The Commonwealth Bank Series, 2006-07

At Melbourne, February 4, 2007 (day/night). Australia won by five wickets. Australia 4 pts. Toss: New Zealand.

Australia were under threat for the second time in three days before Ponting marked his return from a minor hip injury in a match-turning partnership with Hodge. New Zealand had given the bowlers further cause to worry ahead of the World Cup with another spirited display. Vincent collected his third consecutive half-century, and Fulton's composed 60 allowed the lower order to attack: they collected 71 from the final seven overs. Tait, whose top speed was recorded at 99mph, was the only fast bowler to escape punishment, and his one for 26 off ten overs was encouraging for the Australians. Franklin's dismissal of both openers stemmed the early run-rate, and the tension showed when Hodge, playing for his place after two cheap dismissals, scratched around. However, Ponting guided the 154-run stand, and Hodge grew increasingly fluent in front of his home crowd, turning a testing chase into a comfortable one. Speeding up after a careful start, Hodge needed a boundary to reach his first century, but his two runs through point ended the game and he was stuck on 99.

Man of the Match: R. T. Ponting. Attendance: 48,124.