New Zealand have just completed a 3-0 pasting of a bewildered and - it has to be said - battered Australia. The final game of the Chappell Hadlee series at Hamilton saw New Zealand chase down an even bigger total than the 336 they successfully hunted at Eden Park. The Kiwi’s look hot, full of belief and like a side on a mission.

I can’t remember the last time Australia lost an ODI tournament 3-0 and you have to feel for stand in captain Mike Hussey who looked as though the colour was draining from his face when Brendan McCullum smashed a 6 off the first ball of the last over to level the scores. Mr Cricket looked more like Mr Clueless as his side squandered, for the second time this series, an impressive first innings total.

With injuries amassing alongside the losses Australia have probably had the worst preparation for a World Cup in recent times. New Zealand by contrast are riding along on the crest of a resurgent wave that bodes well for their own World Cup prospects.

The only itch in the crotch for me was listening to an overly defensive Martin Snedden in the post match interviews state that;

Maybe now people will believe that Fleming can captain, Bracewell can coach and maybe even that McMillian can bat

His comments were out of synch with the tone set by the players and out of character for a usually professional CEO.

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