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Australia showed all the fire and passion that has made them the powerhouse of women’s world cricket by taking out the World Series of Women’s Cricket by beating New Zealand by 109 runs at Bert Sutcliffe Oval at New Zealand’s High Performance Centre

Lynn McConnell25-Dec-2009Australia showed all the fire and passion that has made them the powerhouse of women’s world cricket by taking out the World Series of Women’s Cricket by beating New Zealand by 109 runs at Bert Sutcliffe Oval at New Zealand’s High Performance Centre at Lincoln University today.The margin of success was embarrassing for New Zealand but it still wasn’t sufficient to wipe out the stigma of the World Cup defeat three summers ago, and that issue won’t be decided until 2005 in South Africa. Evidence would suggest that Australia are further down the track in preparation for that event than are New Zealand.It is a fact of sporting success that innovation can often be a key virtue, but so often new things are tried in team sports, before they have been tried out in a competitive atmosphere in the recent history of the side.New Zealand fell into that trap when trying to rearrange their batting order in an effort to curtail the threat of Australian fast bowler Cathryn Fitzpatrick. The move didn’t work, and possibly even rebounded on the home team who capitulated in disappointing fashion for a side who still are the reigning world champions.The record books were given something of a working over, mainly by Australian captain Belinda Clark. She ended her innings of 80 as the highest scorer in women’s One-Day Internationals, supplanting New Zealand legend Debbie Hockley when she passed her record of 4064 runs. Clark now sits on 4077.The effort started when she scored her third run of the day to be only the second woman to pass 4000 ODI runs.New Zealand’s wicket-keeper Rebecca Rolls also got in on the act when ending the innings on 80 dismissals in ODI to equal the record of England’s Jane Cassar. But in New Zealand’s innings Julia Price ended up on 79 dismissals.New Zealand had done a sound job in dismissing the Australians for 214. It is a rare feat and was all the more notable after Clark’s innings had looked to steal the initiative well and truly away from New Zealand.But by bowling with a degree of control, they made life difficult for Clark and she was rarely allowed to strike out for boundaries and the latter part of her innings was spent attempting to lift a run rate that had fallen below what Australian should have expected.The ploy of opening with 18-year-old left-arm spinner Rebecca Steele, who took one for 38 when bowling through, could be said to have been effective, but at the same time it had to be wondered if bowling her through had been the best option.The air of mystery that was developed when she opened evaporated when it was clear she was going to bowl through.Aimee Mason was also effective in bowling 10 overs of off spin to end with one for 34.New Zealand captain Emily Drumm said she was delighted between innings that the bowlers had done the job that allowed the batsmen a reasonable chase.”It was our best bowling performance of the series in terms of the consistency they achieved,” she said.Drumm explained that the change in the batting order had been intended to deny Australia early wickets because in the two earlier games New Zealand had been rocked.”But that is three games in a row now that we have collapsed.”I’ve never known Cathryn Fitzpatrick to be so intimidating in a series as she has been here,” she said.Drumm, who was set up by the Australians in each of her innings against them this year, said she never felt it necessary to use a helmet against her because she backed her judgment to get something up to defend herself.However, she said it was interesting to see on television coverage the involuntary action she was taking in attempting to deal with Fitzpatrick because she didn’t realise she was backing off a little.She said she respected Fitzpatrick immensely and would have to deal with her as best she could and she left the feeling that a good deal of thought would be going into their next meeting, probably next summer in the annual Rose Bowl series.Drumm said it was always the same Australian players, Clark, Karen Rolton and Fitzpatrick who turned up firing when New Zealand was their opponent.”Today they lifted their game against us again, because they know that we can threaten them and it is often that fear of losing that drives you to win,” she said.Clark said she knew it would be a good game when they reached the halfway point because Australia had wanted to score 220-plus.After Fitzpatrick’s performance today Clark thought the English team who start the Ashes series next Saturday would be more than a little nervous.The ploy of changing the batting order had caused the Australians to think a little more about what they were doing.And she admitted the Australians did lift themselves against New Zealand, but the New Zealanders did the same against them.”Today was an important day for us. We came here to win the tournament and we have managed to produce the goods when it counted,” she said.Clark said she learned last night that the statistical milestones she achieved were on the horizon but her attitude was that it was more important that she scored well for the team today.

