Smith’s 164 helps Australia defeat NZ in first Chappell-Hadlee ODI

The first instalment in this trilogy comes to you from the Sydney Cricket Ground.

New Zealand players talk in a huddle during a New Zealand training session at Sydney Cricket Ground.

6 – Guptill’s 114 was the sixth-highest score by a New Zealand batsman against Australia in ODIs.

1 Number of higher scores than Smith’s 164 by captains against New Zealand. For New Zealand, Jimmy Neesham showed glimpses of being a good all-rounder in the future with more and more exposure to global cricket.

If New Zealand, now ranked third in the ODI rankings, secure a 3-0 whitewash, it could replace Australia as the No. 1 ranked side.

The New Zealanders, who sit at No 3 on the ICC 50-over rankings, make no secret that they consider a series win over the Aussies as one of the pinnacles of global cricket.

THE old Australia versus New Zealand rivalry is set to fire up once again.

Australian skipper Steven Smith acknowledges the crowd after reaching the triple figure mark against New Zealand during the 1st ODI of the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy at the SCG, on Sunday.

It is unclear if Smith also foresaw the face-full of dirt he would take after completing the catch. It ended a five-game One-Day International (ODI) losing streak for Australia and ensured they remain the No.1 ranked team in the world.

Miller says the upcoming fixture is a chance for Canberra fans to make a statement to Cricket Australia after low crowd numbers at Bellerive Oval for the Hobart Test.

Smith would have expected himself to bat to the close, such is his insatiable desire to contribute to a successful Australian team.

“It was nice of (Smith) to give me a good wrap, but I don’t feel I’ve cemented (my spot in the team)”, Head said today.

“The body feels great… “(Martin) Guptill and possibly (Tom) Latham, and some experience in the bowling line-up with guys like (Tim) Southee and (Trent) Boult and a bit of pace in this young fellow I’ve heard about, (Lockie) Ferguson.

“There are all sorts of factors I guess that contribute to the crowd attendance, be it weather and sometimes it can be performance”.

New Zealand is the current holder of the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy. “I am sure New Zealand will hit back hard”.

Australia were desperate for a victory having been swept 5-0 in South Africa in September and October, even more so after a week where a row between batsman Glenn Maxwell and wicketkeeper Matt Wade dominated the headlines. “Someone from point, I reckon”, Smith said.

“It’s about focusing on this series and it was great to get a win tonight”.

Despite all of that, at various stages during the match with bat and ball, New Zealand showed they have enough firepower and depth to seriously challenge Australia.