The Australians were playing to rub it in, their opponents purely for pride.

Sadly, there was nothing the home team could feel proud about in the fourth one-day international at Wellington.

Put in to bat on a competitive pitch, the New Zealand batsmen got off to starts, all of them, but could not consolidate. When you give the Kangaroos an inch, they take a mile, and the Kiwis learnt it the hard way for the fourth time in the series.

A final score of 235 in 50 overs was never going to worry the reigning world champions. The professionalism of the Aussies was reflected in their response. The top four batsmen passed 40, and shut the door on their opponents. Their opportunistic streak was there for everyone to behold and marvel at. Simon Katich, given a chance to open the innings in place of the off-colour Hayden, outscored and 'outhit' Gilchrist (no mean achievement) in a belligerent opening stand that realized 78 runs in ten overs. Martyn and Symonds were unruffled and unhurried, and 'Pup' Michael Clarke applied the finishing touches. Needless to say, Ricky Ponting's absence was not felt.

Stand-in skipper Adam Gilchrist received the Man of the Match for his 54 off only 37 balls. For him and his team, it was just another day in the office.

For their opponents, it was time to take stock of what they were doing wrong. A 0-4 scoreline has not quite justified the claims of many Kiwis that theirs is the second-best team in world cricket. They need to get their house in order, and fast, for the Test matches are to begin soon. Having said that, the question is - Are they really out of sorts? Are they facing any problem, except for the fact that they are playing Australia?

Inzamam and Co, what say you?