Steven Gerrard got his reign at Aston Villa off to the perfect start with a 2-0 win at home to Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday afternoon.

The Villa Park faithful had to be patient, but great finishes from Ollie Watkins and Tyrone Mings in the 84th and 89th minutes respectively were ultimately enough to give the hosts all three points.

However, not every player enjoyed their best game in a Villa shirt, as The Transfer Tavern use statistical experts SofaScore to analyse who Villa’s three worst players (to have played at least 45 minutes or more) were on the day:

Emi Buendia (6.5)

Buendia takes third spot with a 6.5 overall rating given by SofaScore.

The former Norwich City star was hauled off after the 74th minute for Ashley Young with the score still at 0-0, summarising how little impact he had on the game.

He lost out on five of his duels and also failed to record a single shot on target, dribble, key pass, accurate cross or long ball, losing possession 11 times, the joint-fourth most out of any of his teammates.

Danny Ings (6.4)

Villa’s joint-worst player in terms of SofaScore rating (6.4), Ings takes second for only being on the pitch for 66 minutes in total.

The striker would have been disappointed not to get on the scoresheet – in fact, he did not have a shot on goal.

The 29-year-old also made no key passes or dribble attempts and lost out on six of his duels.

Jacob Ramsey (6.4)

Young Ramsey is perhaps unfortunate to be rated as the worst Villa player on the pitch, as SofaScore only gave him a 6.4 overall rating.

Taken off for Anwar El Ghazi just before both goals went in, Ramsey lost six duels and also failed to record a single shot.

The midfielder was unsuccessful in two of his dribbles and made no key passes, but will be sure to do better as he progresses under Gerrard’s management.

In other news: Villa have been backed to sign this ‘excellent’ striker

Flocking to Twitter, lots of Manchester City supporters have been talking after a Sky Sports update on their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Braut Haaland.

Pep Guardiola’s side have bounced back strongly from a dismal 2-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace in late October, winning their last six matches in all competitions whilst scoring 15 goals (mancity.com).

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/man-city-latest/” title=”Man City latest!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

This includes memorable victories against bitter derby rivals Manchester United and European giants Paris-Saint Germain as the Sky Blues remain truly in the hunt for their second successive Premier League crown.

What makes City’s run all the more impressive is Guardiola having to cope with a plethora of availability issues of late, with the Spaniard even speaking of a player ’emergency’ before their 2-1 Wednesday night win over Aston Villa.

John Stones, Kyle Walker and Ilkay Gundogan are the latest players to be added to City’s injury list through niggles, with the trio missing out on the midweek trip to the Midlands (Manchester Evening News).

Despite the Sky Blues’ great run of form lately, January is looming and it could be the time to strengthen, with Sky Sports reporter Max Bielefield (via Football Daily) sharing an update on Haaland.

As per his sources, while Dortmund are working hard on improved terms for the Norway striker, there is a ‘90%’ chance he leaves in the summer, with his €75m release clause (£63.8m) valid from June next year.

It is also believed that both City and PSG are ‘leading the race’ for his signature.

Man City fans buzz…

It is no secret that Guardiola and City’s sporting director Txiki Begiristain have had eyes on Haaland amid their ongoing search for a natural striking option and heir to legend Sergio Aguero.

They couldn’t sign Spurs star Harry Kane in the summer but Haaland’s age, prolific goalscoring record and meagre 2022 clause arguably marks him out as a far superior option anyway.

As makeshift option Ferran Torres is also heavily linked with an Eastlands exit, it’s little wonder that so many City fans have flocked to this Sky update on one of Europe’s most in-form strikers.

Check out some of their best reactions below:

“Let’s goooo Pep”

Credit: @NdabaZ_M

“Go and be the main man in the best team in the world and play in the Premier League or play in a French farmers league… I know what I’d rather do”

Credit: @NathMcGuinness

“Txiki is gonna be all over that release clause”

Credit: @mcfc_yashay

“Haaland’s coming home (I beg)”

Credit: @AlmaDeCervecero

“Get him”

Credit: @MosesOnduso5

“We need a traditional 9, we already have enough wings and Gabriel, Bernardo and Sterling who can play false 9. Haaland must be the player we must sign”

Credit: @Dieguitocity

“pls pls pls”

Credit: @kmason7i

“There is a 100% chance”

Credit: @MattHarl42

In other news: ‘We’re back’, ‘Finally’, I’m not crying’…Man City fans go wild as ‘great news’ confirmed by Pep, find out more here.

Australia produced a commanding all-round performance to take a 2-0 lead with a 140-run demolition of Pakistan at the SCG

The Bulletin by Peter English24-Jan-2010Australia 6 for 267 (Watson 69, White 55, Aamer 3-53) beat Pakistan 127 (Yousuf 58, McKay 3-15) by 140 runs
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
Cameron White scored 55 and took two catches as Pakistan were over-run at the SCG•Getty ImagesAustralia produced a commanding all-round performance to take a 2-0 lead with a 140-run demolition of Pakistan at the SCG. After being led by Shane Watson and Cameron White in their 6 for 267, the hosts delivered a stinging bowling display to knock over the tourists for 127 in 37.3 overs.Pakistan lost their first five wickets for 42 in an awful opening and the result added further to the troubles of the captain Mohammad Yousuf, who is being replaced after the series. Yousuf had mistakenly chosen to bowl first in the hope of getting an advantage from the overcast conditions in the afternoon, but all the support came for the fast men as the sun started to go down. The ball seamed and bounced dangerously for Doug Bollinger, Peter Siddle and Clint McKay and the tourists could not cope.Salman Butt (2) went in the fifth over nicking a shorter one from Bollinger and was taken at second slip by White. Three balls later the combination repeated the dismissal, dropping Pakistan to 2 for 7, when White dived to his left to catch the edge of Younis Khan.Kamran Akmal was soon run out for 16 after chasing a quick single, having been sent back eventually by Yousuf and then beaten by McKay’s direct hit in his follow through. Akmal’s brother Umar joined him in the dressing room two deliveries later after his off stump was clipped by Siddle.The hosts would not allow a recovery and lost their fifth man when Ricky Ponting leaped to his left at point for the superb one-handed take of Shoaib Malik (2). Yousuf was watching all the damage from the other end but was ultimately helpless, although he struck a strong six to long-on off Watson and was committed in his 58 off 94.Rana Naved-ul-Hasan kept him company for an explosive 27 before being stumped off Nathan Hauritz, who caught Yousuf at short fine leg. There were few highlights for Pakistan on a night dominated by the hosts. Bollinger had 2 for 19 off nine, Siddle and McKay (3 for 15) also gave up less than three runs an over, and Hauritz collected 2 for 45.Australia were challenged in Brisbane on Friday but they controlled most of match from the moment Watson struck the opening ball for four through point. While Watson lit up the innings with 69 off 71 balls and dominated a 100-run stand in 19.5 overs with Shaun Marsh, the chances of a massive total were upset by the frugal Afridi. In the end it didn’t matter.Afridi removed both openers and it was difficult for the hosts to increase the pace until White led the final thrust. White followed his century at the Gabba with 55 off 58 and benefited from delaying the batting Powerplay until the last five overs.White belted a six and a four in an over from Naved-ul-Hasan and scrambled to the finish, bringing up his fifty with a drive over point. He departed on the fourth-last ball – the wicket went to Mohammad Aamer, who returned 3 for 53 – and Brad Haddin helped out with an unbeaten 27 off 14.Afridi was central in regaining control for Pakistan after the opening burst and gave up only 35 from 10, including a crucial eight-over spell of 2 for 25 after coming on in the bowling Powerplay. He picked up Watson and Marsh while Saeed Ajmal and Malik were also tight, going at slightly more than four an over.Watson muscled nine boundaries and a six off Naved-ul-Hasan that landed not far from the dressing room at midwicket. After five overs he was 34 off 22 – Australia were soon speeding at 65 off 10 – and brought up his fifty from 42 deliveries before accepting a standing ovation.Yousuf called for the bowling Powerplay as soon as possible and Watson was held back by the spin as Afridi arrived. Afridi struck when Watson tried for another clearance and was well taken by Malik at deep midwicket.Marsh (41) also fell to Afridi when he attempted to hit to the leg side and got a leading edge to long-on in a troubling period for the home side. Ponting (13) lacked fluency for the second match in a row and Australia were 4 for 166 when Michael Clarke fell on 25. White rallied and the bowlers backed up his charge, giving Australia the chance to claim the five-match series in Adelaide on Tuesday.

