Pattinson takes apart Kiwis

Cricket


Debutant James Pattinson's five-wicket haul helped Australia to a dominant 9 wicket victory over New Zealand at the GABBA.

The Kiwis fell apart in the opening session, losing six wickets and quickly ending talks of a possible draw and especially a New Zealand win.

New Zealand managed just 150, setting Australian openers Dave Warner and Phil Hughes a tiny target of 19.

Hughes (7) was the only second innings casualty, as the Aussies took a one-nil series lead on the back of two Warner boundaries.

But all the talk was about one particular player.

"Whatever he had for dinner last night I want a bit of that," Warner said in regards to Pattinson.

"We needed to take some crucial wickets in that first hour, but I didn't think it'd become that easy."

Pattinson began his roll of wickets late yesterday with the removal of opener Brendon McCullum, before one three wicket maiden over sealed the result in early play this morning.

Fellow opener Guptill fell on the second ball of the over when a cramped block found its way to Usman Khawaja at short leg.

Consecutive deliveries had Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor gone for ducks when they both pushed the ball into the slips, and the hatrick delivery to Jesse Ryder almost cleaned up the big-hitting Kiwi.

Bracewell later fell to Pattinson for just 2, while Ryder's resistance ended on 36 when he scooped a Nathan Lyon delivery to mid off.

Australia were looking at an innings victory before the same combination that stalled the hosts in the first innings, Daniel Vettori and Dean Brownlie, did so again in the run-up to lunch.

The pairing put on 52 runs before Vettori clipped a Hussey ball to his captain at first slip to go for 17, leaving the visitors at 7/121 at lunch and still trailing the Australians by 11 runs.

Siddle picked up his only wicket in the second over after lunch when Brownlie lofted a shot to point and was removed for 42, then Southee (8) and Martin (0) were both caught off the bowling of Lyon.

Lyon's solid bowling performance which brought him three wickets was overshadowed, however, by the work of young Pattinson.

"It's a bit surreal obviously, getting the nod the day before," Pattinson said. "I had a few nerves running through the body first day, I just tried to stay settled today."

"I've had a few innigns at the GABBA where I haven't bowled too well, but I've had some success at Hobart so hopefully it continues down there."

New Zealand captain Ross Taylor was critical of his top order, including himself.

"We came here with high hopes. But the way James bowled then it just put us on the back foot.

"The top six (batsman) have got to put their hands up, there was some soft dismissals there. We can be a competitive side when we stick to the basics."

"James Pattinson, outstanding," said Australian captain Clarke.

"But our whole performance as a team was fantastic. I couldn't be happier with the start to the Summer."

One of the few concerns coming out of the match for the hosts will be the form of Phil Hughes, who looks certain to lose his spot in the Test side following two poor shows at bat.

The two sides will square off again at Bellerive Oval this Friday before the Australians begin their four match series against India on Boxing Day.