Andrew Symonds effected two crucial run outs of the Marshall twins (Hamish & James) as Australia cruised to a 3-0 series victory at Auckland to triumph by 86 runs. The Aussies were favorites to win once they posted a challenging score of 264 after winning the toss. But Hamish Marshall looked in great touch, carrying on from where he left off at Wellington and James was just about starting to find his feet when Symonds' magical arm put paid to the Kiwi hopes. Taking first strike after Ponting called correctly, Australia were off to a flyer courtesy Darryl Tuffey, who conceded 25 runs in his first two overs that included a barrage of no-balls and wides. Simon Katich, opening the innings in the absence of Hayden, made good use of the opportunity as the openers took Australia to 68 without loss at the end of 10 overs.

Adam Gilchrist, who did not have a fruitful outing with the bat in the first two ODI's, got a start this time but failed to capitalise on it. The Aussie vice-captain was dismissed for 18 in a manner similar to his dismissal at Wellington. Katich was then joined by skipper Ponting. But a mix-up between the left hand-right hand pair meant the Aussie captain was run out for the second time in succession. Katich failed to respond to Ponting's call for a quick single, leaving the latter stranded halfway down the pitch.

Australia then plunged into deep trouble as Damien Martyn did not last too long and Katich too followed him soon after reaching his half-century. Both fell lbw to the guile of Daniel Vettori. The left-armer returned with impressive figures of 2-31 from his 10 overs. All hopes were now pinned on Symonds and Clarke. But this wasn't the ideal wicket for stroke-players. Symonds played a delivery on the rise from Mills that ended up safely in the hands of Michael Papps. Then began the now predictable Aussie fightback. Only this time there was a new star in the making. Mike Hussey, playing only his third ODI, joined Clarke and the duo took Australia to 264, mixing caution and aggression in the right proportions on way to their record unbeaten century stand.

The Kiwis kept things tight till the 40th over as the likes of Astle and McMillan chipped in with useful contributions. But Kyle Mills' 'slog over woes' continued as Hussey and Clarke took him to the cleaners. Both went on to register impressive half-centuries as Australia recovered from 128-5 to post a challenging target. Hussey's unbeaten 65 once again reiterates Australia's healthy bench-strength, which performs instantly whenever given an opportunity.

If New Zealand had to keep their hopes of winning the series alive, it was important for Fleming and Astle to see the team through to the 15-over mark without much damage. But Fleming's poor run of scores continued as he dragged one from Brett Lee onto the stumps. Michael Papps, brought into replace the enigmatic Matthew Sinclair, also did not last long. The fiery Lee struck the comeback man a couple of deadly blows on the helmet and he was back in the hut, retired hurt.

Astle and McMillan tried to do the repair work but did not succeed too much. The veteran Astle nicked a rising delivery from Kasprowicz outside off-stump straight into the safe gloves of Gilchrist, while McMillan perished in the deep going for a big shot off Symonds. Meanwhile, Hamish Marshall kept trying at the other end. He was joined by twin brother James making his debut. The debutant hit a couple of impressive strokes and looked like delivering something special in his first outing, when a terrible misunderstanding between the twins led to James' promising innings being cut short. Symonds was the hero for Asutralia scoring a direct hit. The burly all-rounder dealt New Zealand with the killer blow when only minutes later, he ran out Hamish Marshall who had just completed his half-century. The 'identical twins' were sadly dismissed in 'identical' fashion.
 

The Kiwis had their last hope in the form of Chris Cairns. But the big hitter seemed totally out of sorts. And a couple of big hits later, he too was gone caught by Hussey of Lee. Brad Hogg then wrapped up the tail, picking up three wickets with his innocuous left-armers. In the end, Australia won by a comfortable margin of 86 runs.
 

The Kiwis must be thoroughly disappointed at having put up such an insipid show after almost clinching the opening tie at Wellington. It is also an indicator of the wide gap between the No.1 and No.2 side in one-day cricket. With the series lost, it is now a matter of salvaging some pride for the Black Caps in the remaining two encounters. A couple of victories would be a good morale booster for the home side ahead of the tough Test series against the World Champions.