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Ireland v New Zealand, Tri-series, Aberdeen
Buoyant New Zealand head north
Cricinfo staff
June 30, 2008
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Late call-up: Jeetan Patel may finally get an international game in Scotland
© Getty Images
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Match facts
Tuesday July 1, 2008
Start time 10.45 (local), 9.45 (BST)
Big Picture
New Zealand can't quite begin their long journey home yet, and with the taste of victory champagne still fresh following the series victory at Lord's on Saturday they now have two ODIs in Aberdeen, the first of which is against Ireland. It is a chance to give a few of the players who have watched from the sidelines recently a run, although New Zealand will be guarding against any embarrassing slip-ups. For Ireland it's the start of a busy summer, which also includes important Twenty20 qualifiers plus a host of ODIs. Since their magical World Cup campaign they have struggled to reach those heights again as amateur players are torn between cricket and their jobs, while those good enough for professional careers are snapped up by counties. Ireland are missing three key personnel - Niall O'Brien, William Porterfield and Eoin Morgan - for that reason, while Jeremy Bray, David Langford-Smith, Trent Johnston and Boyd Rankin are also unavailable. But this a chance for some others to make a name for themselves.
Form guide (Last 5 completed ODIs; most recent first)
Ireland LLLWN
New Zealand WWWNL
Watch out for
Ross Taylor He struggled against England, often found out by seam and swing and sometimes by his own impetuosity. He is still the most talented of New Zealand's young top order and the lesser attack of Ireland could be right up his street.
Kyle McCallan Now leading Ireland in the absence of Trent Johnston, McCallan is a hardworking offspinner who isn't afraid to give the ball a tweak. He enjoyed some fine moments during the World Cup. In 25 ODIs his economy rate is 4.25 so he can't be underestimated.
Team news
New Zealand have named a 12-man squad and will make at least three changes from the final ODI against England. Jamie How, who has played for much of tour with a cracked finger, is rested so James Marshall gets another chance at the top of the order, while Scott Styris - who was Man of the Match at The Oval and Lord's - also sits out. Kyle Mills gets a match off so Michael Mason is in the squad as is offspinner Jeetan Patel, who hasn't featured in any internationals to date on the trip.
New Zealand (from) Brendon McCullum, James Marshall, Ross Taylor, Daniel Flynn, Jacob Oram, Grant Elliott, Gareth Hopkins, Daniel Vettori (capt), Tim Southee, Jeetan Patel, Mark Gillespie, Michael Mason
Without the three county-based players, Ireland have had to draft in reinforcements but Gary Wilson, the wicketkeeper, is on Surrey's books while Alex Cusack won a Man-of-the-Match award on his debut against South Africa last year.
Ireland (from) Kyle McCallan (capt), Andre Botha, Peter Connell, Alex Cusask, Phil Eaglestone, Thinus Fourie, Gary Kidd, Chris Doughtery, Andrew Poynter, Paul Stirling, Reinhardt Strydom, Andrew White, Gary Wilson (wk)
Stats and trivia
These two teams have only met in one previous ODI, during the 2007 in Guyana, when New Zealand came out on top by 129 runs. Daniel Vettori took 4 for 23.
Only two Ireland players who appeared in that game are in the squad for Tuesday's match. McCallan and Andrew White are the survivors to show the upheaval Ireland have been through.
Quotes
"It's been a long tour. But there's no way we want to leave Scotland being beaten. It'll be a hard couple of games, but there's no way we'll treat them as any less important as any other one-day international."
Jamie How confirms New Zealand won't be taking the next couple of matches lightly
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