Damp squib after Stoinis fireworks sets up the series
NEW ZEALAND VAUSTRALIA ROUND-UP
THERE is set to be an inquiry by New Zealand Cricket following the abandonment of the second ODI at Napier without a ball being bowled.
There was no rain at McLean Park for four hours after the scheduled start of play but, after a number of inspections, the outfield was deemed too dangerous.
It becomes the second successive ODI to be washed out in Napier after last year’s ODI between New Zealand and Pakistan was also called off without a ball bowled.
New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said: “We were given a start time which was a bit on the keen side because there was still casual water around the outfield. As we warmed up you’d throw balls and water would spray. As we did so, more water came to the surface so it actually got worse rather than better which was unexpected.
“The ground was unfit for play. It wasn’t even close, to be fair. One of those aspects is player safety but you also need to be able to play a game of cricket, whether it be diving around or digging your knee into the ground, whether it be slipping over, or the ball landing and plugging.”
It means the hosts go into the third and final ODI on Sunday looking to secure the series having claimed a lead in a thriller at Eden Park.
Neil Broom hit 73 off 75 balls for the Black Caps as they set Australia 287 to take a series lead but when the visitors fell to 226-9 at the end of the 43rd it looked like game over.
Marcus Stoinis, who earlier took 3-49, had other ideas though. Cannily keeping the strike, No.11 Josh Hazlewood did not face a ball while Stoinis passed a century.
Eventually, New Zealand got the wicket they needed. Kane Williamson produced an excellent piece of fielding to run out Hazlewood off the final ball of the 47th over and the visitors won by six runs.