New Zealand struggle in series finale
New Zealand's hopes of finishing the series with a consolation win took a hit in Wellington, where they were sent in and stumbled to 114 for 4 at the 25-over mark. Neither of the openers reached double figures, Shanan Stewart failed in his second match and Ross Taylor again threw his wicket away needlessly as Australia took a strong position aiming for a 4-1 series win.
At the halfway mark, Scott Styris loomed as a key man for New Zealand and he was well settled on 32 while Daniel Vettori had 16. After they had wobbled to 32 for 3, Styris and Taylor made promising progress in a 53-run partnership but not for the first time this series, Taylor's impatience brought his downfall as he aimed to lift his tempo.
He had worked his way to 30 from 55 balls and was keen to start finding the boundary when he walked at Shane Watson and played a premeditated pull that failed to clear the man at deep midwicket. It was a frustrating blow for New Zealand as Taylor played perfectly in to the hands of the Australians, who know that he is vulnerable if they can deny him fours and sixes.
The day had not started well for the home team as Ricky Ponting, who had not lost a toss all series, again called correctly and sent New Zealand in. Brendon McCullum departed for 1 from 13 deliveries when he backed away and tried to force through the off side off Clint McKay, who replaced Ryan Harris in Australia's team, but hit the ball straight to the man at cover.
Martin Guptill made 7 but was caught short attempting a quick single when his full-stretch dive narrowly failed to beat a direct hit from James Hopes at midwicket. A worrying start became even more of a concern for the hosts when Stewart (6) drove at Johnson and a regulation edge went through to Brad Haddin, who gave the crowd a shush signal after the fans had booed Johnson during his spell.
Although Australia picked up regular wickets they also struggled with their lines at times and 15 had come in wides, while there had also been two oversteps that brought free hits. The pitch played reasonably well but was a little two-paced, and New Zealand needed a steadying partnership to ensure a competitive total in the 250 region.
