Australia’s one-day series against New Zealand began in explosive fashion on Wednesday with pace bowler Mitchell Johnson appearing to clash heads with Kiwi batsman Scott Styris in a mid-pitch confrontation.
A furious Johnson was led away from the equally fiery Styris by Australian players after the pair clashed at the end of the 46th over of the New Zealand innings, in which Styris had slogged two boundaries off Johnson’s bowling.
Chasing Australia’s 8-275 at Napier’s McLean Park in front of 8,257 fans, Styris was the hero with an unbeaten 49 from 34 balls to guide the Black Caps to a two-wicket win with four deliveries to spare.
A pumped-up Styris, who was recalled for the injured Daniel Vettori, hit Doug Bollinger (2-58) for six to clinch the win.
Man-of-the-match Ross Taylor, who was acting captain with Vettori absent because of a neck strain, top-scored with a fine 70.
New Zealand’s innings began in fine fashion with Peter Ingram (41) and Brendon McCullum adding 76.
It took a brilliant catch by Mike Hussey running with the flight of the ball at mid-off to remove Ingram in the 12th over.
Bollinger struck a key blow when he had McCullum playing onto his stumps for 45.
When James Hopes removed Martin Guptill for nine, Australia had pegged back the early onslaught and the Kiwis were 3-106 in the 21st over.
Spinner Nathan Hauritz made a key breakthrough when wicketkeeper Brad Haddin juggled an outside edge to remove James Franklin (12) at 4-175.
Taylor’s dismissal to Shane Watson’s bowling as Hussey claimed another outfield catch sent the Kiwis into the final 10 overs needing 71 to win with five wickets in hand.
Bollinger soon had Neil Broom (19) heading back to the sheds and Daryl Tuffey (12) was bowled by Ryan Harris while Tim Southee was run out for two.
But New Zealand’s tail wagged all the way to victory with the crowd roaring.
Australia’s 8-275 came after the tourists peeled off 82 runs in the last 10 overs.
Hussey top-scored with a run-a-ball 59, falling in the 48th over when he was bowled by Kiwi pace spearhead Shane Bond (2-50).
Australia’s innings was built around a sixth-wicket partnership of 82 between Hussey and Hopes (33).
Opener Shane Watson continued his fabulous season with 45 off 31 balls and Ponting (33) and Cameron White (33) also got starts.
Game two is in Auckland on Saturday.
“I saw it, yeah. I was watching it from where I was fielding,” Ponting said of the Johnson-Styris clash.
“I’m not sure what led to it. I didn’t see any build-up.
“There was obviously something that happened.
“I rushed in as quickly as I could and separated them as quick as I could and we just tried to finish off the game well from there.”
Asked if the pair could face fines or possible suspensions from match referee Ranjan Madugalle of Sri Lanka, Ponting said he wasn’t sure.
“I’m sure they’ll be talking about it though,” Ponting added.
Styris said hitting the winning runs against Australia was a great feeling.
Asked if he had been head-butted by Johnson, Styris said: “He might have come quite close, I don’t know. He may have done.
“It was just a bit of friendly banter. He was trying to get into my head to get me out and I was trying to win the battle over him.
“There was nothing that you don’t see in most other international games.
“The Australians play good competitive cricket and I’d like to think that we will match them in that competitiveness.
“There wasn’t anything untoward I think out there. They were trying to win, we were trying to win.”
Styris confirmed that all-rounder Jacob Oram, who injured his knee while fielding during Australia’s innings, was padded up to bat at No.11 if required.
“Hopefully Dan’s back for the next game. I think Jacob (Oram) is having a scan tomorrow,” a jubilant skipper Taylor said.
Republican
Guest
In my defence all I will say is - Scape goated! Does this editor have allegiance to any particular 'nation' or am I simply imagining a double standard here?
MarkR
Guest
Ora & sometimes it's just sheer stupidity. ODI at Lancaster Park, saw a Kiwi lob a steel can at some English supporters who were on the embankment when England were doing well. He didn't throw it, just lobbed as the Poms were only 10 feet away. English bloke turns around & tells him 'that's a bit silly you can hurt someone with these things', handled it brilliantly & defused the situation nicely. Same match there were beer can fights of the top vs the bottom of the embankment i.e. throwing them as missiles. Now this was Kiwi on Kiwi & I've still got a scar on my head from where one hit me as I sat 1/2 smashed wondering why all these cans were hitting around me ! Nobs are nobs worldwide & poor spectator behaviour is nothing new. Previous year a school mate got bashed going home from a ODI( in Brissie where the Kiwis won, bashed because he was a Kiwi & on his own, he was 14 yrs old.
Onceinawhile
Guest
Knobs are everywhere, every country has them, but it does sadden me when I hear your stories, in particular about the Tah's fan, wouldda loved to get my hands on the bloke! as for the Pom.....Meh............... Just kiddin!
