Vincent to open against Australia

Lou Vincent will open the innings for New Zealand in their first ODI against Australia at Auckland on December 3.

Vincent, one of the few to escape from his side's tour of South Africa with his reputation intact, will partner Nathan Astle in the absence of Stephen Fleming, their captain and regular opener, who is recovering from facial surgery, as they seek to find a dominant opening pair who can exploit the first few overs, especially the Powerplays.

"We'll open with Lou and Nathan because we're looking for an offensive start to the first 20 overs," John Bracewell, the New Zealand coach, told the New Zealand Herald. "We're still working on our game-plan in that period. We're anxious to develop something that we can carry into the [2007] World Cup, and a three-pronged attack at the top of the order continues to interest us."

Aside from Fleming's absence, Shane Bond - who has a commendable record against Australia in one-day internationals - has been suffering from a stomach upset, but Bracewell is confident that he will be fit enough to resume his battle with the Australians:

"He's feeling a lot better and probably wanted to practise today but we left him at home as a precaution. He probably could have practised this afternoon and I'm confident he should be right for the match."

Bond, like many of his team-mates, struggled for form in South Africa, picking up just six wickets at the costly average of 35.16.

"He's still developing his game," said Bracewell. "He had an outstanding tour of Zimbabwe and bowled well against India. But he met an international-class batting line-up in South Africa and it will be interesting to see how he's developed from there."