This is the final part of a three part series for the Australian Cricket Team.
After a very competitive test series, it was time for the Twenty20s and ODIs. The Australians were confident that they could bounce back after their 3rd test win.
First up were the T20s and Australia won both games easily. In the first game, Australia won by 52 runs in front of a massive crowd. There was one man who helped them gain that victory. The new sensation in David Warner. He hammered 89 from 43 balls which included 6 huge sixes into the MCG crowd. He was earmarked as a future one day superstar. A bit too soon one might think after his fall from grace later in the summer.
The 2nd T20 was at the Gabba and it was also the farewell to a legend. Matthew Hayden announced his retirement earlier in the day. He recieved a lap of honour which involved a lot of emotion as Queensland farewelled one of their own.
Australia comfortable chased down a target of 159 thanks to 53 from Mike Hussey and 40 from Cameron White. One of the highlights of the game was JP Duminy. He made 69, but it was his catch that had everyone amazed. Running back towards the boundary looking back over his head, he took a brilliant sliding catch which reminded everyone of Steve Waugh's ripper back at the MCG many years ago.
The first ODI was played at the MCG where Australia made a competitive total of 271. Shaun Marsh bounced back to form with a solid 79, while David Hussey made 52. Australia looked like they had the win when South Africa were 7/221. But Albie Morkel, captain Johan Botha and the help of a powerplay brought them home. The Australian's unable to combat Morkel's brilliant power where one of his shots went so far back that it went down one of the crowd tunnels.
Game 2 was much the same with Australia making 249 thanks to 78 from Shaun Marsh and 64 from Ricky Ponting. But this time the victors were Australia. South Africa left their chase too late, despite being able to hit the Australian bowlers to the boundary in the last 5 overs.
South Africa won the 3rd game comfortably with 3 overs to spare despite Warner's return to form with 69. Australia were thumped in game 4, making only 222 in the first innings and having it chased down with 12 overs to spare and 8 wickets in hand. The final game was Australia's chance to hold on to the World number 1 title. If they lost, South Africa became official World Number 1 in ODIs. South Africa made 288 and Australia could only manage 249 in reply, giving South Africa the new status as number 1 in the World.
New Zealand came over with a whole lot of confidence after witnessing Australia being thumped by the South Africans. The first game was a thriller. Australia batted first at the WACA and were bowled out for a low 188. But the Kiwis struggled in reply 4/64. But they were able to sneak home by 2 wickets thanks to a last ball boundary from Daniel Vettori.
Ricky Ponting was controversially rested for the 2nd game, drawing many criticisms from many saying that the captain should not be rested when the series is still alive. Shaun Marsh was also out of the series after injuring his hamstring. Michael Clarke and Brad Haddin were promoted up the order. Clarke made a very good 98 in Australia's modest total of 225. The Kiwis never looked threatened in the chase, reaching the target with an over and 6 wickets in hand.
Dave Warner was dropped for the 3rd ODI after some poor form. Brad Haddin became opener and made a superb 109 in Australia's 301 in the 3rd ODI at the SCG. Ricky Ponting was rushed back into the side and the Aussies won by 32 runs and kept the series alive despite a hundred from Grant Elliot.
Australia levelled the series at Adelaide, chasing down 244 set by the kiwis. The Hussey brothers helping Australia win the game with 79 for David and 75 for Michael.
The 5th ODI was sadly a rain affected one. The decider was reduced to 22 overs before being reduced again to 20 overs in New Zealands innings. Australia posted 168 after some awesome hitting from opener Brad Haddin and middle order batsman Callum Ferguson. Rain in the innings interval reduced the total to 156 from 20 overs. Australia were on track for a win, skittling the top and middle order to have them 6/73. But the game turned on its head when Guptill and Diamanti put on a big partnership. At 6/123 and with 6 overs left to make their total, rain fell again and this time the players could not get back on the field. Meaning that Australia tied the series at 2-2 and retaining the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy.
New Zealand went into the T20 talking it up as the unofficial decider. But it meant nothing as they fell just 1 run short in their chase and had to go home empty handed.
Australia Votes
Dave Warner 4/10 - Became the new golden boy after his whirlwind 89. Could only manage one more half century in his next 8 matches. Needs to learn a defensive side to his game.
Shaun Marsh 7/10 - Was good in the first 3 ODIs against South Africa before struggling later. Injured his hamstring against New Zealand.
Ricky Ponting 6/10 - Was good in the SA One Dayers, but struggled against New Zealand.
Michael Clarke 7/10 - Was injured for most of the SA series but came back well against New Zealand.
Michael Hussey 8/10 - Had a very good series. Played some crucial innings against New Zealand.
David Hussey 6/10 - Was dissapointing for most of the series against both teams. Played a couple of good innings.
Cameron White 3/10 - Was poor. Highlight was 40 in the 2nd T20 against South Africa.
Brad Haddin 8/10 - Was quiet for the first part of the one dayers, but played brilliantly when promoted to the top of the order.
James Hopes 7/10 - Bowled quite well, taking 12 wickets. Made a couple of handy contributions.
Mitchell Johnson 6/10 - Was economical in the NZ ODIs, and bowled well.
Ben Hilfenhaus 4/10 - Bowled poorly for the majority of the matches. Had 2 series that he'd rather forget.
Nathan Bracken 8/10 - He was brilliant for the series. Only had 1 or 2 poor games, but overall was very good at the death.
Shaun Tait 5/10 - Was disappointing. Seemed to be lacking fitness. Could only bowl in 2 over spells before he got tired or wayward.
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