Michael Slater: NZ crowds are the 'most savage'

New Zealand cricket crowds are amongst the most "savage" in the world and former Australian test opener Michael Slater warns it will be a mistake for the visitors to goad those spectators in the upcoming test series.

"I'm telling you it was the hardest place so if the Aussies want to go hard it will come thick and fast at them and they will be made to feel uncomfortable," he says.

"Your crowds are savage.

"If the Ausssies want to come out all barbed up, I've said to the audience, it is the hardest place to play in New Zealand I find."

Listen: Sir Richard Hadlee talks to the Crowd Goes Wild

The Seddon Park crowd booed Aussie captain Steve Smith as he gave his opinion on the controversial dismissal of all-rounder Mitchell Marsh in the final game of the Chappell-Hadlee series.

Bowler Matt Henry appealed cautiously for a caught and bowled and after discussions involving NZ captain Brendon McCullum, umpire Ian Gould and replays on the big screen plays, the third umpire was asked to review the incident.

The OUT decision ignited New Zealand's push for victory while the crowd increased their verbal attacks and taunts at the Australians.

"I look at it very simply. If you can tell me there was an appeal then I am fine with it," said Slater.

"If there wasn't an appeal then the rules of the game have been manipulated because that's all there is too it. If the umpires heard an appeal or there was a gesture that was an appeal then you can have a look at it."

Listen: ACC's live take on the great Marsh dismissal

The rules of cricket had always been if there was an appeal you had to consider it and the match officials had the ability to go upstairs and check.

"If they went on a crowd reaction because of the big screen I think the wrong decision has been made," Slater added.

Slater defended the Australians and suggested the current side were maligned for their behaviour. They were not the "attack dogs" in world cricket but carried that reputation because of their predecessors.

New Zealand under McCullum's leadership were playing their style of strong cricket and Australia would need to play well to beat them in the two test series starting at the Basin on Friday.