Crowd trouble mars Eden Park cricket

A pitch invader is tackled during the match between New Zealand and Australia at Eden Park last night. Phil Walter / Getty Images

New Zealand Cricket's ability to protect opposition players from injury has again come under scrutiny following a series of security breaches during the one-day international between Australia and New Zealand last night.

Play was stopped for about 10 minutes during the match at Eden Park as trouble flared on the terraces.

Up to 40 people were evicted from the game and a further 10 people were arrested, all for behaviour offences. NZC officials were engaged in a debrief last night with the Eden Park Trust Board, the police and security staff.

Australian players were pelted with objects thrown from the stands.

Fast bowler Brett Lee said he was avoiding apples, oranges and lemons, but tennis balls and golf balls were also removed from the field.

At least five spectators entered the field of play while the match was in progress.

NZC marketing manager Peter Dwan said: "We are not satisfied with the crowd behaviour or our ability to manage it. It shouldn't have happened."

Dwan said NZC would respond to the recommendations from the debrief in time for the second one-day international at Wellington on Wednesday.

Australian captain Ricky Ponting issued the sober warning that during last season's tour, Wellington was the worst for missile throwing. Ponting stopped play for close to 10 minutes while umpires informed the match referee that more security was needed in front of the terraces.

"We don't want people in a position to be hurt," Ponting said.

Lee said, jokingly: "I'm a big fan of fruit but not that big."

- HERALD ON SUNDAY