KEY POINTS:
Richard Boock says the Black Caps win was one of the great counter-attacking innings, one of the greatest career rescues; quite simply one of the most staggering run-chases in the history of the game.
He says New Zealand and hero-of-the-hour Craig McMillan pulled off the unthinkable when they recovered from an early slump to beat Australia by one wicket.
What do you think?
Send us your views
Here is the latest selection of your views:
Zak
I owe Flem an apology, I have never said out loud I thought he was not doing his job, but I thought it. I have been proved wrong he is a "captain". The team is magnificent and today in Hamilton they were outstanding, god speed in the Windies guys, am bloody proud of you all.
Lance Jenner
Its my opinion that the Black Caps victory over Australia in the Chappell-Hadlee series is their greatest series win ever. Not only is a 3 - 0 whitewash a rare event against Australia, but the first match we won by 10 wickets, which is the first time Australia has lost by that margin, and then in the next two matches the Black Caps achieved the second highest successful run-chase ever, and it was all done in the space of six days. Very few series anywhere can claim to have such records broken.
Nicholas C
This is without question New Zealands greatest ODI series in History. Overshadowed by Australia not having some of its top players, New Zealand fought each game with amazing courage and persistence. Despite missing Bond and Vettori in the final match the Black Caps emerged victorious. This is a testament to an outstanding batting lineup and the 10 wicket victory evidence of the strength of the bowlers. New Zealand is in tremendous form with the upcoming World Cup.
Krishna
I am a kiwi, living in Melbourne, Australia. This match has in many ways repaid the faith of all the fans like us here. For many years we have been the victims of bullying by Aussies (rightly so) as they were winning. Hope McMillan, McCullum and Taylor can do the same job where it matters Most -"The world cup" and bring home the trophy and give all the fans Bragging rights for 4 years. All the best boys. Note: Great Reviews by NZHERALD.
Nathan
I managed to get to the game on Tuesday where NZ managed to chase down such a mammoth target. I am still wondering if that really did happen that NZ were 44/4 and that McMillan scored his highest ever ODI runs, and that McCullum held off from going all guns blazing until right at the end.I could go on. It was such a nail biter. Even when Patel came out at 339 I didn't think we'd quite make it. When McCullum hit that 6 in the final few balls it sent such a thrill of relief to everyone. If other teams see that we can do it, the World Cup Cricket may turn out to be something completely different to what people expect it to be.
Liam
It was a great experience, I hope the players all enjoyed it. These huge run chases are a bit of a lottery, but still great fun to watch. I really think its time for this team to start expecting to succeed, and to select players who never doubt themselves, but are always willing to learn from their experience and occasional failures. Another thing, why do some people think that these 3 wins justify Flemings place in the team? The bowlers did the job in the first match, and he got away with it when he batted with Vincent on a joke of a pitch. In the other two games, he hardly scored, and had nothing to do with the wins. This new team needs a leader who has positively, not a hint of doubt, and most importantly can lead by example. Fleming doesnt cut it anymore as a batsman. Just because a team is winning, it doesnt mean it cant be made better. The selectors must always look for weak links and replace them with better options. This approach of McCullum is such a good player and finisher, so lets make him number 7!' is ludicrous. He came in quite early in the innings, and that gave him a chance to do what hes capable of. Scoring well, without risking his wicket. But he could do exactly the same higher up the order, and it would give him the same opportunity as last night when he came in with 5 wickets down! Its not a requirement that a good finisher can only come in at the end of the innings. And that would mean that if he does get out early, there will still be other batsmen to bat. Also, Vincent needs to relax a bit more and enjoy his game, because his timing is all over the place. And Fulton is a good player, but he needs to either hit the ball out of the park with a full swing, or keep it down. He gives too many chances to be caught.
Ian
I consider the Black Caps performance in the Chappell Hadley series as their best ever performance in spite of the weak having an out of condition Scott Styris in the team .They need their stars to win the world cup.
Suz
I reckon the NZ One Day team has the cutest name The Black Caps .Hence they deserve every bit of the win and the Australians deserve every bit of the derision they are getting! Try harder boys.
Andrew Cole
The recent results show NZ to be a very good plucky side when at full strength. It looks good for a promising World cup campaign, but South Africa look better and Australia, when at full strength, will also be better on paper. And don't forget Sri Lanka who we've only just drawn with at home. India, Pakistan, England and West Indies are fragile and shouldn't win the cup, but could well knock us out of it. End result? We cant judge a cup campaign on three wins - especially after being beaten by both Australia and England comprehensively a few weeks ago!
Marty
As a Kiwi who has lived in Sydney for the last 20 years, I can honestly say that this series reminded me of the great team effort of the NZ Team's of the 80's...with a word of caution. We still need another Hadlee.....Batting depth is not a problem, chasing 300+ in subsequent wins proves this point.
I am confident that NZ will do well in the world cup, but we will need our best bowlers to simply bowl their best if we are to have a chance.
Caryn Rhodes
Well after watching reports on TV this morning in Australia the sports reporters are not saying to much about the Australian Cricketers. Another story tho last night on the 6.00pm news (Australian Time) how Matt Hayden had hit Australia into the winning position for the last match. Ummm the sports reporters were counting the win already. As a ex Kiwi living on the Sunshine Coast Qld what a wonderful victory the NZ cricket team has. Good Luck Kia Kaha for the World Champions. And the good old saying if anyone can a Kiwi can has come true again.
Loki
In my opinion this Chappell-Hadlee will go down as one of New Zealands best series to date. A great result and a thoroughly enjoyable cricketing experience. How good were those games to watch? Records in every game. As for engaging the public interest right before the World Cup, excellent. Defeating Australia 3-0 in a series is a pleasant experience for any team. Last done 1997. I dont give a tinker's cuss who was missing from the Australian team. On the field they were Australia. In the record books, they were Australia. Any team put on the field is the best available and more fool any outfit that doesn't do that, especially if they lose. Whats more, the win in last nights game was even more special for the circumstances. New Zealand had already wrapped up the series. It was a dead rubber. Australia were already defeated. Many New Zealand teams would have lost the edge, the hunger to inflict a demoralising third defeat on a team. This team fought. They fought on when they were down badly. 41/4 when chasing 347 no worries mate...not. It would be pretty easy to think the game was over and go into damage limitation mode, defend and try to finish with a little respect. 200 run defeat looking on the cards to many teams of old. Not so. Call in the cavalry. Tally ho lads and let's show these West Islanders what for. A month or so back and a certain opening batsman might have suggested Australia had to rest some players since you couldn't fit all their ego's in a stadium at the same time. To dent that kind of confidence, a team needs to play some cricket. The Black Caps did. They played the game and they won it and there are a heap of positives to come from that. To win the business end of a major competition, a team has to string together performances. They did that. often they have let themselves down, lacked mental toughness, complete concentration, confidence to back themselves and the killer determination to win. As Ian Smith said, it looked as if Michael Hussey had aged five years. Priceless.
Bryan Cairns
I am so happy to see that NZ have beaten Aussie. You wouldnt believe the ribbing we Ex pats in Aussie get when Australia beat NZ whether its Rugby, Rugby League or any sport for that matter, so I am very very happy and congratulations to all the Black Caps.
Kelvin
Yes, Australia were missing some of their top players. But then where was Jaob Oram (injured), Shane Bond (Injured), Daniel Vitorri(?)(rested.
And yet we still beat them. What should be more of a worry for Australia is that only 6-7 years ago an Australian B team almost made the finals of the VB series, by beating the Australian A team. Now the Australians can't even muster a strong A team. That is what should really worry the Aussies. Not that they were five players down, but a full compliment of 11.
Chris Doherty
As one of the leading contributors to the criticism inflicted on the Black Caps, I am most definitely in debt to the NZ Cricket Side now, and would estimate I owe them at least 350 Well Done. The target for a lot of the criticism was Craig McMillan. And boy didnt he prove me and and a whole lot of others wrong... Well done boys. Bask in the glory. Remember to maintain the form at the World Cup. Im proud to be a Kiwiliving in Australia again.
Ollie
I cant believe it. Im still in shock. This is the best thing that has happened to NZ cricket for a long time, the best thing that has happened in my lifetime anyhow. To come back from a poor Tri Series showing (but with the knowledge they were very close to actually doing rather well) and accomplish this is magnificent. It is somehow even sweeter because a whole batch of new players (Fulton, Taylor, Gillespie) have been blooded, have shown their talent and promise, have delivered when it counted. And existing senior and recalled players (McMillan,Vincent,McCullum,Bond) have shown we have real depth, particularly in the batting dept. NZ is in safe hands after the departure of Astle and Cairns. This is the best possible start to the world cup campaign, many congrats and praise for Bracewell, Fleming, and the team. Go hard guys.
Greg Theunissen
I felt privileged to see such a fine performance by the black caps and this will be the achievement of the team for all time. I fear it may perhaps never happen again though.
Alan Hunt
For me an avid fan this series has to rate as the greatest cricketing performance by a New Zealand team. After all what odds would you have gotten from any Australian(eg Bill Lawry)that the Kiwi's would ever beat Australia three zip in any cricket tournament. Poor Bill must be choking on his superlatives every time he opens his mouth. May it long continue as these results will be great for the game especially in New Zealand.
Peter Connolly
What a brilliant performance! And achieved with some of the more recognised players sitting out. Nice to see a bit of depth in the side. Wouldnt it be nice to see this form carried through to the World Cup. Imagine 2007 a vintage year with the Cricket and Rugby World Cups and the America's Cup all sitting in NZ Trophy cabinets! Probably too much to believe at this stage - but not too much to dream about!
Heather
I think this series has done wonders for the Black Caps. Having been at the last two games, the atmosphere has been awesome and I don't think things could be any better going into the world cup.
Kurt
Right up there, brother!!!!
Julian Harrison
This is NZs greatest victory bar our 10 wicket annihilation of Aussie in the 1st game, only SAF chasing down Aussies 400+ could compare but I doubt they were on the rocks at 40/4 like us. McCullum is a legend.
Stephen Hodge
Like everyone else I got stuck into our team after the early season poor displays (esp the 70-odd v Sri Lanka) & its only fair these fantastic displays get the credit they deserve. These mammoth totals, by both sides, have been exhibitions of batting, not slogging - foot movement, still heads, quick hands. Not a great advertisement for bowling when express bowlers like Tait are treated like medium pacers. Incidentally, isn't the full-innings attack these teams have adopted the tactic Glenn Turner was on about 10 years ago?
Darryl
It has to be the greatest game the Black Caps have played, Having lost 4 wickets early to then back themselves when it would have been easier to lay down. Bring home that World Cup boys.
Hayden
That series was the best/most consistent/most dynamic batting performance by the black caps for years and the record books speak for themselves. Absolutely outstanding!
Mo
Truly amazing that the Blackcaps chased down two huge totals consecutively. It was a shame that the top order failed to fire last night which must have put huge pressure on the likes of Fulton and Macmillan, but full credit to them for pulling it off. It was great to see Mcullum and Macmillan playing sensible cricket, scoring 7, 8 or 9 an over initially and then slowing back to get what was required and keep the scoreboard ticking over. Thanks boys, you have done yourselves proud!
Adrian Drew
Unfortunately none of my views have or will ever be printed as they are too accurate & well written. So I have decided to flag that idea & just point out Mr Boocks consistent run of errors. Now that One Day Cricket has been revived in this country & there is some self belief again I begin to wonder if this version of the game has made a claim at being regarded as Test Cricket? According to Mr Boock it has. Below is paragraph from the top sports headline. His fifth six clocked up his third test century, the fastest in New Zealand one-day history, and his first since the fading memory of 105 in a dusty Rawalpindi during the tour of Pakistan in 2001-02.
Haggitt
Great victory! However lets not overlook Australia are without Adam Gilchrist, Ricky Pointing, Brett Lee, Andrew Symonds, and Michael Clarke for the series we only lost Jacob Oram. I am concerned about our bowling Darrly Tuffey was brought in as the death bowler his selection was controversial given he was averaging 65 runs per wicket with the ball at domestic level you can't say he deserved to be in the team as a strike bowler ahead of the likes of Chris Martin or Ian O Brien. In the series he conceded 6.2 runs per over and got one wicket for 188 runs. Thats not good enough ! Why Bracewell didnt play Michael Mason in the NZL squad for the world cup, or select Chris Harris or Andre Adams as cover for Jacob Oram is debatable. Chris Harris dominated the game domestically this season and was the leading domestic 20/20 run scorer and wicket taker . Bracewell has something against Harris and you cant help but feel if it was another person with Harris stats this summer they would have got the nod. I think NZL might regret Chris Harris selection in the world cup on slower pitches and his batting options lower in the order. I still dont like how Bracewell forced Cairns, Astle,to prematurely retire and dosnt give Harris or Adams a fair chance. The guys political and he is NZs weakness for the world cup !
Charles Lord
What a fantastic achievement. It is right up there with two other one day highlights for me. The march to the semifinals at in the 1991 world cup, and the Shane Bond inspired demolition of Australia 3 games in a row in the 2001 world series with South Africa. However, for my money, beating a depleted Australian side, all be it, in record breaking chases can not surpass our greatest triumph. An injured Chris Cairns led dash to victory at the Champions trophy and still New Zealands only major one day title. We have seen what this side can do now. If everything clicks we will see them surpass even the Champions trophy highlight in the Caribbean.
Terry Kyle
Given the unrivalled dominance we have seen by the Australians over the last decade and a half, and the huge disparity in player numbers and resources between Australia and New Zealand these days, I think this victory ranks among the best of all time. This game was a dead rubber. The kiwis could have quite easily been hammered today and still come out heroes. But no, we saw the type of kiwi spirit today that we have never seen in New Zealand cricket, even in the 80's (where, incidentally we had a much more even side). This type of never-say-die attitude has the entire country of Australia wondering how the hell it could happen to their bullet-proof boys (I live in Melbourne and I can safely say they are looking for excuses already). An Australian B team? Yeah, us too. Difficultly adjusting to pitches? No, the last 2 were perfect. Outplayed by a gutsy team of heroes who played above their weight three times? OK, I will buy that. Congratulations boys, you did us all pro!
Justin Watt
Not one to bag Flemming but noticed that Flemmings contributions in the three big successful chases of Australian scores in the past year have been... Christchurch, 2005/06, 0 Auckland, 2006/07, 6
Hamilton, 2006/07, 9.
Grant
Great stuff from a Kiwi living in QLD. Bring on the
cricket world cup!
Rishant (India)
Great Victory! Congrats Kiwi for toppling Aussies down.
Bruce
This series win ranks as a huge milestone in New Zealand cricket selection policy. Hopefully the selectors now understand that picking on form players and not hopeless past performers is the formula for ensuring better than 10 per cent odds of an occasional win!
Mike Beck
A s far as great achievements in our ODI history go, I rank this series blitz second behind NZs famous breakthrough ICC Trophy win in 2000. With consideration to the quality of the opposition (that being an under-strength Australian side), there will be doubters quick to point out the absense of pivotal players Ponting, Gilchrist, Symonds, Lee and Clarke. But the Aussies are a fiercely proud nation, especially when it comes to playing NZ at a game to which they believe to be our superior. Despite the whitewash, this series was closely fought, with some amazing cricket. In the last two games, whatever Australia threw at us, we simply hit back at them even stronger. To win was one thing, but more importantly, NZ cracked the mental barrier imposed by Aus for what seemed like an age. The third match victory, considering NZ's position of 40 odd for 4 needing 350 (and no Jake Oram to come), took our game to another level. Sublime.
James Marris
Has to rate as the best series win by the Black Caps ever. 10 wicket win and then chase down 330+ in the last two innings. BTW Mathew Hayden stand up and take a bow, a fantastic effort.
Mark Cutfield
s a ex pat living in Australia. Beating the Canary Yellows 3 - 0 is by all accounts as good as it gets. Chasing a score of 347, which in any match is a phenomenal score and conquering that bestows comprehension. The great Aussie commentators cannot babble on about absences of Ponting and out of form Clarke as an excuse. Viva La Black Caps!
Allan Pollock
That three nil result was fantastic, It's not very often you get it over the Aussies even when a few of their top players are out. As a kiwi living in Sydney I will sure be stirring up my mates at work tomorrow, Its not often especially lately when we have beaten them once let alone three in a row. When I saw the Aussie's score in this last game I thought well two out of threes not bad. What a performance, think we will be waiting a while to see that again. Good luck to the team in the World Cup I think we will make a few teams sit up and take notice.
Gavin (Gold Coast)
This series must rate as one of the best if not the best with the runs scored by Aussies and chased down by the Kiwis.330+ runs should be match winners but not any more, the Kiwis will be a force to be rekoned with in the Carribean and the Aussies, well who knows what will be the reaction to 5 games lost in a row will be to the OLD Brigade!!!
Graeme
My rating is number 1 ...... so far.
Ali Memon
This has to be one of the greatest comebacks ever I have witnessed in the history of ODIs. Reeling at 41 for four inside the first 10 overs to a record win chasing 350. World Cup 2007, here we come!
Sam (Sydney)
This is the greatest series win in NZ one-day cricketing history. Office environments are subdued over here.
John Warby (Australia)
Enough of the reasons/excuses about our performance. We were beaten fair and square by a better team. That iss the long and the short of it. We have to accept it and get on with life.
Paul (Sydney)
As an Australian who hates losing to NZ more than any other country, I congratulate them on their amazing achievement of beating us 3 zip. However to put it in perspective, we were without about half of our best players and we beat NZ 4 zip in the recent Commonwealth Bank series here in Australia when we had those players. So, I think NZ should be ranked third behind South Africa and Australia. Having said that I am backing NZ to win the cricket and rugby world cups this year! I think our batting is good but our bowling, including McGrath, is woeful.
Shayne McQuillan
After living in Aussie now for almost 6 years, it is finally great to be able to give them some stick about the Cricket for a change.. Good on ya guys , fantastic whitewash.
Josh
I am a Sydney based Aussie and all I can say is well done Kiwis. 3 fantastic games showing incredible spirit and skill. This is exactly what we needed before the WC, a humbling kick up the butt! However, beware of the wounded Aussie.
Glen Schofer
With that great effort last night, it does have me thinking that maybe we could've saved an effort like that for the world cup. Many great teams have gone into major sporting tournaments with a track record they would want to forget. In fact I think Australia's pre World Cup record last time wasn't that flash. Brazil in the Football World Cup in 2002, they looked gone before it had even started. I think that even though this was a great effort by the Kiwis. It is probably the best thing the Aussies could have asked for. It is just like the Tri series, the Aussies started with a hiss and a roar, but England were the ones with the momentum when it counted. I think this World Cup will be the same; the winner will be slow starters but will come home with a roar. Lets hope it is the Kiwis!
Ronnie
Well done, Blackcaps. Long may the Chappell/Hadlee series continue. We will see if you can do it all again next year.
D Fraser
While I celebrate our victory over Australia yesterday and think that after so many near misses, perhaps the Black Caps did deserve a win, I think the Aussies lost the match rather than that we won it. When you look at where the runs came from, 27 runs of New Zealands total came from extras while only 5 of Australia's came from them. A more disciplined bowling performance from the Aussie bowlers could have secured them victory!
Ian
Has Peter Fulton been forgotten. The media seems to be paying little attention to him surely he got things going in what was a superb display of attacking cricket.
Brain
Why is it that the kiwis play far above their ability against Australia? Except in world cup rugby of course.
Fili Tupua, Sydney
One of the greatest triumphs of our sporting teams, absolutely. Well done boyz! Its a great day for all Kiwis here in Australia. But, I am tired - literally - of the Aussie cricketers excuses when they lose. To state their case as being "tired" is ridiculous given the fact half of the time players are sitting on their backsides up the pavilion. This argument comes immediately after blaming the coach was ignored - who may have eaten his own words regarding soft opposition - and now there is a desperate call for a bad-boy spinner to come to the rescue. Lets not forget how England themselves have just had a long and gruelling Summer, yet seldom did we endure any complaints from them so they continued with sheer determination without giving up a fight and their recent Tri-Series victory is testimony to that.Our own former skipper and champion batsman Martin Crowe was quite correct to slam the Aussies attitude regarding the huge lack of respect towards their Trans-Tasman rivals. The All Blacks would have been extremely ashamed and embarrassed had Richie McCaw and Daniel Carter been rested for a three-Test Bledisloe Cup series. But lets not even compare these two teams because the All Blacks are definitely in a league of their own. After reading the scribes here in Oz since last Friday's shock 10-wicket humiliation, followed by two massive run-chase totals achieved with a minimum of fuss by the revved-up Black Caps, not a slight effort to give due credit and genuine praise for the phenomenal performances by the Kiwis - who were simply far too good. And thus, the Aussies got exactly what they deserved, a three-nil capitulation. Bring on the World Cup!
D Squire
This would have to be one of the most satisfying series of victories for NZ. Each was gratifying in its own way - the tremendous batting performances of several individual players (good on you, Macca!), the at-last-successful run-chases, the intelligent captaincy, the sheer entertainment value. While the bowling may not have always been up to scratch, it made for fantastic mostly full-length games. Australia may complain about the loss of several key players, but NZ has also been without some very important ones at times during the series, including Oram, Mills, Bond and the recently retired behemoth of Astle. Well done Black Caps! We salute you for a consistent display of very fine cricket!
Jim
Great win by New Zealand Mcmillan and Fulton have stepped up since coming back into the side, the pressure is definitely on Scott Styris to get into form because when Oram is over his injury he is an automatic selection in the side. I hope for the sake of the team Bracewell will choose players in form and not on reputation.I would also like to see Mason, Styris, Patel and Tuffey playing in domestic cricket to get some form.
