New Zealand vs. Australia, 3rd ODI: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info, Preview

With the series on the line in Hamilton, the third and final ODI between hosts New Zealand and Australia promises to be epic.

Date: Monday, Feb. 8

Time: 2 p.m. local (1 a.m. GMT)

Venue: Seddon Park, Hamilton, New Zealand

Live Stream and TV Info: Sky Sports (UK), Sky Sport (New Zealand), TenSports (Pakistan), Fox Sports (Australia), Neo Cricket/Star Sports (India), Ten Sports (UAE), NowTV (subscription required).

Weather: According to AccuWeather.com, it will be cloudy but warm. At the time of writing, there was no risk of a shower on Monday, although rain did threaten the following day. 

Overview 

The series between the Black Caps and their neighbours Australia has been quite intriguing. After hosts New Zealand notched up an emphatic 159-run win in the first ODI, the Aussies bounced back to win by four wickets in the second.

The third ODI is thus set up to be an epic. Not only is the series on the line, but it is also a swansong for Brendon McCullum, who will retire from all international cricket after the Test series that follows.

The series is, of course, a rematch of the 2015 World Cup final, where silverware eluded the Black Caps. But, as ESPN Cricinfo's Brydon Coverdale points out, this series could offer some consolation for McCullum as he bows out of the international game.

The series is yet to produce a century, with David Warner's 98 off 79 the highest so far. The bowlers from both teams have been impressive and have been able to stem the flow of runs just when it seems to be getting out of control.

Despite Australia's destructive batting lineup, New Zealand are the favourites for this final ODI. Not only do they have the home ground advantage—they have won 14 out of 22 ODIs at Seddon Park—but Australia's run in limited overs cricket is also somewhat dubious as of late. The Aussies had suffered five successive losses to India and New Zealand in ODIs and T20s prior to their victory.

The Black Caps are unlikely to make any changes to their side, unless there is an injury. Australia, meanwhile, will probably stay the same, too. Kane Richardson featured in the first ODI, but he did not play in the second, so the Aussies probably won't fiddle with a winning combination.

Key players

New Zealand

Unsurprisingly, McCullum has scored more ODI runs at Seddon Park than any other player. With 528 runs in 14 ODIs, at an average of 66.00, McCullum is definitely one of the key players for the Black Caps. Building a solid foundation at the top of the order will be crucial for the hosts, and McCullum can help them do just that.

Australia

Josh Hazlewood has had a decent series, but he has been expensive. He has taken five wickets at an average of 25.80 with best figures of three for 61. His ability to take wickets up front will be key for the Aussies, even if those wickets come at the expense of a few runs.

Squads

New Zealand

Brendon McCullum (capt), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Henry Nicholls, Luke Ronchi (wk), Mitchell Santner, Kane Williamson, Tom Latham (cover).

Australia

Steve Smith (capt), David Warner, George Bailey, Scott Boland, Aaron Finch, John Hastings, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (wk), Adam Zampa.

All information obtained firsthand, unless otherwise stated