Australia win toss, bat 1st vs New Zealand

BIRMINGHAM: Australia won the toss and chose to bat first against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy at Edgbaston on Wednesday.

Already with their backs to the wall after losing their opening Group A game to England, the Australians were without David Warner after the batsman was dropped for disciplinary reasons because he was involved in a fight with an England player at the weekend.

His place was taken by Glenn Maxwell.

Meanwhile Australia dropped fast bowler Mitchell Starc, whose 10 overs against England cost an expensive 75 runs and brought in specialist spinner Xavier Doherty.

Wicket-keeper Matthew Wade was promoted to open the innings alongside Shane Watson in Warner's absence.

New Zealand was unchanged following its one-wicket win over Sri Lanka on Sunday.

Lineups

Australia: Shane Watson, Matthew Wade, Phil Hughes, George Bailey (captain), Adam Voges, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, James Faulkner, Mitchell Johnson, Clint McKay, Xavier Doherty.

New Zealand: Luke Ronchi, Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Brendon McCullum (captain), James Franklin, Nathan McCullum, Daniel Vettori, Tim Southee, Kyle Mills, Mitchell McClenaghan. (AP)