The Australian Cricket Team rebounded in a brilliant fashion as they brushed aside New Zealand by 68 runs in the first One-Day International in Sydney.
The hosts led by Steven Smith outplayed the visitors across all three facets. Australia decided to bat and were in some early strife when they slumped to 92-4. However, captain Steve Smith found able assistance in the form of Mathew Wade and then Travis Head and stitched critical partnerships en route his brilliant century.
He ended with 164 runs and Australia posted a whopping 324 runs. The Kiwi chase began in the worst possible fashion as they lost Tom Latham and then captain Kane Williamson by the 8th over with just 34 runs on the board.
Also read: SK Play Of The Day: Steven Smith takes absolute blinder at backward point
Martin Guptill held fort and found an able ally in James Neesham, but when Neesham was caught at long on, the chase became tricky for the visitors. Guptill was the lone shining star and scored a brilliant century but could not find any assistance at the other end. The chase lost steam and the Kiwis were eventually bowled out for 256 runs.
Josh Hazlewood was the pick of the bowlers as he found some seam and swing and troubled almost all the batsmen. He claimed 3 wickets and was given good assistance by Mitchell Starc at the other end.
Extra cover: Watch Smith attempting a ‘MS Dhoni style’ helicopter
Here are few reactions from in and around cricketing circles after the match.
Kane Williamson, New Zealand skipper
If we reflect back, we bowled poorly in the middle stage. A lot of credit should go to Steve. I think we were good in patches, and not so good in some, which left us a tall total to chase. Smith upped the ante with Head, and that sort of took the game away from us. We learnt a few lessons going into the next one. Guptill's was fantastic hundred - one of his better hundreds - and gave us a chance. It will be a quick turnaround for us.
Steve Smith, Australia captain and also the Man of the Match
I got a bit of luck. I was probably out lbw at one point. Nice to get my highest score at my home ground and post a huge total. I landed straight on my face. Have a sore jaw. Ones like that stick. We were able to get over the line, which was the most pleasing thing. Cummins was probably nervous at the start, nice to see him comeback and bowl with aggression. I am sure New Zealand will hit back hard.
This is how the cricketing world reacted:
Damien Martyn
Mitchell Johnson
Ross Taylor
Michael Clarke
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