Saturday’s blockbuster ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 clash between co-hosts Australia and New Zealand in Auckland will be about more than just the race for quarter-final places and Trans-Tasman bragging rights - it will also be played with the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy at stake.
The trophy, named after two of Australia and New Zealand’s greatest cricketing families, currently resides with Australia, who retained it after a seven-wicket win against the Black Caps in Nagpur during the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.
But now it is up for grabs again at Eden Park as both sides seek to defend their unbeaten starts to the 2015 tournament they are hosting jointly.
New Zealand Cricket Chief Executive David White said he was delighted the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy was once again on the line.
“The Chappell-Hadlee Trophy brings to mind the rich history of New Zealand-Australia one-day contests and two of the families who played such prominent roles in the early rivalry,” said Mr White.
One of the great Chappell-Hadlee moments - Craig McMillan celebrates his Seddon Park ton in 2007.
“Having it contested alongside such an important fixture as an ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 match only reflects its significance for both Australians and New Zealanders.”
Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said: “It is not as if either side needs any added incentive when playing each other, but the fact the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy is on the line on Saturday certainly provides it.
“The trophy is named after two of our great cricketing families and so to have it at stake in this highly anticipated match is entirely appropriate.
“Australia and New Zealand are two of the most in-form sides in world cricket at the moment and matches between us have invariably produced excitement and drama.
“I do not expect Saturday’s action to be any different and I think everyone is looking forward to the match-up between two attack-minded sides.
“We are due to play Test cricket against each other next summer and we are examining the schedule to see what options we have for playing each other in One-Day Internationals on a more regular basis in the future.”
The Chappell-Hadlee Trophy is played for in One-Day International matches between the two countries and was first contested in December 2004.
The trophy is named after the Chappell family from Australia – with three brothers, Ian, Greg and Trevor all playing for Australia – and, from New Zealand, the Hadlee family, with father Walter and his three sons Barry, Dayle and Sir Richard all representing their country.
