The Black Caps have to put on a better show in the Chappell-Hadlee one-day series against Australia than they did in the same series last year, New Zealand cricket captain Kane Williamson says.
Kane Williamson bats for the Black Caps in the first ODI against Australia in Sydney on 4 December 2016. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The two teams meet in Auckland today in the first of three matches having been trounced in all three games in Australia last year.
Williamson said in the last Chappell-Hadlee series New Zealand were not at their best
"And they played very well and they have done for a while, which is why they are number one in the world. We showed glimpses of it throughout the series, glimpses with the bat, glimpses with the ball. But being able to do that day in and day out and put on the board, the complete performances are the key."
Williamson said withstanding Australia's pace attack will be key for the Black Caps in the series.
"Their whole bowling attack are very strong, one of the best going around. They complement each other very well with good pace and move the ball in the air. So there's a reason why they're number one in the world, they've scored a lot of runs recently but they've also done the job with the ball."
"We do have to be at our best, have to have learnt a lot from the previous series we had in Aussie but also adapt well because the cricket here is slightly different."
Tom Latham will wear the wicket-keeping gloves in the first match of the series, replacing the injured Luke Ronchi.
Williamson wants one last inspection of the Eden Park pitch this morning before finalising his starting eleven for the match which begins at 11am.
The captain does seem certain, however, of which batsmen he will play.
"Tom Latham added experience and it allows us to strengthen that sort of higher middle order with Ross [Taylor] at four and Neil Broom at five."
Australia will be captained by Matthew Wade throughout the three match series following the late withdrawal of Steve Smith with an ankle injury.