These are the five innings that have made the ESPNcricinfo awards shortlist for ODI innings of 2009

Cricinfo staff17-Feb-2010A Sachin Tendulkar special, a century that nearly chased 414, a hundred in the Champions Trophy final, a ton despite pain but in vain, and a match-winning hand against the old enemy. These are the five innings that have made the ESPNcricinfo awards shortlist for ODI innings of 2009.Leading the list is Tendulkar’s 175 against Australia in Hyderabad, an innings that evoked memories of his more explosive years. He single-handedly kept India alive in their pursuit of 351 but his dismissal in the 48th over resulted in defeat. A few months later, Rajkot was witness to another unbelievable century during a chase. Tillakaratne Dilshan clobbered 160 off 124 balls as Sri Lanka got within three runs of India’s 414 but no further.The other three contenders for the awards are innings during the ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa: Shane Watson’s unbeaten 105 which led Australia to victory in the final against New Zealand, Graeme Smith’s desperate and cramp-ridden 141 against England in a failed attempt to keep South Africa’s campaign alive, and Shoaib Malik’s 128 which methodically dismantled the Indian attack.The top five were drawn on basis of votes from a 14-member jury that includes some of the leading cricket experts in the world and Cricinfo’s senior editors.A departure from the usual year-end awards looking at overall performances, ESPNCricinfo’s honours are in two categories: a jury-based award looking at the year’s best batting and bowling performances and a stats-based award using numbers from Cricinfo’s extensive database.The winners for all the awards will be announced on February 19.

West Ham United maintained their Champions League push over the weekend, defeating European champions Chelsea 3-2 in an enthralling encounter at the London Stadium.

However, the three points may have come at a considerable price for David Moyes’ side, with Kurt Zouma and Ben Johnson joining the ever-growing injury list ahead of a crucial run of fixtures.

And while the experience Vladimir Coufal can comfortably deputise at right-back in Johnson’s absence, Zouma’s potential spell on the sidelines could cause a whole host of issues.

That’s because first-choice centre-back Angelo Ogbonna has already been ruled out of action for the remainder of the season after picking up an ACL problem against Liverpool.

As a result, it’s likely that Issa Diop will be awarded a run of games over the coming weeks, providing him with the perfect opportunity to revive his career and finally fulfil his top-class potential.

The 24-year-old arrived on English shores with an enviable reputation back in July 2018 and impressed throughout his maiden campaign, making 33 starts in the Premier League.

Diop’s eye-catching displays saw former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho label him a “monster” just months into his West Ham career, yet he has struggled to replicate that sort of form ever since.

Since the beginning of 2020/21, the £13.5m-rated gem has started just 19 top-flight fixtures for the east London outfit as he’s slipped down Moyes’ pecking order.

But Diop has shown signs of encouragement and improvement in recent months. Following an outstanding performance against Leicester City in the final weeks of last term, pundit Trevor Sinclair praised the Frenchman’s showing.

He tweeted: “Delighted to watch Issa turned a corner today @IssaDiop97. Well done young man,” highlighting his much-improved display.

And the youngster also put in an encouraging 90 minutes on his first Premier League outing of 2021/22 on Saturday, making two blocks, one clearance and one tackle, while winning two duels and securing a passing accuracy of 94%.

Therefore, the next few weeks could prove pivotal in Diop’s West Ham career, with Ogbonna and Zouma’s absence handing him the ideal opportunity to get back on track.

And, in other news…“They do like him”: Journo drops exciting West Ham transfer update, fans surely elated

Dermot Desmond may believe he has achieved all that he can at Celtic and is now looking to hand increasing responsibility to his son. 

That’s according to journalist Stuart Hodge, who was speaking to Give Me Sport.

The lowdown

Irish businessman Desmond is the largest individual shareholder at the Glasgow club, but back in March this year, he was compelled to deny any suggestion that his shares were up for sale.

He also insisted in that interview that he was ‘as passionate about Celtic as any other supporter’, and that any accusation to the contrary was ‘contemptible’.

Since Desmond first invested in the Hoops in 1995, they have bagged 16 Premiership titles, 11 Scottish Cups and 10 Scottish League Cups. Under Martin O’Neill, they also reached the final of the UEFA Cup in 2003.

The latest

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Hodge pointed to the 2016/17 season, when Brendan Rodgers led Celtic to one of four domestic trebles without losing a single Premiership game, as the inevitable peak of the Desmond era. He added that the businessman may be looking to pass on his involvement in the club to his offspring.

