Australia set to kick off New Zealand tour
Australia
Australia often play international matches three days apart but rarely in two different countries. The last Twenty20 against West Indies in Sydney was followed by a quick flight across the ditch to Wellington for the first match on a month-long tour of New Zealand. They are coming off a home summer in which they did not lose a match in any format but New Zealand in their own conditions could be a tougher challenge. It is also Michael Clarke's first tour officially in charge of Australia's Twenty20 team.
New Zealand
New Zealand have had a successful home summer as well. They have played more Twenty20 internationals than any other country but have not quite mastered the format, with 13 victories. These games are the last chance for both sides to prepare and ascertain their best playing XI.
Watch out for
Brendon McCullum can be hit-and-miss but he found some form during the previous series in the Twenty20. McCullum will be keen to continue that sort of touch against the Australians. His power at the top of the order will need to be a key part of New Zealand's fight against Australia's on-song attack.
Shaun Tait's return to international cricket, albeit only at Twenty20 level, was one of the individual success stories of Australia's summer. He does not play first-class cricket anymore and prefers short. Most importantly, he has taken wickets and leaked few runs as his searing,swinging yorkers and shorter deliveries have proved hard to handle.
New Zealand Playing XI -
New Zealand - 1 Brendon McCullum (wk), 2 Jesse Ryder, 3 Martin Guptill, 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Jacob Oram, 6 Gareth Hopkins, 7 James Franklin, 8 Daniel Vettori (capt), 9 Chris Martin, 10 Shane Bond, 11 Daryl Tuffey.
Australia Playing XI -
Australia - 1 Shane Watson, 2 David Warner, 3 Michael Clarke (capt), 4 Michael Hussey, 5 Cameron White, 6 Brad Haddin (wk), 7 James Hopes, 8 Steven Smith, 9 Brett Lee, 10 Doug Bollinger, 11 Shaun Tait.
Pitch Conditions
Twenty20 internationals at Eden Park have tended to produce scores around 170-180. The temperature is about 14C.