Australia take a clean sweep of home leg

Australia thrashed New Zealand by 57 runs at the MCG today to take a clean sweep of the home leg of the women's one day cricket international series.

The Kiwis never got their run rate above three an over and lost 6-21 halfway through the innings to finish with 8-137 from 50 overs.

The Australian bowlers, led by medium-pacer Julie Hayes who took a career best 3-17 off 10 overs, made the most of an inconsistent pitch.

Today's match was only the second women's one day international played at the MCG and the first since 1988 when Australia defeated England in the World Cup final.

While few were on hand to watch today's match, Australian captain Belinda Clark told her team to try not to be distracted by the setting.

"I tried to tell them not to think about it with all the atmosphere of the ground, but I did see a few minds wandering and people looking around the place," she said.

It was Australia's third straight win over the 2000 World Cup winners but Clark said her team was committed to looking ahead rather than dwell on that narrow loss 15 months ago.

"Although I still remember aspects of the `93 World Cup where we didn't make the final I am sure the scars will be there for quite a while, but that's not a bad thing because it keeps you focused on what you are doing," she said.

Clark and opening partner Lisa Keightley put on 63 before vice captain Karen Rolton lifted the tempo, top scoring with 44 off 59 balls.

Haidee Tiffen was the pick of New Zealand's bowlers with 4-43.

Despite losing late wickets, Australia's total was always a tough ask for the Kiwis especially after Cathryn Fitzpatrick conceded just eight runs in her first seven overs.

Both teams will fly to New Zealand tomorrow with the remaining three matches in the Rose Bowl series to be played in Lincoln, just outside Christchurch, early next month.