Hodge said: “In terms of domestically, Brendan Rodgers swept house. It means he has basically achieved everything that he wanted to. He has done an unbeaten domestic season where they won a treble and you don’t get better than that.

“Is his love for it there and is his ambition what it was? I think there are question marks over that. I know for a fact that he’s looking to pass more of the responsibility onto his son.”

Chris Gayle, the West Indies captain, has returned to the squad for the first two ODIs against Zimbabwe in Providence after missing the Twenty20 to be with his unwell mother

Cricinfo staff02-Mar-2010Chris Gayle, the West Indies captain, has returned to the squad for the first two ODIs against Zimbabwe in Providence after missing the Twenty20 to be with his unwell mother. The selectors, however, did not pick Ramnaresh Sarwan and Dwayne Bravo in the 14-man squad.Sarwan scored a hundred for Guyana against Windward Islands in the WICBfour-day tournament but, according to a CMC report, the team management wanted to assess his fitness further before recalling him to the national set-up. The match was Sarwan’s first game since he injured his back during the tour of Australia in December.Bravo had also nearly recovered from the hand injury he sustained while playing for Victoria in the Big Bash, Australia’s domestic Twenty20 competition. He trained with the West Indies squad last week and is likely, along with Sarwan, to be chosen for the last three games against Zimbabwe.The only other change to the squad that lost a low-scoring Twenty20 against Zimbabwe in Trinidad is the inclusion of Guyana batsman Narsingh Deonarine at Darren Bravo’s expense.The first ODI between West Indies and Zimbabwe will take place on March 4 and the second on March 6.Squad: Chris Gayle (capt), Adrian Barath, Sulieman Benn, David Bernard,Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Narsingh Deonarine, Andre Fletcher, Nikita Miller,Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin (wk), Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Darren Sammy,Dwayne Smith.

Said Benrahma is surely facing the axe from David Moyes’ starting XI as his West Ham United side travel across London to face Arsenal later this evening.

The Irons have hit a rough patch in their season, with their impressive win against Chelsea being their only one across their last four games in all competitions.

It has seen their place inside the Premier League’s top-four put in grave danger as the chasing pack have narrowed the gap on them.

The Gunners will be no easy test, particularly as they are one of the many teams right behind them in the standings – indeed, a win for the home side could see them leapfrog the east Londoners today.

As such, it leaves Moyes with several decisions to make in terms of team selection after the Hammers drew 0-0 to a struggling Burnley side at the weekend.

West Ham’s futile frontline could only muster up three shots on target, with there being a substantial lack of creativity in the final third and it was another game in which the Algerian winger struggled.

As per SofaScore, the 26-year-old managed only one key pass and 37 touches of the ball in the 70 minutes he was on the pitch. By comparison, substitute Nikola Vlasic took his rare opportunity and created a whopping three key chances from only 13 touches in just 20 minutes.

Benrahma’s barren run now extends to six league games without a goal or assist, whilst he’s provided only one goal and one assist in his last 14 appearances, via Transfermarkt.

In recent matches against Wolves and Man City, the £22.5m-rated attacker failed to surpass a WhoScored rating of 6.15 and has only recorded better than his 6.88 average for the season just once since the start of October, which suggests his poor form has been a problem and it could be argued that he is now holding the Irons back in the attack.

The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas claimed at the start of the month that his form was “a concern” and this week he doubled up on that by suggesting that he had “been poor lately.”

Meanwhile, club legend Tony Gale suggested that the Hammers winger was “struggling” in that aforementioned clash at Molineux during commentary duties for the Premier League’s official feed.

So as such, it would be wise for Moyes to be ruthless and bold in his team selection and to do so, he must axe the passenger-like Benrahma from the starting XI against the Gunners this evening.

