Australia v New Zealand Betting Preview 8.12.04

After shocking Australia with their four wicket victory in the first One Day International (ODI) of the inaugural Chappell-Hadlee Trophy on Sunday, New Zealand are now one win away from a rare series success over their old enemies.There was a thrilling conclusion at the MCG in Melbourne, with Brendan McCullum eventually hitting the winning runs with just two balls remaining. Nathan Astle starred with a steady but decisive 70, whilst McCullum smashed Mike Kasprowicz for 22 off the 48th over to take the Black Caps within touching distance of their first win over the World Champions for three years.From one famous venue to another, as this match will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground, more commonly referred to as the SCG. It is a venue where Australia have won their last four ODI's, but the fact that four times in ten has seen them taste defeat should be encouraging for Stephen Fleming's men. They are available at 5/2 to win the match.Winning a day/night contest batting second is a superb achievement, although both front line Australian seamers, Jason Gillespie and Glen McGrath were rested. McGrath has been recalled for this one, and his presence could well have made the difference in Melbourne. Having also lost to England in the semi final of the ICC Champions Trophy in September, this is the first time that Australia have lost two in a row since May of 2003 when the West Indies actually achieved the hat trick.4/11 holds no value at all for the Aussies, especially seeing how they lost on Sunday, but is there any reason to believe that New Zealand can win again? With McGrath coming back in, we fail to see how there is. The metronomic pace man has been in superb form during the recent test matches against these opponents and also in India, and his inclusion means we cannot advise backing against the hosts.Adam Gilchrist led the way with the bat for Australia, and from a best price of 4/1 we are keen to show support for him to do so in this match also. His overall average of 35.88 is excellent in itself, but it goes up to 43.25 at the SCG. This will be his 198th ODI, and there is no ground on the planet on which the wicket keeper batsman has scored more runs. In 21 matches, he has collected two centuries and five fifties.A wonderfully attacking player, there is potentially no more devastating an opening batsman in world cricket, and his touch was very much in evidence as he plundered 68 in game one. We feel this is a bet worth taking.