08 February, 2009

Australia has kept the Commonwealth Bank one-day series alive after defeating a courageous New Zealand by 32 runs in game three at the SCG.

Set a massive 302 to win their third straight match against Australia, the Black Caps looked dead and buried when they slumped to 7-183 in the 37th over.

But a frenetic 69–run union between century-maker Grant Elliott (115) and Brendon McCullum (36), batting with a serious shoulder injury, threatened to steal the match.

Elliott's dismissal in the 45th over ended the New Zealand fightback, allowing a relieved Australia to claim a desperately-needed victory after five successive defeats.

The Kiwis, bowled out for 269 in the 48th over, lead the series 2-1 heading into game four in Adelaide on Tuesday.

But the visitors are unlikely to have the services of keeper-batsman McCullum, who was struck by a rearing delivery from Kyle Mills while standing up to the stumps during the Australian innings.

He bravely played on, batting in obvious pain, and will undergo scans on Monday.

Back-up wicket-keeper Gareth Hopkins will fly over from New Zealand to join the squad ahead of Tuesday's game.

McCullum's injury added to a testing night for the Kiwis, who struggled to keep pace with Australia for most of the match after winning the toss and asking their hosts to bat.

Brad Haddin's first century at one-day international level underpinned Australia's imposing target, the Black Caps' chase beginning poorly.

After sliding to 2-16 in the sixth over after losing Martin Guptill (six) and Ross Taylor (four), Elliott and Peter Fulton (40) repaired some of the early damage with a stand of 80 for the third wicket.

But Fulton's departure just before the halfway mark put the Black Caps back behind the eight ball.

Wickets continued to tumble at regular intervals – Neil Broom (15), Mills (two), Daniel Vettori (two) and Tim Southee (17) departing in quick succession.

Elliott and McCullum, batting at No 9 due to his injury, gave Australia a massive scare before James Hopes (2-49) returned to the attack to remove Elliott, caught at deep mid-wicket by Michael Hussey.

The South African-born Elliott faced 124 balls in peeling off his first one-day international ton, striking eight boundaries.

McCullum perished soon after to extinguish any thought of a cricketing miracle.

Earlier in the day, Haddin blasted eight fours and three sixes in an entertaining 114-ball stay to give the hosts every chance of keeping the series alive after they dropped the opening two matches.

Haddin, promoted to the top of the order, raised his arms in triumph after bringing up the three figures with a sharp single.


He was eventually dismissed in the 38th over, run out by rival gloveman Brendon McCullum after attempting to pinch a single.

A bright 62-run partnership between Callum Ferguson (28 off 23 balls) and Michael Hussey (51 off 32) late in the innings ensured Australia topped 300.

"It was very special to get the opportunity to open (and) great to get one (a century) out there today," Haddin said after his dig.