Three things the Black Caps learnt at the SCG

Colin Munro breaks his bat during the Black Caps 1st ODI defeat to Australia in Sydney. Photosport

David Leggat looks at three things the Black Caps would have taken away from the opening ODI defeat to Australia in Sydney.

1: Keep the foot on Australia's throat

At 92 for four in the 21st over, Australia were in a spot. New Zealand had a big chance to put a squeeze on, but blew it. If Matt Henry had held a straightforward catch, flat at just above head height at deep mid off from Travis Head, it would have been 115 for five in the 25th over. Instead Steve Smith and Head put on 127. When Head departed to a brilliant return catch by Trent Boult, Australia were 219 for five in the 42nd over and the charge was on. Australia escaped, big time. New Zealand can't give Australia an even break. Wider lesson? Grab every chance that comes your way.

2: Bowling smarts

Where were the variations from the seamers? Sure Colin de Grandhomme induced inside edges with his medium pace seamers and came out of the innings okay. Boult was impressive until collared late on. New Zealand were unable to keep a tight enough rein and keep the batsmen guessing. In the end it became a slaughter of the predictable.

3: Take the chance

If a DRS call presents itself against the Australian captain or, say, David Warner early on, take it. It is worth the punt. Teams get one unsuccessful referral in this series. Maybe Kane Williamson was let down by those closest to the Smith lbw incident, who didn't roar 'go for it'. Without being too technical, it may be that as both Smith's pads were together when the ball struck, as opposed to one pad being clearly hit, it fuzzied the minds and thought processes as to exactly where it hit the pads. Either way they got it way wrong and it cost dearly. Williamson won't be hung out if they try for a prize scalp and it goes against them.