Mitch Marsh showed incredible temperament and technique on Saturday, soaking up plenty of pressure to level the trans-Tasman one-day series in Wellington.
Most of it came courtesy of Australia’s sputtering chase that followed New Zealand’s total of 9-281.
But there was also the distraction of an Indian Premier League auction, with Marsh finding out he’d been bought for $1 million shortly before walking out to bat after a collapse of 4-22.
The 24-year-old guided his side from 4-114 to 6-283, finishing 69 not out to secure a four-wicket win with 21 deliveries remaining.
More cricket:
» Matthew Wade must not be picked for the World T20
» The Liebke Ratings: New Zealand vs Australia second ODI
» John Hastings’ blood is worth bottling
» Marsh delivers series-levelling ODI win
» Scorecard: New Zealand vs Australia second ODI
» Watch: Second ODI highlights
Marsh revealed he had to mentally block out the IPL bonanza thanks to an unwanted spoiler.
“I was waiting to bat and some bloke yelled out to me in the crowd `well done you’ve just gone for a million dollars’,” the allrounder said.
“I didn’t really believe him.
“(Brother Shaun Marsh) came and sat next to me with a little grin and gave me a little nudge so then I found out.
“I was really happy I was able to block that out and really focus on the game … your bank balance doesn’t give you runs.”
Australia were outclassed in every facet of the game in a 159-run loss in Auckland last Wednesday.
David Warner led the visitors’ response in game two with a knock of 98, while Marsh ensured Monday’s series finale in Hamilton will be a decider.
Marsh served as ‘The Finisher’ in the absence of injured allrounder James Faulkner, having also snared two wickets and a catch on a productive day.
The visitors batted, bowled and fielded a lot better at Westpac Stadium compared to Eden Park, giving them hope of making it eight straight ODI series wins.
Usman Khawaja’s recall was a success, his 122-run opening partnership with Warner was dynamic and came off just 97 balls.
But there were still plenty of concerning moments for skipper Steve Smith, who was out for two and dropped a tough catch that cost 28 runs.
At the top of that list was another chaotic collapse.
The run-rate stalled and victory looked anything but assured as Khawaja, Smith, George Bailey and Glenn Maxwell fell in 6.1 overs.
“Eden Park,” Marsh said of his thoughts after Maxwell chopped on.
“We were in a bit of strife.
“Any time when you bat in an international game you’re under pressure.
“You’ve got to knuckle down.”
The visitors steadied before another dramatic slump.
Warner was denied his first ODI century on foreign soil by the Decision Review System, with the Blackcaps successfully referring a Mitchell Santner lbw shout.
Matthew Wade was out two overs later, victim to a leaping one-handed catch in the deep from Adam Milne that left all 22,107 fans at the ground astonished.
The 36th over was the turning point, with 18 runs coming from it including three Marsh boundaries.
The victory equation was 62 runs off 84 deliveries at that point, allowing Marsh and John Hastings to power home in an unbeaten 86-run stand.
“They played well and deserves to win. It was a good partnership,” Santner said.
Download the app NOW to make sure you never miss a must-see sporting moment.
The Roar TV – it’s your sports video.
Don Freo
Guest
What? Defense of what? Where is SOK in this thread? You've lost me here.
VivGilchrist
Guest
Isn't that your defence regarding anything related to SOK, Don?
Anwar
Guest
Key thing for me is how well Khawaja batted and how he looks like he belongs there and him and Warner bat very we'll Togethet
Dutski
Roar Guru
Just stirring Don. I actually agree that the caption was unnecessary.
Pom in Oz
Roar Guru
I think Amith is of Indian heritage, which proves my point. Thank you ;)
Don Freo
Guest
It's not funny in Oz...as you can tell from the comments on this thread.
Pom in Oz
Roar Guru
Well it's funny in Oz too. That's because Aussies share the same sense of humour as their Pommy forefathers. Of course, you wouldn't understand that, Dutchy...
DingoGray
Roar Guru
hats of for Mitch. Really starting to make a significant impact. I'm more than happy to being wrong.... Like him to now transition this to the Red Ball arena too! We need you large this series.
mattyb
Guest
Another masterful display by our knowledgeable title writers at the roar. Can pin this one beside the misspelling of Jeff Thomson's name in a previous video. Has that been fixed yet? Pretty poor stuff this,again.
Don Freo
Guest
Maybe that's funny in the seedy pubs of England...but it is a horrible trait here. You could learn from that too, Dutski.
Bearfax
Guest
Finally Mitch is beginning to show that talented batting prowess at the international level. I just hope he can bring across that skill to the test arena. Well done Mitch.
Pom in Oz
Roar Guru
LMAO...that's funny (and true)! Where's your sense of humour?
The Prize_Man
Roar Pro
Great innings from marsh. looks to have gained some confidence from the good hundred against india and going big in the ipl auction. Now we can just hope he keeps improving and turns into the player Don Freo thinks he is.
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
My post is probably more stringent than it would if I wrote it now at breakfast time, rather than as a postscript to a night out on heavy spirits. As for the humour of the video title, it might miss that mark a bit, it seems a bit like making an ironic race-based joke to a room full of racists.
Dutski
Roar Guru
I'd sign a petition to have the caption changed. Replace 'because' with 'and' for the sake of accuracy and fairness.
Don Freo
Guest
Hard to know. The video didn't / wouldn't load so I only have the title to go on. I'd accept your position, Ronan, if it had the byline of Dale or Ben attached to it...but there is no suggestion of satire.
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
There's some "hysteria" here all right. Given the wave of Khawaja-worshipping among Roarers the past few weeks, the video title strikes me as a clear joke. Calm down chaps.
spruiker
Guest
Keep backing it up Mitch and we all will be happy
Amith
Guest
Khawaja looked great, him and warner bat very well together but i agree you can't put another bloke down, marsh is still a good batsman
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
Absolutely, from any sort of logic Khawaja's innings had zero to do with Marsh. Does no one any credit but shows more than a touch of blinding bias. Typical of the moral hysteria that drives this cricket forum far too often.