Black Caps v Australia: Three moments that changed the game

Martin Guptill heads back to the dressing room. Photo / Photosport.co.nz

Three key moments which cost New Zealand any chance in the third ODI against Australia in Melbourne last night:

1: David Warner dropped on 18

Don't blame the catcher Henry Nicholls. He'd taken the first two catches to have Australia on the run at 11 for two when Warner tried to hook Lockie Ferguson behind square leg and didn't get all of the ball. It skied and Nicholls sprinted to get underneath it. He dived forward but couldn't hold it. Warner went on to 156. New Zealand totalled 147.

2: The captain departs

New Zealand had got to 74 for one with one ball left in the 14th over, and their two best batsmen were set. Then Kane Williamson fell lbw to a ball from left armer James Faulkner. He conferred with partner Martin Guptill and signalled for a referral, which showed the ball would have hit leg stump. Williamson was on his way and New Zealand were soon to follow rather quickly.

3: Guptill's demise

Even after Williamson was out, Guptill remained, the form batsman. He could have mounted an operation to get New Zealand over the line, with some help from his friends. But when Australia brought on the gentle off spin of Travis Head, Guptill slapped his first ball to cover where George Bailey reached up to clutch the catch. Two wickets in eight balls and it was too much for New Zealand to cope with. They finished up losing their last nine for 73 in a lame capitulation.