Chappell Hadlee ODI 3: Australia Save Skin, Brace for NZ Again!

Sreelata YellamrazuFeb 9 2009

Australia fanned away heat in the first challenge. But as Victoria’s bushfires take lives, Australia will attempt to lend a humanitarian hand while facing up their fierce Trans Tasmanian neighbours.

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There was much controversy when Ricky Ponting was forced to sit out of two ODIs. And there were questions about Cricket Australia’s selection policies when Ponting was once again reinstated into the role of the skipper for the third one day international after he apparently convinced the selectors that his presence was vital in the third one day international of the Chappell Hadlee Trophy as Australia avoided losing the series altogether.

But the victory did not come easy. Grant Elliot once again stood out like a thorn in the flesh. Even though Brad Haddin’s maiden century and Michael Clarke’s sixty-four in the opening role for Australia, not to mention Michael Hussey’s half century, New Zealand troubled Australia before losing the chase for 302.

Already claiming two wickets in Australia’s innings, Elliot turned it on once again with the bat undeterred by the fact that New Zealand had lost two wickets for just sixteen on board. An eighty run partnership with Peter Fulton was followed up by a half century of a partnership with Neil Broom.

Brendon McCullum could have perhaps done more damage down the order but the reason he came in so low to bat was because of a nasty injury to his right shoulder from the bowling of one of New Zealand’s own, Kyle Mills. Gareth Hopkins has been called in before a proper assessment can be made of McCullum’s injury.

Australia did not entirely coasting to the thirty-two run victory though the fifteen balls left in New Zealand’s kitty would suggest. If Elliot had another partner, Australia would have been licking their wounds. Now they are nursing their critical condition so that at least it will be stable before they leave Australia’s shores for South Africa’s.

They live to fight another day. But not all in Victoria have been. The raging bushfires have already claimed lives in the hundreds and with more property razed than can be counted, the players and the sponsors have decided to get together and ensure part of the proceeds will go towards the relief.

All for a cause!

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