Next up, the T20 World Cup.
Despite relentless rain in Auckland on Sunday afternoon, Australia toppled the Black Caps by 27 runs (DLS Method) to secure a 3-0 series whitewash in New Zealand.
The T20 series not only served as an entree for next week’s Test campaign, but also gave both nations an opportunity to fine-tune their starting XI ahead of June’s T20 World Cup campaign in the West Indies and United States.
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Kiwis keep dropping Aussies early on | 00:47
TRAVIS HEAD — 8
102 runs at 34.00
HS 45, SR 152.23
Australia has found its opening partnership for the T20 World Cup, with Travis Head proving he’s more than up to the task.
The South Australian, who will partner veteran opener David Warner at this year’s marquee tournament, top-scored for the tourists during both T20s in Auckland, finishing as the leading run-scorer of the series.
STEVE SMITH — 3
15 runs at 7.50
HS 11, SR 150.00
Smith was handed two opportunities to push his case for T20 World Cup selection, but the New South Welshman couldn’t survive beyond the third over on both occasions.
He nailed a superb scoop against Kiwi speedster Adam Milne during Friday’s T20 in Auckland, but it was a lone highlight in an otherwise disappointing campaign for the talented right-hander.
DAVID WARNER — 6
32 runs at 32.00
HS 32, SR 160.00
Warner played commendably in the series opener in Wellington before missing the Auckland T20s with a groin complaint.
The 37-year-old copped a chorus of boos as he walked off for what will almost certainly be his final professional knock in New Zealand, giving the vocal crowd a kiss farewell.
Warner’s spicy response to booing crowd | 00:50
MITCHELL MARSH — 9
98 runs at 98.00, HS 72*, SR 150.76
Two wickets at 19.50, BB 1-18, ER 6.50
The skipper was Australia’s hero during the series opener in Wellington, scoring an unbeaten half-century as the tourists chased the 216-run target on the last delivery.
However, the Black Caps gifted Marsh several lives in the field throughout the series, including a pair of dropped chances during Friday’s match at Eden Park.
The West Australian also chipped in with the ball, proving he can serve as a fifth bowling option when required.
GLENN MAXWELL — 4
51 runs at 17.00
HS 25, SR 212.50
It’s either boom or bust for the Big Show, and that was certainly the case in New Zealand this week.
Maxwell got off to solid starts during T20s on Wednesday and Sunday, but couldn’t convert them into substantial scores.
Meanwhile, his contribution with the ball during the series opener in Wellington was pretty woeful.
TIM DAVID — 9
56 runs at 56.00
HS 31*, SR 175.00
Any lingering doubters of Tim David have been vanquished after the pinch-hitter’s stunning knock during the series opener in Wellington.
The 27-year-old steered Australia towards an unlikely victory at Sky Stadium, clobbering a four off the final delivery to cement his spot in the first-choice starting XI ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Tim David prevails in MIRACLE final over | 02:50
MATT SHORT — 7
27 runs at 27.00
HS 27, SR 245.45
Short only got one opportunity to bat in New Zealand this week, blasting a couple of sixes during a brief 11-ball cameo on Sunday afternoon.
Apart from a sloppy misfield during the series opener in Wellington, the Victorian didn’t do his chances of a T20 World Cup call-up any harm.
JOSH INGLIS — 4
39 runs at 19.50
HS 20, SR 125.80
Inglis couldn’t find his mojo during the series opener in Wellington, ticking along at a middling rate when the Australians desperately needed boundaries..
The West Australian gloveman offered a glimpse of his batting potential in New Zealand this week, but it remains to be seen whether he’s done enough to secure a ticket to the Caribbean.
MATTHEW WADE — 5
One run at 1.00, HS 1, SR 3.33, one catch
Wade was hardly required with the bat in New Zealand this week, but the Tasmanian’s series highlight was his diving effort to remove Black Caps opener Will Young in Auckland on Friday.
However, the left-hander will want to avoid watching replays of his soft dismissal during the second T20 at Eden Park.
PAT CUMMINS — 6
Two wickets at 31.00
BB 1-19, ER 8.85
Cummins bounced back after an underwhelming performance in Wellington, knocking over Black Caps opener Will Young during Friday’s run chase at Eden Park.
However, the New South Welshman’s most valuable contribution of the series was his defiant 29 (22) in the second T20, for which he received player of the match honours.
‘Don’t know how I ended up with it!’ | 01:07
MITCHELL STARC — 5
One wicket at 54.00
BB 1-39, ER 9.00
It was a forgettable campaign for Starc, who only created one breakthrough across the three-match series.
Following a commendable opening spell in Wellington, the left-armer finished the series as Australia’s most expensive pace bowler.
However, the 34-year-old will get an opportunity to develop his T20 bowling at the upcoming Indian Premier League.
NATHAN ELLIS — 8
Two wickets at 13.50
BB 2-16, ER 5.40
Ellis proved his worth during Friday’s T20 in Auckland, producing a trademark yorker and slower ball to knock over Lockie Ferguson and rival captain Mitchell Santner respectively.
The Tasmanian seamer somehow conceded less than six runs per over across two matches at Eden Park, which famously has tiny straight boundaries.
Despite being the best death bowler in the country, he looks destined to carry drinks at this year’s T20 World Cup, barring workload management or injury for the ‘big three’.
ADAM ZAMPA — 8
Five wickets at 19.20
BB 4-34, ER 10.66
New Zealand’s batters targeted Zampa during the series opener in Wellington, with the Australian leg-spinner conceding 42 runs during an expensive three-over spell.
However, the 31-year-old bounced back in Auckland on Friday, ripping through New Zealand’s tail to secure his second four-wicket haul in T20Is.
Zampa was the only Australian to take more than two wickets during the campaign.
JOSH HAZLEWOOD — 7
One wicket at 48.00
BB 1-12, ER 6.00
Much like several of Australia’s bowlers, Hazlewood was treated with disdain during the series opener before bouncing back in Auckland on Friday.
The Bendemeer Bullet only conceded 12 runs during a superb four-over spell in the second T20, which included a maiden in the Powerplay.
SPENCER JOHNSON — 7
One wicket at 10.00
BB 1-10, ER 5.00
Johnson only bowled two overs against New Zealand this week, but it was enthralling viewing.
Pace, bounce, swing. It’s like watching a young Mitchell Johnson at full flight.
He’s a seriously exciting prospect for Australian cricket and would be desperately unlucky to miss out on a spot in Australia’s T20 World Cup squad.
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