No.1 ODI bowler left out, Gardner back for Kiwi clash

Ashleigh Gardner has returned to Australia's XI for their blockbuster World Cup showdown against New Zealand in Wellington, while the world's top-ranked ODI bowler Jess Jonassen has been squeezed out in a huge selection call.

Australia will bat first after White Ferns captain Sophie Devine won the toss at Basin Reserve.

Gardner only flew into the New Zealand capital from Christchurch to re-join her teammates on Saturday after being released from COVID-19 isolation but has been rushed back into the side as one of three changes.

Image Id: ED696AC2484C4E69934BFB63A1197967 Image Caption: 'We've gone aggressive' // Getty

Tahlia McGrath has returned from a sore heel while Darcie Brown has also been recalled, forcing left-arm spinner Jonassen out of the XI alongside pace-bowling allrounders Nicola Carey and Annabel Sutherland.

It means Australia will again play two leg-spinners with Amanda-Jade Wellington retaining her spot in the XI alongside Alana King, while New Zealand have named an unchanged side.

"We've gone aggressive," captain Meg Lanning said at the toss. "We want to try and take wickets if we can.

"We've seen throughout the tournament, that's what helps get you the win. We feel like we've got a good balance (with the bowling attack) there. Hopefully we can set it up nicely with the bat first."

Australia are seeking to remain undefeated after wins over England and Pakistan, while New Zealand are coming off commanding victories over India and Bangladesh after losing an early thriller to West Indies.

"These are the games you want to be part of as a player," Lanning said on Saturday.

"There's a lot riding on it, New Zealand are in great form and they've shown that they play these conditions extremely well and their big players are performing.

"We understand it's going to be pretty difficult and there'll be ups and downs through the game, but if we can withstand pressure when they come hard at us … we feel like we've got enough firepower there to get the win."

Image Id: F066C43C6FE2440387A9807EA5E07051 Image Caption: NZ have lost their 12 ODIs to Australia but defeated them in a World Cup warm-up game // Getty

New Zealand last defeated Australia in an ODI in Auckland in early 2017, losing 12 consecutive matches since, but romped to a nine-wicket victory when the sides met in a warm-up game in Christchurch late last month.

"That was a really excellent performance with the bat more than anything," White Ferns batter Maddy Green said of the practice match in Christchurch.

"I think we can't read too much into warm-up games.

"(But) it gives us confidence, we know we've got a really strong team that can really challenge a great Australian side."

Australia XI: Alyssa Healy (wk), Rachael Haynes, Meg Lanning (c), Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ashleigh Gardner, Alana King, Amanda-Jade Wellington Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown

New Zealand XI: Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Amelia Kerr, Amy Satterthwaite, Maddy Green, Frances Mackay, Katey Martin (wk), Hayley Jensen, Lea Tahuhu, Jess Kerr, Hannah Rowe

ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2022

Australia squad: Meg Lanning (c), Rachael Haynes (vc), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Grace Harris, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Amanda-Jade Wellington. Travelling reserves: Heather Graham, Georgia Redmayne

Australia's World Cup 2022 fixtures

Mar 5: Beat England by 12 runs

Mar 8: Beat Pakistan by seven wickets

Mar 13: v New Zealand, Basin Reserve, Wellington, 8am AEDT

Mar 15: v West Indies, Basin Reserve, Wellington, 8am AEDT

Mar 19: v India, Eden Park, Auckland, 12pm AEDT

Mar 22: v South Africa, Basin Reserve, Wellington, 8am AEDT

Mar 25: v Bangladesh, Basin Reserve, Wellington, 8am AEDT

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL WORLD CUP SCHEDULE

Semi-finals

Mar 30: Basin Reserve, Wellington, 8am AEDT

Mar 31: Hagley Park Christchurch, 12pm AEDT

Final

Apr 3: Hagley Park Christchurch, 11am AEDT

All matches to be broadcast in Australia on Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports