Cricket: Aussie speedster John Hastings says Mitch Marsh's dismissal will add spice to test series

Mitchell Marsh of Australia walks off after being dismissed by Matt Henry of the Black Caps. Photo/Getty

Aussie quick John Hastings has taken a swipe at New Zealand's cricketers in the aftermath of Mitch Marsh's controversial dismissal on Monday.

Just two days before the first Test in Wellington, Hastings says he expects a heated battle after New Zealand proceeded with a late appeal to dismiss Marsh in the final match of the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy.

"(It will be) a nice fiery clash, I'm sure there will be plenty on it," Hastings said.

"They want to be the big spirit of cricket in the ICC, but when it comes down to it, with a big series on the line, you're obviously going to take that one aren't you?

"That was a weird one for me."

Marsh was only given out after big screen replays showed him jamming a Matt Henry delivery onto his toe, before it ballooned back to the bowler, prompted a late appeal from New Zealand.

Hastings said he felt the original appeal before the replay was "very stifled" and Australia captain Steve Smith said after the match he felt the episode had been handled "pretty poorly".

The incident followed New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum's criticism of Steve Smith's decision to stick with an appeal to dismiss England batsman Ben Stokes for obstructing the field in a one-dayer at Lords in September.

Stokes argued he was merely protecting himself when Mitchell Starc threw a ball back at the stumps in attempting a run out, and McCullum suggested Smith "may live to regret" the decision.

Smith later admitted he was disappointed by the comments.

Tensions have been running high between the Australian and New Zealand teams since last year's World Cup final at the MCG.

Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin was criticised for giving New Zealand batsmen Martin Guptill and Grant Elliott exuberant send offs after being dismissed in the match.

-news.com.au