New Zealand v Australia, 3rd ODI: 5 Talking Points

New Zealand completed an impressive 24-run win with Trent Boult and Ross Taylor shining with both ball and bat respectively. While Boult picked a six-wicket haul, it was Ross Taylor’s magnificent century that not only prevented a collapse but also went ahead and become New Zealand’s top century scorer in recent times. While he is now tied with Nathan Astle, the Aussies did indeed play pretty well to get within touching distance of the Kiwis at one point in time with Marcus Stoinis once again coming close. Travis Head and Aaron Finch were once again beneficiaries of half-centuries before the match was eventually closed out by Trent Boult who had bowled particularly well on the day. While there were a plethora of talking points on the day, here are five of the most prominent of those.

1. Brownlie makes the comeback count

After making a comeback to the One-Day outfit of New Zealand, Dean Brownlie made his comeback an unforgettable one when he smashed an impressive half-century that not only exhibited his character but gave the selectors a headache for the selection of the squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. While Tom Latham, the most dependable opener was dismissed for naught, it was Brownlie who came up with some impressive batsmanship, something that has justified his place in the squad. He slammed an impressive 63 and also hung around with his captain Kane Williamson, something that will keep him in the outset of the squad in the grand scheme of things as well.

2. Ross Taylor slams record-breaking century

In spite of his erratic form in recent times, Ross Taylor came up trumps with an incredible century on the day, something that now sees him the beneficiary of 16 ODI centuries. He is now tied with Nathan Astle in the top spot and certainly has the potential to make it 17 and become the leading man for New Zealand centuries in the immediate future. However, this particular innings was something Taylor will be remembered for given his impressive run with the bat as well as an eye infection he was diagnosed with as well. While the man of the match award is simply Taylor’s name on a plaque, it would seem as though he has turned a corner in the grand scheme of things.

3. Santner makes it count at the death

Mitchell Santner’s power-hitting abilities came to the fore when he went ahead and smashed a quickfire 38 including three massive sixes, something that propelled the Kiwis to an impressive 281, something that was always going to be a stiff target for the Aussies to chase. However, the fact of the matter was that the Aussie death bowling was quite ordinary barring the brilliance of Mitchell Starc whose toe-crushing yorkers ensured that Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson did not have the dubious honor of getting away. James Faulkner might have picked three wickets on the day, but his death bowling prowess was thundered out by the amazing Santner.

4. Finch and Head impress as Stoinis threatens again

While Aaron Finch continued to deputize for the injured Matthew Wade, he got the Aussies off to somewhat of an impressive start in the overall setup. He began with some magnificent punches down towards extra-cover while he was provided with some solidity in the form of Shaun Marsh at the other end. While Marsh and Handscomb lost their wickets in quick succession, it was Travis Head who smashed 53 to keep the Aussies in the hunt. Even Marcus Stoinis began to smash the ball to different parts and brought the Aussies within touching distance of an impressive win, once again coming from behind.

5. Trent Boult brings to a close an impressive win for New Zealand

Trent Boult was the star of the show for the Kiwis with the ball, and not for the first time as well, given the fact that he can get the ball to swing both ways. This trait of someone who bowls with the quality of Boult is seemingly unplayable. With the wicket of James Faulkner, a peach of a delivery from Boult, the match was well and truly over. The southpaw would go ahead and pick up two more wickets, thus completing an impressive six-wicket haul, something that one certainly does not see everyday to say the least.