AND in other news, West Ham’s “unbelievable” £18m-rated star drops 5-word hint that’ll have fans buzzing…

Cricinfo’s preview of the third ODI between New Zealand and Australia in Hamilton

The Preview by Brydon Coverdale08-Mar-2010Match FactsMichael Hussey has opened the series with two half-centuries•Getty ImagesTuesday, March 9
Start time 1400 (0100 GMT)The Big PictureChappell-Hadlee matches have a habit of being close and the opening two games of this series have been no exception. With a couple of overs remaining in each clash, either side could have won and a 1-1 scoreline is fitting. The Auckland encounter didn’t feature the heated mood that simmered over in Napier, when Mitchell Johnson and Scott Styris clashed, but there remains some tension and the crowds have been vocal in their feelings towards the Australians.Much of the focus for the New Zealand camp has been their injury worries, with James Franklin and Ross Taylor added to the casualty list on the weekend. They are already unable to pick Jesse Ryder, Grant Elliott, Kyle Mills, Ian Butler or Andy McKay due to injuries. It has left the team short and they would be keen for fringe players like Neil Broom and Peter Ingram to step up in the remaining games.”I’m happy but as a captain [you get] sick of having to test depth issues,” Vettori said. “We want our full team available as often as possible and it hurts you. But it’s created opportunities. You look at the likes of a Gareth Hopkins who has come in and performed very well on his few chances. Maybe there are opportunities there but I think it would be better if it was 15 fully-fit guys competing for places.”Form guide (most recent first)New Zealand LWWWW
Australia WLWNW
Watch out for…Mr Cricket has become Mr Consistency over the past six months. Michael Hussey is sometimes overlooked amid discussions of Australia’s recent one-day success but it’s an unfair omission. He is the world’s No. 2 ranked ODI batsman and remarkably has reached double-figures in every one of his past 19 one-day international innings. In that time he has made eight half-centuries and is averaging 63.21. He has also carried the burden of often coming in when the top-order has stumbled and he has been under pressure to steady the innings.If Hussey is Mr Cricket, Daniel Vettori is Mr New Zealand Cricket. He is a man of many roles but the most crucial are the basics – No. 1 bowler and increasingly key batsman. In Auckland, his counter-attacking 70 nearly got New Zealand home after he had taken 2 for 43. Few players worldwide are more critical to their team’s success than Vettori, even if they did win without him in Napier.Team newsFinding 11 fit players is half the battle for New Zealand. They lost Jacob Oram to a knee injury in the first game and on Saturday, Taylor didn’t play due to a leg problem and Franklin hobbled off with a hamstring injury. Taylor and Franklin are considered 50-50 chances for this game, although Franklin’s all-round requirements mean they could be more cautious in resting him. Vettori will play again despite his stiff neck and he could be joined by the uncapped batsman Shanan Stewart, who was called in to cover for Taylor. Gareth Hopkins will keep wickets again due to Brendon McCullum’s sore back.New Zealand (possible) 1 Brendon McCullum (wk), 2 Peter Ingram, 3 Martin Guptill, 4 Ross Taylor/Shanan Stewart, 5 Neil Broom, 6 Scott Styris, 7 Gareth Hopkins (wk), 8 Daniel Vettori (capt), 9 Daryl Tuffey, 10 Tim Southee, 11 Shane Bond.The Australians will be without their vice-captain Michael Clarke for an indefinite period, who’s returning home for personal reasons, which means Adam Voges will play. A possible change is the potential inclusion of the fast man Clint McKay. Following a boom home summer, Doug Bollinger has had a couple of busts in New Zealand and could sit out of this one.Australia (possible) 1 Shane Watson, 2 Brad Haddin (wk), 3 Ricky Ponting (capt), 4 Adam Voges, 5 Cameron White, 6 Michael Hussey, 7 James Hopes, 8 Mitchell Johnson, 9 Nathan Hauritz, 10 Ryan Harris, 11 Clint McKay.Stats and triviaNew Zealand have an excellent record at Seddon Park, where they have won 10 of the 13 ODIs they have played. Australia have never beaten New Zealand at the venueAustralia’s win on Saturday was their first victory in a Chappell-Hadlee Series match in New Zealand since December 2005The Australians have now won 30 of the 41 ODIs they have played over the past year. Nathan Hauritz has taken part in the most games, missing only oneNew Zealand have won 10 of 19 they have played in the same period. Martin Guptill and Brendon McCullum are the only men to have taken part in every gameQuotes”It’s probably the most important game of the series. The team that can go 2-1 up only needs to win one more to take out the series so we’re trying to put everything in to this game.”
Daniel Vettori”A lot of us are getting 40s and 50s and some pretty good starts, and getting competitive totals like yesterday. But it’s pretty important we start putting some big scores together and start batting New Zealand out of the game.”
Brad Haddin