Ora
Roar Rookie
I have witnessed some atrocious sportsmanship in my time but none as bad as the English tourist having his flag set on fire by a disgrintled australian fan after the finals of the Commonwealth games 7's, all while the guy was wearing it like a cape. Not to mention the woman who had her head cut open by a disgruntled Warratahs fan who threw a bottle her way after the opposition (Blues) scored a try. In New Zealand I have seen people tip their drinks over opposition supporters and one guy had a bucket of yellow paint tipped over his BMW, I'm sure that there ae worse incidents but none that I have witnessed like those that I have mentioned,
MarkR
Guest
Zac, thanks for the clarification & I appreciate the effort you put into this excellent site.
Zac Zavos
Editor
Mark - comments within a post should be related to the article. When a comment comes in which simply attacks a person, code, or country - then it's not appropriate. We're working very hard to get rid of the 'other stuff' you refer to so don't assume that because someone has said something worse then it's ok. We receive over 15,000 comments each month on The Roar; it's what makes the site unique. So we rely on others to report comments. Thanks, Zac
MarkR
Guest
Zac - a serious question where's the line ? Comments from Ziontrain, Antogonist, JamesB , & Viscount Crouchback could all be perceived as hiving a dig at a country (even my comments about NZ & I'm a Kiwi). Repbulican went a bit over the top but nothing like some of the other stuff I've seen posted in the past. As I stated, a serious question so for once I'm not trying to be a windup. Cheers Mark.
Zac Zavos
Editor
Republican - I'm not sure what's confusing to you about our comments policy, but having a dig at another nation is not appropriate on The Roar. All future comments along these lines will be deleted. A reminder to all Roarers to please report comments and cheer down inappropriate ones so only informed, respectful and on-topic sports debate is seen on The Roar. Thanks, Zac The Roar
MarkR
Guest
Repub, one thing Kiwis excel at is the self righteous indignation, but to say Kiwi supporters are worse than Ozzie, mate you're dreaming.
MarkR
Guest
Hahaha Repub, no it's more like you can never beat the Ozzie cricket team, only score more runs than them. I've been to cricket games in both countries & would say it's a line ball call who's the worse supporters. Although the Kiwis will admit when they've been beaten by a better team.
Republican
Guest
No I'm an Australian Ziontrain.
Darwin hammer
Roar Rookie
Aussie, aussie, aussie, oi, oi, oi ... eh repub - god you're a tiresome troll
Ziontrain
Guest
Republican, your not a Librarian by any chance are you?
Republican
Guest
I wondered how long it would be before we were subjected to the predictable Kiwi whinge - cringe of pre historic like proportions ref to the' Underarm' and Australias supposed predisposition for poor sportsmannship. It's as if NZ'ers go looking for ammo in order to hate more, it brings out the best in them I guess. You would think that bad sports person ship for the P.C amongst us, was never practised in NZ. I know it is truely alive and well, having been exposed to Kiwi spectators both here and in NZ. They really are a bitter and twisted collective of anti Australian vitriol - to be sure. Next, a sanctimonious barrage covering everything from our alliance with the USA to our treatment of our indigenous? Pure as the driven snow you Kiwis and how ironic that we continue to indulge you your mercenary ways, in piggy backing on all that is expediently advantageous to you. Enjoy your spoils, while they last.
Jameswm
Guest
Whiteline He's a good leg spinner - he lands them pretty consistently, gets some turn (not like Warnie - yet), has a good flipper. He needs more bowling and experience, and frankly more tutelage from Warnie - not the odd hour every few months. As for the incident - maybe technically a heat butt but it was never done to hurt the other guy (how could he when the other guy had a helmet on?) - it's not like he cocked his nick back, it was more he just kept walking to Styris until their heads were touching. Johnson's normally a more laid back sort of bloke. Anyway, the Aussies just have to play better. 270 was never enough on that ground, and they wasted that start. Why don't they send Warner over to open with Watto and bat Haddin at 7? Warner Watson Ponting Clarke I guess White MHussey Haddin There's your obvious top 7.
elbusto
Guest
I have to admit I did not watch this game and I have not watched a one dayer this year. I saw the incident betweenn Styris and Johnson on the news and thought it was not much of anything. The media enjoyed it though. The fact that this game was obviously a ripper may mean I watch the next one. I love Aussie Kiwi stoushes and the incident between the players may do something to reignite some passion in these games from a TV Viewers point of view. I liked Ponting's reaction - got that glint in his eye - he knows its on for one and all - expect something special from him in the next two games. This Kiwi Team is a good one so good luck to them.
Viscount Crouchback
Guest
Am I reading this correctly? Mitchell Johnson attempted to head-butt Scott Styris? The mind boggles. Just how brutish do Australian cricketers have to become before the Australian administrators step in and hand out their own punishments? I can safely say that if an Englishman had done something like this, there would be uproar in the English press and the ECB would almost certainly step in and mete out its own stringent disciplinary measures. You chaps need to get your house in order. Like it or not, Australian cricketers bear the brunt of the responsibility for the brutalisation of Test cricket over the past few decades, and so you also bear the brunt of the responsiblity for putting things right. These things simply are not tolerated in other nations.
Campbell Watts
Guest
true enough Hammer - nice research! Kiwi's punching above their weight division again! GO BOYS!!
Campbell Watts
Guest
doesn't mean it was sporting!!
Campbell Watts
Guest
True to you name there! Ouch ;-)