The Aussie pace trio strike !

Our opinion that the Aussie bowling is indeed formidable was proved again as Tait and Watson shot out two NZ batsmen ! They hurled balls of fire and the NZ batsmen could not stand up to them.

It was said of the mighty Aus bowling that they may skittle out the opposition for either 50 or go on chasing 500. Their fast bowling is a treat to watch ! NZ were stunned, at 100/6, in the first 25 overs !

NZ are now 57/2 off 10 overs.

Aussies still bank on genuine fast bowling and the trio of Tait, Lee and Johnson, even on the subcontinental tracks.

With Watson and Krejza to support, the Kangaroo bowling is still great. India, who scored 350 plus against NZ and BD, could only muster 214 against them ( though it was a warm up match, but then warm up matches show us the pattern ).

All teams will have to confront this formidable trio and playing them well will become the mantra. The team which plays them well can go on to the finals.

We find that the Aussie batting is trying to recoup after the loss of stalwarts, Gilchrist and Hayden. They cannot be replaced easily.

Just imagine if Sachin and Sehwag retire in one year. It is difficult to get efficient replacements ! Same is the case with Australia, as Hayden and Gilchrist dominated world batting for years !

Ponting chose to bowl on overcast conditions on winning the toss. As overnight rain was there, Ponting expected the ball to swing which could aid his fast bowlers.

Vettori said he would have chosen batting, as bowling second suited his method. He is a spinner and a spinner likes to bowl after the track has been used by others. More spin likely in the 'second innings'.

NZ are now 73/5 ! Johnson struck twice, removing Franklin and Ryder. Tait shot out B McCullum and Styris !

Now NZ are all out for 26. Johnson took 4 wickets, Lee one, Tait three, Watson one and all rounder Smith, one.