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Greatbatch hints changes

Greatbatch hints changes

03/10/2010 12:56:31 AM

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New Zealand coach Mark Greatbatch has all but confirmed he will ring the changes in his side after its dismal display with the bat against Australia on Tuesday.

New Zealand made a mere 246 on a batter-friendly pitch at Seddon Park in Hamilton that was easily chased down by Australia with six wickets to spare as the visitors went 2-1 up in the Chappell-Hadlee series.

With injured players Daryl Tuffey (calf) and James Franklin (hamstring) said to be on the fast track to full fitness, Greatbatch admitted there will definitely be changes if the two are fit to play in the fourth ODI of the series at Eden Park on Thursday.

"I would say you are going to see some changes, up the order," he said.

"We are losing wickets early, we seem to have a reasonable run rate, but you could see changes [being made] there."

After New Zealand's inspirational win in the first game of the series in Napier, it is easy to see why Greatbatch was so disappointed in his side's innings.

With Peter Ingram (5) again failing to cope with the step-up from domestic cricket, and only Ross Taylor (62), Gareth Haopkins (45) and Scott Styris (41) showing any decent form with the bat in the match, some questions have to be asked of the top-order.

Greatbatch felt Tuesday's game was by far the worst of the series and some work needs to be done if there is to be any chance of another win.

"We got a bit of a lesson yesterday, probably for the first time in the series," he said.

"We need to readjust and go back and look to counteract what they are putting in front of us.

"We did bits, we went towards it but we didn't execute. We need to stay long in the game with Australia and if you don't you go backwards."

Hopkins, while pleased with his efforts during the series, felt he should be contributing more to the team.

"I've been pretty happy with my performances, to a point," said the 33-year-old wicket keeper.

"But at number seven your goals are to finish the job and win games, and I haven't been doing that so while I'm happy with my starts, I still need to kick on and finish.

"Last night if I had kicked on we could have got to 270 or 280 and put them under real pressure."

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images
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