Chappell-Hadlee Trophy

The inaugural Chappell-Hadlee Trophy between Australia and New Zealand is providing fantastic entertainment, with both of the games so far producing close finishes. One has gone the way of each side, and so the two trans Tasman rivals now travel to Brisbane for the final contest at the Gabba.After losing game one, the Aussies were taking no selection chances at the SCG on Wednesday, bringing in Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie to join a seam attack also containing Brett Lee. Choosing to bat looked a good option with Adam Gilchrist setting the tone from the top with a quick fire 60 as the hosts put on 261-7 in their 50 overs.New Zealand then collapsed to 86-6, prompting many of the Sydney spectators to depart in search of an early train home. They missed out on a thrilling conclusion though, as the lower order showed the supposed specialists how to do it and ended up just 17 runs short. Chris Cairns (50), Daniel Vettori (33), and Kyle Mills (44 n.o) led the way, whilst Chris Harris was forced into action despite sustaining a serious shoulder injury earlier in the game.Harris has now returned home and so will play no part in Brisbane. It is not clear who will take his place at time of writing, although his all round ability will undoubtedly be missed.Adam Gilchrist top scored with 60 in Sydney, and there is a strong case for the opener once again. However, the man we are going for on this occasion is Darren Lehmann. He came in at number six in that game, and a quick dismissal would have meant an entirely different match. He managed to both keep his wicket and also the score ticking over however, hitting 52 from 77 balls prior to being run out when the score was on 235, having come in at 148.This came on the back of a fine knock of 50 from number four in Melbourne, and a test match 81 in the second test against these opponents in Adelaide last week. He is clearly in good touch and 6/1 is a good price. His bowling may have taken a pounding from Kyle Mills but as a batsman his significance to Australia is massive, wherever in the order he should happen to come in.Concerning the outcome of the match, the 12/5 at Bet365 for New Zealand is almost tempting. However, McGrath and Gillespie are so effective at bowling at the top order that we feel the kiwi's are again likely to come unstuck in this area. Their battling qualities are admirable, but against a ruthless and equally determined Australia we feel they are likely to fall short. 4/9 at Totesport is the best price to be found about an Aussie victory.