NEW ZEALAND v AUSTRALIA 1981-82

At Dunedin, February 17. Australia won by six wickets. Injuries caused Reid and Troup to withdraw from the New Zealand team just before the start, bringing in Chatfield and Blair, a left-hand batsman from Otago. Although Thomson was no-balled ten times, the Australian bowling was much sharper than it had been in Auckland and made the most of a pitch with an erratic bounce on which New Zealand prospered only during a fifth wicket stand of 85 between Coney and Blair. With the pitch playing few tricks, Australia had a relatively simple task, though at 45 for four the game was still very much alive, Hadlee having dismissed Chappell and Hughes in successive overs. However, Laird, batting solidly, and Border, driving handsomely, shared an unbroken partnership of 115.

Man of the Match: A. R. Border.

Attendance: 15,000. Takings:£25,810.