Australia-New Zealand ODI series: 5 talking points - Aussies whitewash Kiwis at home

New Zealand were comprehensively whitewashed in the Chappell-Hadlee trophy by a resurgent Australian side, aided by some belligerent batting from David Warner and Steven Smith right through the series. They Kiwis never came close to winning in any of the three ODIs after being forced to chase in each game.

The fast paced pitches in Australia and the toss helped Australia compile huge totals batting first in all three matches. Even on a slow paced MCG, they managed 264, while Kiwis were bowled out for a meagre 147.

The New Zealand bowling lacked the firepower to run through Australia's batting. Warner and Smith provided major obstacles to the Kiwis' aim of reaching the lower order quicker. Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh and Matthew Wade all contributed at different times in the series and helped Australia’s cause.

The season had started off poorly for Australia after their series loss to South Africa but the face-saving win at Adelaide and the whitewash of the Kiwis has brought back hope for Aussie fans. The Kiwis looked weary and were left chasing the game on most occasions, and their bowling also needs heavy scrutiny after lacklustre displays in all three games.

Here are the talking points from the ODI series:

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#5 David Warner's year

Warner scored 7 ODI hundreds this calendar year

David Warner is in the form of his life in ODIs having notched up as many as seven hundreds this year. The 119 at Canberra in the second ODI was followed by a huge 156 in Melbourne.

Interestingly, in both the innings, Warner batted differently, settling in before going for the attacking route. He credited a change in approach for his runs in ODIs this year. While the track at Manuka Oval was a belter, at MCG, Warner had to work hard for his runs and did so admirably.

The 156 at MCG came off 128 balls and he plundered 13 fours and four sixes. It is also worth noting that the wicket was slow and Warner made adjustments accordingly, and looked like the most comfortable batsman on the pitch.

#4 Tom Latham fails

Latham didn’t show his true potential in the ODI series

New Zealand have struggled for a good opening partnership in recent times with Guptill and Latham taking turns in going out of form. This series turned out to be Latham's time to go into poor form as he made a total of 34 runs in 3 matches.

Notably, he was troubled by Hazlewood, who is a bowler who is consistent in his line and keeps the batsmen guessing with subtle seam movement. Latham was cleaned up by Hazlewood in the first ODI and gifted him a return catch in Canberra, both times being dismissed for single figures.

In MCG, Latham withstood a tight spell from Hazlewood but could not carry on as he flicked Cummins straight to square leg to be dismissed for 28 to complete a dismal run in the series.

#3 Mitchell Marsh's redemption series?

Marsh could make the all-rounder position his own with similar performances

Mitchell Marsh made an impact right through the series, once again putting to rest suspicions about his effectiveness as Australia's lower order hitter and medium pacer.

In the first ODI, he lent a stable supporting role as first change bowler, sending down a vital maiden in the middle overs that frustrated the Kiwis. At the Manuka Oval, Marsh used the willow to make a statement, smacking seven maximums in his way to 76 off 40 balls.

With Watson retired and Faulkner struggling to recapture the form he showed early in his career, Australia's hopes of a seam-bowling all-rounder rests in the hands of Mitchell Marsh and in this series he proved that they are in the right hands.

#2 Martin Guptill returns to form

Guptill is still a very good ODI player for the Kiwis

Martin Guptill's limited-overs credentials were never in doubt even as he was dropped from the Test side. In this series, he proved that his limited-overs skills are still where it should be.

Guptill made 193 runs in the three games at an average of 64.33. The century in the opening match at Sydney, a blistering 114 that included six sixes, was followed up with a 45 from 33 balls at the Manuka Oval and a composed 34 in Melbourne.

While he will be the first to admit that he gifted his wickets in the final two games, there is no doubt that his aggressive starts have aided New Zealand. He remained the lone bright spot for the visitors in this series.

#1 Travis Head impresses

Head scored a useful half century in the second ODI of the series

Prior to the series, it was expected that Maxwell would start and Travis Head would be on the sidelines. But controversial statements from Maxwell possibly sidelined him and Head got a chance.

He made a 52 from 60 balls at Sydney, ably assisting Steven Smith as Australia cruised past 300. His strike rotation and ability to pick gaps stood out. The calm approach in Sydney was followed up by a 32 ball 57 at the Manuka Oval, where he smacked two sixes, showing his reputation of being a feared hitter that he got with his performances in the Big Bash League.

In Melbourne, on a slow surface, he was back to the supporting act and stood with Warner for more than 20 overs, selflessly making 37 off 70 balls while Warner notched up 156. He also showcased his skills with the ball, picking out Guptill and Watling.