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Sport
Scott Bailey

Black Caps adamant of no Australian scars

Kane Williamson and Aaron Finch say they won't be reading into Australia's home record over NZ. (Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

New Zealand insist they do not need to overcome a psychological hurdle ahead of their World Cup opener against Australia, despite not winning in the country for 10 years.

Saturday night's clash in Sydney shapes as crucial for both teams' tournaments, with the loser set to face a must-win run through the remainder of the group stage.

The Black Caps have not won in Australia in any format since way back in December 2011, when Doug Bracewell ripped through Australia in Hobart.

In the time since New Zealand have reached two World Cup finals in the 50-over format, a T20 final last year and claimed the World Test Championship in 2021.

But in Australia their record remains miserable, losing 14 games in the country since the end of 2011 and the only other result being a draw on a flat Perth wicket in 2015.

Despite that, Williamson insisted on Friday that there was no hurdle to jump for his New Zealand team.

"It certainly doesn't stop us trying to do our best and win regardless of whatever record is behind us," he said.

"They are a good team; they know their conditions well and are very clinical at home and in most places they play, which is a reflection of where they stand in the game.

"There is that respect from us.

"But we want to keep committing to what is important in our game. We have a number of match-winners throughout."

New Zealand were yet to decide their team on Friday for the match, with officials yet to get a look at the SCG pitch given it was covered due to rain during their only training session on Friday.

Hard-hitting batsman Daryl Mitchell will miss the match as he fights to recover from a broken finger, while the Black Caps will weigh up whether to play out-and-out quicks Lockie Ferguson and Adam Milne together.

Regardless, Australia also claim there is little to be taken from their previous success over New Zealand, routinely pointing to their record of reaching semi-finals in World Cups when asked this week.

"I wouldn't say that (there is an edge)," Australia captain Aaron Finch said.

"Their World Cup record over the last five or six World Cups is unbelievable. They are a great side, with a great mix of experience and youth.

"They're led unbelievably well. They have world-class players all through their 15.

"You can never, ever take any team lightly and we've seen how close all teams are in this competition."

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