Twenty 20 returns with Australia taking on New Zealand

The excitement and thrills of Twenty20 cricket are back in Australia this Tuesday as cross Tasman rivals New Zealand visit for a brief tour featuring a one-off Twenty20 contest in Perth and the annual Chappell-Hadlee one day series.

New Zealand is on their way home after an unsuccessful trip of South Africa. The Kiwis were disappointing in the Test matches, lost narrowly in the Twenty20 and then went down 2-1 in the one day series. They are certainly a more competitive outfit in the shorter formats of the game, with some proven match winners that might cause Australia some worries.

Twenty20 is definitely a batsman's game, and the Kiwis have the potential to put together a competitive score. Brendon McCullum, coming off a superb hundred against the Chairman's XI, is super dangerous at the top of the order, and if he lasts more than a few overs, then a big score is real chance. In the middle order the hitting power of How, Styris, Sinclair and Oram will enjoy the pace of the bowling on the fast WACA pitch.

The New Zealand bowling will be reliant upon their economical skipper Daniel Vetorri, who is always difficult for batsman to get away. Their fast bowling stocks will miss the injured pair of Shane Bond and James Franklin, but Kyle Mills has stepped up with the new ball and will look to put in another strong performance.

The Aussies are coming off a comfortable Test match win against Sri Lanka, and will need to adapt quickly to the fast paced action of Twenty20 cricket. They have chosen a fresh, youthful squad and, in looking to the future, will be led by youngster Michael Clarke for the first time with Ricky Ponting being rested. It's a big ask for Clarke but a good opportunity for a man who has always been touted as a future Test captain.

He will be well supported by Vice-captain Adam Gilchrist, while the middle order of Hodge, Hussey and Symonds will provide the backbone of the Australian innings. Adam Voges has been included after scoring 180 last week in Hobart, while Ashley Noffke has been rewarded for an outstanding start to the year with both bat and ball.

With the ball, fast bowler Shaun Tait has been included and will be extremely keen to fire to further his claims for Boxing Day Test selection.

Sportsbet Australia have the Australians as firm favourites at $1.37, but in a fast-paced format like Twenty20 cricket, the differences between the two teams will be minimized. The New Zealand team enjoy one-day cricket and have more recent Twenty20 experience than the Aussies who are not playing a full strength side. At $3.10 the Kiwis are certainly offering some value for an upset victory.

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