5 Oct 2009

Tired Black Caps expect to get energised by finals cricket

6:42 am on 5 October 2009

Captain Dan Vettori says adrenalin and desire will fuel a tired New Zealand side's dreams of beating Australia in the Champions Trophy cricket final tomorrow morning.

Vettori, the man of the match in the exhausting five-wicket semi-final victory over Pakistan, says he'd like another day to prepare for the defending champions, but that the adrenalin will take over and everyone will be pretty excited about playing in a final.

Australia captain Ricky Ponting, whose side have got to the final unbeaten, says his players will treat New Zealand with respect at Centurion, as a side that play to their strengths and do it very well.

Australia are looking to become the first team to defend the title while New Zealand want to be the first side to win the trophy twice.

Australia are likely to field the same team that beat England in the semi-finals, while New Zealand are pondering one change, with Grant Elliott expected to have another pain-killing injection after he batted with a broken thumb against Pakistan.

Vettori says Jeetan Patel could be included because conditions at Centurion are expected to be good for his fellow spinner.