Steven Smith: Australia failed to adapt themselves to New Zealand conditions during 1st ODI

Australia suffered a 159-run loss against New Zealand in the first ODI at Auckland.

Wellington: Australia captain Steven Smith has admitted that his side failed to adapt themselves to the New Zealand conditions during their devastating 159-run loss to the hosts in the opening One-Day International (ODI) of the three-match Chappell-Hadlee series at Eden Park on Wednesday. The visiting skipper said that Australia need to quickly bounce back from their ‘disappointing start to the tour’ and also urged his side to spend more time at the crease in order to adjust to the conditions and subsequently accelerate towards the end, Stuff.co.nz reported. Chasing a daunting target of 308 for victory, Australian top-order batsmen failed miserably as they were reeling at 41 for six in the ninth over before a counter-attacking 79-run seventh-wicket stand between James Faulkner (36) and wicketkeeper Matthew Wade (37) kept the slightest glimmer of hope alive for the visitors. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: New Zealand vs Australia 2015-16, 1st ODI at Auckland

However, tail-enders collapsed immediately following the dismissal of Wade with pace duo of Trent Boult and Matt Henry sharing six wickets between themselves. Earlier, New Zealand made 307 for eight in their stipulated 50 overs, thanks to openers Martin Guptill (90), Henry Nicholls (61) and Brendon McCullum (41). The two sides will play their second ODI of the series in Wellington on Saturday. FULL CRICKET UPDATES: New Zealand vs Australia 2015-16, 1st ODI at Auckland

Smith has defended their decision to ignore Usman Khawaja for the first ODI. Australia and New Zealand resume their rivalry in the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy 2015-16 for a three-match One-Day International (ODI) series on Wednesday. Australia surprised many when they went ahead with Shaun Marsh and ignored Khawaja, including the opposition captain McCullum.

Smith told Cricket Australia (CA) website, “Shaun has been in the squad, he played well in Australia, and I think he deserves the first opportunity so he is going to get that out here tomorrow.”

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