Inspired by their morale-boosting win over Sri Lanka, a rejuvenated New Zealand face a do-or-die task of upstaging England's applecart in the Group B match of the Champions Trophy at the Wanderers on Tuesday.
After being trounced by South Africa in their first match, the Kiwis regrouped themselves and notched up a 38-run win over Sri Lanka to put their campaign back on track but their road to semi-finals still looks difficult with England standing in their way.
If New Zealand pull off a win, they would be through to the semi-finals but if they lose it will come down to the net run-rate and the Sri Lanka are far ahead of the Kiwis in that aspect.
The BlackCaps put up an imposing 315 against the Lankans on Sunday, riding on their top-order's blistering form.
Brendon McCullum, Jesse Ryder and Martin Guptill were the architects of their big win against Sri Lanka.
However, with Ryder ruled out of the squad due to a groin injury sustained, New Zealand will have to sort out a new strategy.
Ryder's omission will mean green-horn Aaron Redmond may get a chance to make his ODI debut and he would look to grab the opportunity with both hands.
Among the pacers, Kyle Mills and Daryl Tuffey have done the job till now but their spearhead Shane Bond, who returned to the national fold, is yet to fire. Vettori too has been economical and have kept the batsmen under control.
On the other hand, England has been in formidable form, registering two wins from as many matches.
Owais Shah, Eoin Morgan and Paul Collingwood have been in tremendous form. Among bowlers, James Anderson and Stuart Broad have led the England pace attack but spinner Graeme Swann will have to pull up his socks and put a much disciplined performance if they have to keep their slate clean going into the semi-finals.
Redmond to replace Ryder
ICC event technical committee has allowed New Zealand to replace Jesse Ryder by Aaron Redmond in the ongoing Champions Trophy in Johannesburg.
Ryder was forced out of the squad after suffering an injury to his left groin during his side's 38-run victory over Sri Lanka at the Wanderers yesterday and the all-rounder will now be replaced by Redmond.
The 30-year-old right-hander Redmond has played seven Tests and three T20Is for New Zealand, but has never before represented his country in an ODI.
Teams
New Zealand: Daniel Vettori (c), Shane Bond, Neil Broom, Ian Butler, Brendon Diamanti, Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Gareth Hopkins, Brendon McCullum, Kyle Mills, James Franklin, Jeetan Patel, Jesse Ryder, Ross Taylor, Daryl Tuffey
England: Andrew Strauss (C), Ravi Bopara, Luke Wright, Owais Shah, Paul Collingwood, Joe Denly, Eoin Morgan, Graham Onions, Matt Prior, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Adil Rashid, James Anderson, Ryan Sidebottom and Graeme Swann.
