Kiwis will bounce back in Christchurch Twenty 20 against Aussies: Franklin

Wellington : New Zealand all-rounder James Franklin is adamant that his team will bounce back against the Aussies, despite the tourists comfortably winning the opening Twenty-20 cricket international in Wellington.

New Zealand were bowled out for 118, and lost the game by six-wickets.

Franklin, who top-scored with 43 with only three Kiwis reaching double figures, said that the team needed good performances from Brendon McCullum and Ross Taylor who failed to fire in the game, and made a huge dent to their chances.

“Ross’ record in T20 is world class and he’s our leading batsman in this format with Brendon McCullum,” The New Zealand Herald quoted Franklin, as saying.

“We know if those guys put good performances on the board then we will compete. The rest of us have got to do a job and hopefully if it''s not their night, it''s our night,” he added.

Australia, fresh from an unbeaten home summer against West Indies and Pakistan, are keen to keep the ball rolling on the tour.

However, with the rapidly changing nature of the Twenty20s, Franklin insisted the hosts still backed themselves and were undaunted.

“With Twenty20 it comes down to a few guys doing exceptionally well on the night and we just didn''t have that,” Franklin said.

“We know if we can turn up as a group then three or four of us really stand up and contribute,” he added.

New Zealand and Australia will play the second Twenty20 international in Christchurch on Sunday.