Image Credit- Photosport NZ
The Chappell-Hadlee trophy, which was previously given
to the victor of the bilateral ODI series between Australia and New Zealand,
will now be contested in the T20I series between the rivals across the Tasman.
The three-match tournament will get underway in Wellington on Wednesday.
In order to avoid the trophy switching hands in a matter of days, the
modification will also entail a points system that incorporates both formats
when the two countries play back-to-back ODI and T20I series.
“It’s great that the trophy will have more
visibility and profile. I like the new conditions too – especially in the event
of back-to-back 20-over and 50-over series,” Sir Richard Hadlee was quoted
as saying on behalf of his family in a release.
“It means all games will continue to be relevant, and that the trophy will
remain on the line for a longer period – plenty to play for.”
Greg Chappell said he was “pleased” with the
decision to include bilateral T20I series under the Chappell-Hadlee trophy.
“I am a great believer in promoting young players through the pathways and
national system and it will be particularly pleasing to see some young
Australian players competing with their Kiwi counterparts for the trophy in
years to come,” he was quoted as saying.
Calling Australia’s rivalry with New Zealand one of the best in world cricket,
Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley said the Chappell-Hadlee trophy will now
have “even greater relevance in years to come”.
New Zealand Cricket chief Scott Weenink said it’s “important for the
players, the fans and, in particular, the next generations coming through, to
know where we came from and who we are.”