After the Twenty20 match in Perth and the first ODI in Adelaide, it was obvious the Black Caps needed their top order to fire, but after being reduced to 30-3 it was the rain that saved them in the second ODI in Sydney. Opener Lou Vincent made his second duck of the series and has scored just five runs in three innings in Australia, while Jamie How continues to struggle in the number three role.

The only bright spot in the New Zealand batting line-up has been keeper Brendon McCullum, whose dynamic style has had the Aussie attack on the back foot. McCullum's problem so far this season has been either running out of partners, or having a partner get bogged down and slowing the run rate.

Australia are yet to be put under any real pressure by the Black Caps; their bowlers have dictated terms, and their batsmen have been able to score freely, particularly captain Ricky Ponting and Andrew Symonds.

'The only bright spot in the New Zealand batting line-up has been keeper Brendon McCullum whose dynamic style has had the Aussie attack on the back foot'

The pitch in Hobart is expected to be low and slow, which will make the New Zealand attack harder to score from and negate some of the Aussie pacemen's edge. But even in favourable conditions it is difficult to see the Black Caps batsmen turning their fortunes around so quickly. 

The absence of Adam Gilchrist has given the Aussie selectors the opportunity of looking at Michael Clarke to the top of the order, a role that he has performed well in the past, averaging almost 50. Replacement wicket-keeper Brad Haddin also gets some much-needed game time at international level and will slot into the number six spot.

The Black Caps are likely to play both spinners Daniel Vettori and Jeetan Patel on the slow track. Both are attacking bowlers who are difficult to get away, but with limited support from the pace bowlers, it will be difficult for New Zealand to put any pressure on the in-form Aussie batsmen.