Fleming hails 'amazing day'

Two thumping wins over the best team in the world and a neighbour with whom you share a spicy rivalry is reason enough for joy. But as it came on the back of six losses in eight games in the CB series in Australia recently, it is little wonder Stephen Fleming, the New Zealand captain, was moved to call his side's five-wicket win at Eden Park an "amazing day".

"It was an amazing day, great for the game and great for us to get across the line in a big-scoring match," Fleming said, after his side had chased down 337 to clinch the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy with a game to spare.

Before this series, New Zealand had only won two of their last 22 ODIs against their Trans-Tasman rivals, a run stretching out over five years. In less than a week, they have doubled that tally.

"We've fallen short numerous times against Australia. A lot of work has been done behind the scenes, we've been smart off the field, but the performances have let us down on it."

"We've tried to maintain a positive feel but we didn't expect the results to be as spectacular as the last two," Fleming added, referring also to his side's ten-wicket win in the first game, Australia's first such loss ever.

New Zealand's chase was the second-highest ever in ODIs, five runs more than their previous best chase, also against Australia. "Scores of around 300 and over are now gettable and teams believe they have a chance if the conditions are right," Fleming explained.

Not that that revelation will be of any consolation to Michael Hussey, Australia's captain in this series. Australia own many records in modern-day cricket though that of now being on the receiving end of the three largest ODI chases ever is not one they will be proud of.

Worryingly, the three chases have come in the last 14 months. But Hussey insisted the personnel weren't at fault. "I know big totals being chased down is an area of concern and we're going to have to get better at it," said Hussey, who himself made an accomplished 105 in the game.

"But I still think we've got the right people in the team and in the squad. I actually don't think we did too badly with the ball and in the field. A few things didn't go our way, we had a few very close shaves, and on another day they might go our way."

This was Australia's fourth straight defeat and fifth in their last six games, which as a run-in to defending their world crown, is hardly ideal. They are also fretting over injuries to key players, including Andrew Symonds and Brett Lee. But Hussey said there was no need, just yet, for panic.

"It's not ideal but though we're disappointed the spirit is okay. We can't afford to panic and make wholesale changes. We have to trust our personnel, our own games and each other. I know if we keep working hard we'll be fine."