Tricky Ricky's cunning plan

Ricky Ponting's cunning plan came off and the Australian cricket captain is vowing to try and thwart New Zealand's liking for chasing runs to close out the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy one-day series in Auckland tomorrow.

Ponting won his third toss in a row and went against the trend by sending New Zealand in at a packed Seddon Park yesterday as the hosts posted a sub-standard 245. Led by Brad Haddin's 110, world No1 Australia cruised home by six wickets with 16 balls to spare and will claim the trophy for a third consecutive series if they win at Eden Park tomorrow or in Wellington on Saturday.

"It's a lot more relevant in these sorts of venues in New Zealand where the grounds are smaller. Chasing runs becomes a bit easier here," Ponting said.

"I think it's probably New Zealand's favoured way of playing as well – to chase runs. I know a couple of series here in the past they have done it well against us.

"Back to Auckland on Thursday and that's a ground where chasing runs is pretty achievable as well, so we will think about that again."

For New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori, now 2-1 down in the series, tomorrow's match takes on desperation status. Aside from Ross Taylor's 62, and 40s from in-form pair Scott Styris and Gareth Hopkins in the middle stages, the batting again failed to fire on a placid pitch where 300 was seen as a par total.

Vettori hoped to welcome back all-rounder James Franklin (hamstring) and paceman Daryl Tuffey (calf) to have a full 15-man squad to choose from.

He said all selection options would be explored, including promoting Styris up the order after scores of 49 not out, 46 and 41.

"We were a bit of a bowler short so if Franklin's fit then he comes back in," Vettori said.

Styris was an option at No5, he said.

"We were giving guys who were there before an opportunity to keep going. Scott's done a pretty good job at seven and six but we'll look at everything."

Batsmen under pressure include opener Peter Ingram (59 runs at 19.7), Martin Guptill (48 at 16) and Neil Broom (43 at 14.3), while key man Brendon McCullum again made an imposing start before chopping onto his stumps on 23.

Ponting, who said absent vice-captain Michael Clarke would be given as long as he needs to return home and sort out "personal issues", felt his side were ready to close out the series after a dominant win.

"We really cantered across the line from about 30 overs onwards. We did it pretty easily. But this game can change really quickly. We can't afford to think it's just going to happen for us on Thursday.

"We've been looking for this performance for the entire series and we've played our best game to date. The momentum, if there's any to be taken out of this game, is with us."

- © Fairfax NZ News