Read the article of nBruce Reid's stunning hat-trick Stumps the New Zealand - Benson & Hedges World Series Cup one-day international tournament of the 13th ODI match played between New Zealand and Australia at Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney in 29th January 1986.
After being humiliated in Adelaide on Monday, the Australian cricket team was in desperate need of atonement. It came in two huge helpings at the Sydney Cricket Ground last night when they first transferred the embarrassment on to New Zealand, and then had the joy of a Bruce Reid hat-trick.
After being beaten by 206 runs by New Zealand in Adelaide, the Australians reversed the trend last night when they defeated them by 99 runs in their World Series Cup match.
While that was reason enough for regained confidence just a week before the start of the WSC finals, Reid's feat added extra excitement.
Reid joined the elite band of players to bowl a hat-trick when he gained the wickets of Bruce Blair 3, Ervin McSweeney, 1, and Stu Gillespie, 0, during the 42nd over.
Reid had Blair caught with the last ball of his eighth over, and most spectators had forgotten that dismissal by the time Reid snared McSweeney and Gillespie with the first two balls of his next. It appeared some of the Australian players were uncertain as well. When the feat was recorded on the electronic scoreboard a few minutes later Reid, the tall. laconic West Australian, received an enormous ovation.
All the Australian bowlers - particularly Reid (3-29), Simon Davis (3-25) and Craig McDer- mott (2-28) performed without fault, allowing NZ no leeway or comfort at the wicket.
Under such pressure New Zealand, chasing Australia's total of 7-239, were always bound to falter and after their best batsman, Martin Crowe, was dismissed early, they looked doomed.
Even though the odds were against him, all-rounder Richard Hadlee refused to falter late in the innings but he ran out of partners.
New Zealand's loss ensures the second spot in the finals will be decided in the last match between India and New Zealand in Launceston on Sunday. Australia have already guaranteed their finals spot. While the bowling glory went to Reid, the Man-of-the Match award was given to Australian opener David Boon.
Yet again Boon, 64, and fellow opener Geoff Marsh, 37, gave Australia a great start and ensured they would comfortably get at least 200 runs. For the fourth time in five matches at the SCG this season, Boon and Marsh shared a 50-plus opening partnership, ensuring they will be the main openers pair for the Australian tour to New Zealand next month.
The touring team will be announced today and is likely to involve the bluk of last night's team plus Greg Ritchie, with the option of another opening batsman or specialist wicket-keeper as the 13th member.
Dean Jones helped his chances of a touring berth with a meticulous innings of 53. Jones batted with great intelligence but was involved in two bad run-outs with captain Allan Border and Steve Waugh.