By a Staff Reporter
Australia have benched former skipper Steve Smith for their first match against New Zealand in the ICC T20 World Cup on Saturday.
Australian skipper Aaron Finch won the toss and chose to field first. Finch will open with David Warner for the Aussies. Australia have opted to play with Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis in the middle order. Tim David and Matthew Wade continue to take up the finishing role. Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood will partner lone spinner Adam Zampa in bowling attack.
New Zealand have dropped experienced opener Martin Guptill for the first match. Finn Allen and Devon Conway will open the innings. Skipper Kane Williamson, Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman will stabilize the middle order. Jimmy Neesham and Mitchell Santner are in the XI with bowling attack comprising of Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson and Trent Boult.
Playing XI:
Australia: David Warner, Aaron Finch (capt), Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Kane Williamson (capt), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult
