Returning Australian fast bowler Patrick Cummins says the Australians are planning to make life difficult for New Zealand when they travel across the ditch for the Chappell-Hadlee ODI series in December.
Australia haven't held the trophy since 2010, and the New South Wales quick is not only looking to win it back, but he says the hosts will be out for blood.
“The last two or three years we've had some great one-day games against New Zealand,” Cummins said.
“I think the most exciting thing about them is they play quite a similar brand to what we try and play; it's quite aggressive, taking the game on with a couple of quick bowlers and a couple of big hitters.
“It's always a going to be a tough series but in our own backyard we're wanting to be winning 3-0.”
New Zealand won the trophy earlier in 2016 following a 2-1 series win at home against the Aussies, although that was the last series played not in a World Cup year since Australia's triumph in 2010.
The ODI series will mark Cummins' long-awaited return to international cricket, with his last match for Australia coming in an ODI against England in September 2015.
The 23-year-old has finally overcome several lower back injuries, and was very excited to get back to field in the recent Matador Cup season.
“The thing about any kind of lay-off from the game, whether it be pre-season or off-season or an injury, is not knowing how you're going to come back and bowl,” Cummins said.
“I felt like I had a really good couple of pre-season practice games where I felt like it was coming out really well.
“I’m extremely happy to bowl how I wanted to in the Matador Cup.
“I felt like my pace was up and my accuracy was where I wanted it. I was relieved and also really happy with how it was all going.”
With Cummins now finding his way back into the ODI side, he still admits that Test cricket is still his priority.
“That's the end goal, to be back into the Test side,” he said.
“Playing a couple of Futures League games it's given me the chance to bowl quite a few overs and prepare my form and also my body in more rigorous games.
“I'd love to get back playing Sheffield Shield and trying to take some wickets and play some consistent cricket there.
“I'd like to play a few first-class games first and prove my way back into the side.”
