NZ want to show win was no flash in pan

The New Zealand cricketers are determined to prove their 10-wicket humbling of Australia was not an aberration when they clash here tomorrow in the second match of the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series.

The New Zealand cricketers are determined to prove their 10-wicket humbling of Australia was not an aberration when they clash here tomorrow in the second match of the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series.

The Kiwis produced a record-breaking performance yesterday and placed a huge question mark over the reigning world champions going into next month’s World Cup. It was Australia’s heaviest one-day loss and the first time they have been beaten by 10 wickets in 646 one-day internationals. It was just New Zealand’s third win in their past nine matches, a win-loss ratio that captain Fleming is acutely aware of.

“We’re determined to break that — we have a win and now we have to get another one. We’ve been working hard to be more consistent but the proof of the pudding is on Sunday.”

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As much as New Zealand need a back-up win, Australia must reverse their form slump and both sides are desperate to avoid further injuries as they fine-tune for the World Cup.

Although they have a makeshift look with five frontline players missing — Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist being rested and Lee, Clarke and Andrew Symonds injured — the ease of the victory was unexpected.

New Zealand’s chief wicket taker, Shane Bond who finished with 5-23, said it was important for them to keep the pressure on in the remaining two games. “The challenge for us is to keep them down. They keep a lot of sides down and we want to do it to them.”

Stand-in Australia captain Michael Hussey admitted his patched-up side never threatened. “We knew what we’re in for here and we just weren’t good enough. We just weren’t up to scratch,” he said.

Finger injury puts Oram in doubt for World Cup

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AUCKLAND: New Zealand allrounder Jacob Oram was today in doubt for next month’s World Cup after suffering a serious finger injury in the10-wicket victory over Australia.

Oram will definitely miss the remaining two matches of the Chappell-Hadlee Series and his future after that is clouded after fracturing his left ring finger. “Jacob will see a specialist in Hamilton on Monday to determine the management of the injury,” New Zealand manager Lindsay Crocker said. “He will remain with the squad to keep on track with his World Cup preparations. At this stage, we are confident he will travel to the World Cup.” Oram fractured the finger when catching Mitchell Johnson late in Australia’s innings of 148 in the first match of the series in Wellington last night.