Scotty shows us what he can do

An important win for NZ yesterday, psycholgically as much as anything. In the opening game of Australia's last full tour (2005), I recall how Hamish Marshall took them to the doorstep of victory only to let things slip away, and they never recovered, losing 5-0. This sets up the series nicely.

The game was won mainly because the bowlers pulled their weight - in the absence of Vettori, and later on, Oram - and kept Australia to 275, which is barely a par score at Napier. Also, thanks to messrs. McCullum and Ingram there was none of the top order wreckage which the Aussies are normally used to preying upon. I'm a bit concerned that the euphoria amid these two tight wins might lead to a bit of complacency; it was only last week that this happened. On the other hand, it represents a great comeback.

Scott Styris' excellent finishing contribution to the chase made it a particularly memorable game for him. The previous day, he had been told that he was wanted neither by the Deccan Chargers nor as a first-choice selection in NZ's lineup, so he was playing for his career as much as the victory. His face-off with the puerile Mitchell Johnson left a bad taste in the mouth, but it was a sign that the pressure had been turned right back on the Aussies, a little victory in itself.