Cam Green guides Australia out of dire straits in ODI win over New Zealand

Cameron Green and Alex Carey have steered Australia to an unlikely victory over New Zealand in their opening ODI in Cairns with the hosts languishing at 44-5 at one stage.

Chasing 233 to win, Australia’s innings under lights began abysmally when skipper Aaron Finch fell once again to a left-arm seamer, scoring just five for a second consecutive innings.

Trent Boult ripped through the top order grabbing Steve Smith next before trapping Marnus Labuschagne leg before wicket, as he snared three wickets, bowled 21 dot balls and conceded just 12 runs from his five-over spell.

When Matt Henry had David Warner caught on the boundary before Marcus Stoinis was clean bowled, Australia were in dire straits.

But Carey and Green played exquisitely, the left-armer using the pace of New Zealand’s seamers to guide the ball around while right-handed Green showed exceptional footwork navigating their spinners with his destructive sweep shot.

Their 158-run partnership ended in the 40th over when Carey played a pull shot into Henry’s hands and departed for 85 (99), with Glenn Maxwell soon following for two when he was caught on the boundary. Then Mitchell Starc fell cheaply and the Australians were in trouble again.

Green battled leg and calf cramps and needed work from the trainer as Australia sat at 207-8. As if the match didn’t have enough drama, it began to pour with the score 225-8. Adam Zampa smacked a four and the heavens opened, forcing the players from the field.

They departed for just three minutes before returning, needing four runs to win. Zampa took strike for Lochie Ferguson’s over, the paceman bowled a wide and Australia went 1-0 up in the series following Greens’ undefeated 89.

Earlier, Maxwell claimed four wickets amid his