Australia won 3-0 but the series was much more competitive than that scoreline suggests (Cricket Australia)

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About 11,000 people took the rare opportunity to watch international cricket in Cairns, as Australia beat New Zealand 3-0 to retain the Chappell Hadlee trophy.

The series concluded at Cazalys last night, with Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne combining for a match-winning partnership in difficult batting conditions.

Batting first, Australia was in trouble at 2-16, but the pair put on 118 to put the home side on track for a healthy total of 5-267 from 50 overs.

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New Zealand began well, getting to 49 before losing their first wicket, but three more followed quickly before the middle order pushed the run rate up and raised hope of a win.

But the Kiwis preserved wickets at the expense of the run rate, and were eventually bowled out in the final over for 242, 21 runs short of their target.

The series was a welcome return to Cairns for international cricket, first played here against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in 2003 and 2004.

Century maker Steve Smith said the Australians had enjoyed their time in the Far North.

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"The guys have enjoyed the hospitality, for sure.

“It’s been great to be able to bring some cricket up here and play a series against our friends across the ditch. It’s been good fun.”

 Smith said the Cairns pitches had served up some difficult batting conditions.

“It’s almost swimming between the flags, in a way.

“We saw the other day, every time anyone tried to play a shot, they just got out.

“So it was rein it in, rotate the strike, hit a bad ball if you get one, but don’t go searching for it.”

NZ skipper, Kane Williamson, said his team enjoyed its time in the Far North, despite the series result.

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“There’s been a number of challenges, a variety of surfaces, but on the whole, it’s been a pleasure to come over here for ten days and get out of the cold in New Zealand and defrost a little bit.”

It’s possible Cairns will host international cricket again in 2025 and 2026, with matches against South Africa and Afghanistan.

 

sport

Main points

  • Australia won the series 3-0
  • Both teams enjoyed playing in Cairns despite tough batting conditions
  • International cricket could return in 2025/26
It was lovely. The guys were heading out for dinner in the evenings and there was a good vibe around and people everywhere.
Steve Smith
Australian batsman
We’ve loved it in Cairns. The weather’s been great, and the team has really enjoyed their time here.
Kane Williamson
New Zealand Captain