After a disappointing outing against South Africa in the Test and ODI series, Australia did remarkably well to achieve a whitewash against their neighbours New Zealand in the 3 match ODI series which ended earlier today at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
It was the David Warner show once again as the southpaw from New South Wales proved to be the difference between the two sides as he powered his way to a magnificent knock of 156 off 128 deliveries which consisted of 13 fours and 4 huge sixes. Apart from him, none of the other Australian batsmen even managed a half-century as the side posted a decent total of 264 in their 50 overs.
Extra Cover: Steve Smith takes another blinder to dismiss Trent Boult and seal the series
As New Zealand looked to achieve their first win in the series were denied the chance to do so by an excellent bowling performance by the Australian bowlers. Mitchell Starc was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3-34 in 10 overs. He was well complimented by Cummins, Travis Head, and James Faulkner who picked up two wickets each. In the end, the visitors were bowled out 117 runs short of the target.
Here are few reactions from the players after the match:
David Warner on his match winning performance
It is always special to put runs on the board. I give credit to the bowlers for executing the plans. Of course, I am a bit tired. The black armband is a tribute to my first coach who passed away when was 16-17. I will catch up with his family once I get home. Overall, I have to keep working harder.
Steve Smith – The winning captain
The catch wasn't a bad one,it was nice way to finish. We put in a complete performance in all the three games. We needed something like this after the disappointing outing against South Africa. A lot went right for us throughout the series with the guys in the top four going on to get hundreds and bowlers executing the plans. We did the basics right in the series and that's what matters. The three fast bowlers have bowled extremely well in the series and its good to see Pat back in the team and performing
Kane Williamson
Australia's performance was very good and they were good in all departments. Their batsmen scored hundreds in all three games. Today was a bit more disappointing. We had to play very well to chase and it was gettable. We needed partnerships but unfortunately, it was a tough wicket to bat on. We give credit to Warner for scoring 150+ on that wicket. I would like to thank the supporters who came all the way to back us
This is how the cricketing world reacted:
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