tomorrow, with the hosts looking to bounce back from their 4-1 defeat to South Africa.

That setback saw Australia relinquish their place at the top of the International Cricket Council’s ODI rankings to the Proteas - but despite that, Vettori is wary of the hosts.

“Playing Australia in Australia is still the toughest challenge in world cricket, so naturally coming here we are going to be underdogs,” he said.

“They will be trying to rebound pretty quickly. We know that all our players need to be at the top of their game if we are to have any chance against Australia. Even though they have come off a series loss, we still know they are a very good side.

“If we scrap the whole way that gives us a chance. If we are off for even a couple of overs then Australia will dominate us.”

Vettori acknowledges Australia appear to have lost the aura that has helped them win the last three World Cups.

“I think you look at them differently. But you understand they still have a really good side and really good players,” he said.

“Any time that Ricky Ponting is in a team, with his record and experience, you know his team are going to fight to the end and be pretty hard-nosed.”

All-rounder Jacob Oram may be called up mid-series for the Kiwis, having returned to action in New Zealand state cricket following injury.

“There is a possibility. The selectors have made it known they do have the ability to change the side,” Vettori confirmed.

“They are treating it more like an internal tour, because of the proximity of Australia.

“If he can get some runs under his belt and is performing well and his injuries are feeling good then he can come into play. I think we know a Jacob Oram in an NZ side makes us a better team.”

Vettori has also ruled out the possibility of wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum playing solely as a batsman as he struggles with a hip injury.

“I’m not allowing him any other option,” the captain joked.

“I don’t want to follow that option. His ‘keeping allows us a lot more balance within our side. We need him to keep to maintain that.”