Australia win toss, bat first v NZ

Australia captain Ricky Ponting won the toss and chose to bat first in the third one-day cricket international against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland today.

New Zealand made two changes from their 106-run loss in Christchurch on Tuesday, bringing in batsman Michael Papps for Mathew Sinclair and batsman James Marshall for paceman Jeff Wilson.

It meant Northern Districts' Marshall would make his one-day international debut alongside his twin brother Hamish.

Australia made two changes from Christchurch, with Simon Katich replacing opener Matthew Hayden, ruled out with a shoulder injury, and paceman Michael Kasprowicz replacing the rested Glenn McGrath.

Australia lead the five-match series 2-0.

The weather was fine with a start due on time at 2pm (NZ time).

Teams:

New Zealand: Stephen Fleming (captain), Nathan Astle, Michael Papps, Hamish Marshall, James Marshall, Craig McMillan, Chris Cairns, Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori, Kyle Mills, Daryl Tuffey.

Australia: Ricky Ponting (captain), Adam Gilchrist, Simon Katich, Damien Martyn, Michael Clarke, Mike Hussey, Andrew Symonds, Brad Hogg, Brett Lee, Jason Gillespie, Michael Kasprowicz.

Umpires: Aleem Dar (Pakistan), Doug Cowie (New Zealand).

- NZPA