Aus v NZ: how much does Aus' Cricket WC Cup loss to Black Cap matters

The Kiwis may have gained a psychological advantage over their neighbours across the Tasman after causing a dramatic Aussie bating collapse but that was somewhat negated by the Black Caps’ own batting wobbles late on at Eden Park.

To help Australian fans console themselves, here are five reasons why Saturday’s result doesn’t really matter.

1. It wasn’t the final

If Australia is losing sleep over this one they don’t know the World Cup format. Nothing matters until the quarter-finals.

2. Australia landed the bigger blow

Michael Clarke’s team left with bruised egos, but the mark left on Brendon McCullum’s forearm could be far more significant in the final wash-up. New Zealand can’t afford to lose their No.1 matchwinner.

3. If we meet again, it will probably be at the MCG

Australia would have to lose to Sri Lanka next week in Sydney to be forced into an Eden Park return for the semi-finals. That’s not impossible but the more likely scenario is an Australia v New Zealand final – with the Black Caps taken out of their comfort zone at the MCG.

4. We needed a wake-up call

Who can blame Australia for falling asleep since their last game two weeks ago? They weren’t the only ones nodding off. A bit of rust was understandable and it could be the wake-up call Clarke’s side needed. Better off getting it out of the road now.


1. It wasn’t the final

If Australia is losing sleep over this one they don’t know the World Cup format. Nothing matters until the quarter-finals.

MATCH CENTRE: CLICK HERE FOR FULL SCORECARD AND EXTENSIVE STATS

BIG MOMENTS: STUNNING STARC, SUPER SIX, WASTEFUL WATTO

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KIWI WIZARD SPINS SPELL OVER OZ


Six sinks Australia's hopes0:52
2. Australia landed the bigger blow

Michael Clarke’s team left with bruised egos, but the mark left on Brendon McCullum’s forearm could be far more significant in the final wash-up. New Zealand can’t afford to lose their No.1 matchwinner.

Johnson strikes McCullum 0:55
3. If we meet again, it will probably be at the MCG

Australia would have to lose to Sri Lanka next week in Sydney to be forced into an Eden Park return for the semi-finals. That’s not impossible but the more likely scenario is an Australia v New Zealand final – with the Black Caps taken out of their comfort zone at the MCG.


Australia captain Michael Clarke and Brad Haddin assess the situation. Picture: Phil Hillyard. Source: News Corp Australia
4. We needed a wake-up call

Who can blame Australia for falling asleep since their last game two weeks ago? They weren’t the only ones nodding off. A bit of rust was understandable and it could be the wake-up call Clarke’s side needed. Better off getting it out of the road now.

Starc's sensational 6/28 1:02
5. Mitchell Starc is the best bowler in the World Cup

Starc’s emphatic six-wicket haul was remarkable stuff and got Australia within one more scalp of one of the most incredible turnarounds ever. Starc has stepped up as a genuine superstar with the white ball and in many ways has surpassed Mitchell Johnson as the key man in the attack. If Australia can almost defend 151, they can beat anyone this World Cup.

m.foxsports.com.au/cricket/icc-world-cup...frf3ju-1227243036373

I think this loss to New Zealand will only make Australia stronger and make them more determine to win. I still think they will win the world cup unless India improves from the last time they meet Australia.

I think it was during the 1999 world cup that Australia were often one loss away from elimination, yet they went on to take the title. So you're right, in the grand scheme of things this result doesn't mean very much.

Perhaps the most significant thing is that it's proved that both teams have batting line-ups which are vulnerable under pressure, so I wouldn't say that either could be regarded as a clear favourite to win the title. If anything the team that's looking most consistent at the moment is India, but it only takes one bad game and that could change.

I'm so glad that this world cup isn't as predictable as 2003 and 2007, when the Aussies really were unbeatable.

Depending on how the chips fall it could well be a return to Eden Park for the two teams ... couldn't it?  :-\

Kane Williamson Lash Pat Cummins back over his head to win the match, and the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy with it :

more than 40,000 stomachs unknotted at Eden Park :

and even this most staid of cricketers allowed himself a fist-pump to celebrate.


Never in Australia history had they been dismissed in an ODI by a team using only three bowlers

The fans that packed Eden Park were bristling from the onset.

As loudly as they cheered on New Zealand at every chance, they booed Australia.

And not just David Warner, who sometimes asks for it, but even Michael Clarke:

who had spoken so genially about McCullum's team and country on the eve of the game. :


They booed incoming batsmen, and send-offs were severe.