Brisbane: The series is up for grabs as the Aussies and the Kiwis go head to head in the final game of the 5th match ODI series tomorrow at the Gabba. Australia have clawed back from 2-0 down to level the series and if they manage to win at the Gabba it will be only the third occasion in a bilateral series that a side has come back from 0-2 down to win a series.
A back injury has put Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke's participation in doubt in Friday's crucial final ODI against New Zealand in the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series in Brisbane.
The injury kept Clarke away from Thursday's net session at the Gabba. The series is leveled 2-2.
Skipper Ricky Ponting said that Clarke opted out of the training session but admitted that his deputy's condition has to improve to open Australia's innings.
If Clarke fails to pass the fitness test Friday morning, Queensland all-rounder James Hopes is likely to move up the order to open the innings while West Australian Adam Voges might get a call-up to the team.
Ponting also hinted that Clarke could be replaced by fast bowler Peter Siddle, to form a four-man pace attack to exploit Brisbane's cloudy conditions.
Last time Tim Southee was in Brisbane his swing bowling shocked Australia.
Brendon McCullum's shoulder will not stop him from playing and Daniel Vettori's hamstring is fine, so New Zealand's only choice is between using the extra batsman in Craig Cumming and employing slow-bowling support for Vettori.
Peter Fulton has been a major disappointment this series along with the promising Martin Guptill. The Black Caps will want to take the Chappell- Hadlee silverware back across the Tasman especially as a strong Indian outfit awaits them on their soil.
Fact about match
Pitch Report: The Gabba outfield almost looks like it did last summer after overcoming a fungus that made it seem more like a club ground than an international venue.
Weather:There is also a shower being predicted for tomorrow which could act as a real dampener.
Head to Head: Total 116, Aus 80, NZ 32, NR 4