Absence of Warner, Smith leaves a big hole for Aussies: Ross Taylor

New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor has insisted that the absence of Steve Smith and David Warner will leave a big hole for Australia in the upcoming Chappell-Hadlee series beginning on January 30 at Eden Park in Auckland.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Matthew Wade has been named to lead Australia in the absence of Smith who has been ruled out of the ODI series after sustaining what is thought to be a mild "sprain" to the medial ligament in his left ankle.

Meanwhile, Warner, the explosive left-handed opener, has been rested for the series.

And with the absence of the duo, Taylor believes that the missing pair will leave a hole for the visitors, who were the main players in Australia's 3-0 pre-Christmas series rout.

"They had a big part to play. Warner's been in stellar form and Smith, in all formats of the game, has been very consistent and an inspirational leader," cricket.com.au quoted Taylor as saying.

"They'll be looking to Wade to step up but at the same time I'm sure the New Zealand public would have (loved to) had Smith and Warner here. They love reminding them of a few things," he added.

The Auckland ODI will be followed by the second and third at Napier (February 2) and Hamilton (February 5) respectively.