Napier, March 3 NZPA - New Zealand lost captain Daniel Vettori on the eve of the first Chappell-Hadlee Trophy one-day cricket international as Australia won the toss and chose to bat first here today.

In a huge blow to New Zealand's chances, a team spokesman said Vettori withdrew 15 minutes before the toss due to a chronic neck injury. He suffered a twinge in his neck today and was rested as a precaution.

It meant Ross Taylor captained New Zealand for the first time and allrounder Scott Styris was called in, with Nathan McCullum named 12th man.

Australia omitted paceman Clint McKay and batsman Adam Voges, with captain Ricky Ponting arriving for his first match of the tour at McLean Park.

The weather was fine and warm in Napier with a start due on time at 2pm (NZT) for the five-match series opener.

Australia hold the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy after last year's series was drawn 2-2.

Teams:-

New Zealand: Ross Taylor (captain), Brendon McCullum, Peter Ingram, Martin Guptill, Neil Broom, Scott Styris, James Franklin, Jacob Oram, Daryl Tuffey, Tim Southee, Shane Bond.

Australia: Ricky Ponting (captain), Shane Watson, Brad Haddin, Michael Clarke, Cameron White, Michael Hussey, James Hopes, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Hauritz, Ryan Harris, Doug Bollinger.

Umpires: Rudi Koertzen (South Africa), Tony Hill (New Zealand).