New Zealand versus Australia one-day international

Another close game today - Vettorri hitting 70 .

Yes, another brave performance. But losing too many top order batsmen for few runs was the killer for us. Ross Taylor's absence didn't help, and neither did Vettori's refusal to use the batting power earlier in the innings. But I particularly enjoyed the Australian fielding performance; at times it looked as though Australia had selected Charlie Cairoli: overthrows, misfields and half-hearted attempts. And whilst I acknowldge that our trans-Tasman cousins are not renowned for their intellectual prowess, Mitchell Johnson takes the term 'idiot' to a new level: After losing 60% of his match fee for headbutting Styris in the first match (Styris was wearing a helmet), he decided to bowl his first ball at the Styris in this match so short that it sailed over the diminuitive batsman and then cleared Haddin and went for four wides. It seems that Ponting isn't too smart either; the radio has just reported that he says he is happy for Johnson to continue his light-hearted banter with the Kiwi crowd; since when has chanting that someone enjoys self-abuse been light heated banter?

I hope Tuesday's match is a good one too. I'll be there offering 'advice' to the Ockers. Has anyone any suggestions as to what I may advise Ryan Harris to do? 

Athough the fourth one day match was a bit of a damp squid, the fifth is turning out to be a thriller.

New Zealand 241 for 9; Australia are 144 for 5 off 38 needing more than 8 an over.

Commentary here:

http://www.radiosport.co.nz/listenlive/

It'll come up after the NZ Herald advert.

It's more exciting than the Test Match.