Carlos Cordero
I think we need a little perspective in this debate. To provide it I would like to quote from Lew Goodman's Jerry Attricks Dictionary(Reed 1999): "RUGBY: The dominant religion of New Zealand". One of the greatest things about NZ is its multiculturalism and its diversity. Somehow this country thrives and prospers with an incredible diverse population each with its own values, cultural patterns and religious expressions. None of them absolutely prevalent or more important than any other (something that agrees with another well established Kiwi characteristic: common sense). We Kiwis (old and new, tangata whenua and pakeha) are strong in our diversity and respectful of all the beliefs in our society. And that is how it should be because all cultures and religions deserve to be respected and given their place. Having said all of this, I stand by my belief (in agreement with Mr. Goodman) that Rugby is our dominant religion (I offer the celebrations when we got the 2011 Rugby World Cup and the Stadium Debate as proof of religious fervour).
David
It had to happen one-day. Congrats NZ. Let us look to the renewed Australia 1-day team, whenever that happens.
Attila Ruboczki
Make no mistake. This series was a pain in the butt for most Aussie players. They had an extremely intense and busy season so far. They were not keen on this series. But still, its great to see some of our players stand up and be counted. Fulton has always shown awesome potential, he's such a good batsman. McMillan is perfectly suited to that late order role, because he gets tired quickly. McCullum is a very good player, just seems a bit unhappy. I would love to see him higher up the order, the best batsmen need to get as much of the strike as possible. Fleming and Vincent are no good batsmen, but fortunately we seem to have enough depth now to replace them with better ones.
Grant Workman
As a resident of Australia for the past 14 years, it has been somewhat humiliating as a Kiwi and disturbing as a sports fan, to have had to endure the dismissive comments of commentators about NZ cricketing efforts- even when Australian wins have been by the narrowest of margins at times. I am absolutely savouring this moment.
Leon De Suza
You will struggle to ever see a better game of cricket than that. Anyone who watched that game and was not on the edge of their seat with excitement will never be a cricket fan, as that is as good a game as you will ever see.
Hannah Palmer
Last nights cricket match in Hamilton was quite simply magical. What a way to pull off a victory that seemed impossible! In a nutshell, the best run chase I have ever seen from New Zealand.
Dennis Cheyne
Bill Lawrie said in his normal parsimonious way on Morning Report on Monday "that one swallow doesn't mean a summer." Now that three have flown over it might be time to start believing that a cricketing "Indian summer" has finally arrived! Or should we pinch ourselves and wait for the inevitable collapse. With three under the belt it can't be far away!
Craig
Brilliant, timely clean sweep and should set the team up nicely for the World Cup. More importantly, it has wounded the Australian's sense of invincibility. And it is also nice to see McMillan doing well. If that salad-dodging pie-shifter can stride to the middle and flay the Aussies not once but twice in three days, then there is hope for portly middle-aged gents everywhere.
Graeme Brittenden
For reasons best known to the great man Don Bradman never played a cricket match in New Zealand. I hope the new generation of Aussie stars is not going to treat New Zealand cricket the same way by refusing to tour when it is our turn to cross the ditch. Whilst some of your grounds are better suited to rugby matches you certainly deserved your victory and cost me a few Lotto tickets. Call it the Hadlee - Chappell Trophy if you wish! Cheers from Sunny Queensland.
Chris Saunders
What a great result. We cant say often. We thrashed Australia in the cricket...3-0! Ok, ok so the Ozzies were missing 5 of their best players, but as I recall the Allblacks crushed everything before them with 2 teams last year. Its always good to beat the wallabies but lets face it rugby is pretty small is Oz. Cricket's the one that everyone, from Perth to Sydney, Adelaide to Darwin cares about. We beat these guys at their own game and have huge confidence and a few new players (Ross Taylor, Vincent back) for the Carribean. Savour the moment!
Tim Young
I reckon it is right up there and could easily be the pen-ultimate occasion for NZ Cricket, the last time I got so excited about the potential and awesome result of our national mens team was when we won the ICC Limited overs Trophy a couple of years back. Having beaten supposedly the best team in the world (suffice to say they were missing 5 key players but in Pontings own words "Australia is a team effort, everyone contributes and makes us all proud to be the best we can be" - or something like that) by ten wickets in Wellington is a result you would expect from a first class team against Namibia or The Netherlands; certainly not between the current world champions and an underdog NZ team coming off a tri series loss. Then to chase 300+ runs in Auckland and do so comfortably made me just want to paint myself Black and yell at the top of my lungs - I was so proud of team and it seems to have been a long time coming. Who better to punish that our mates across the Tasman - so often they have done the same to us. The Aucklan
