OPINION: Woeful Aussies brought back to earth

Australia were flattered only by Marcus Stoinis' defiant century as New Zealand embarrassed the green-and-gold.

SMASHED: Even Mitchell Starc was hammered by New Zealand's batsmen. He finished with 1-59 from 10 overs. Picture: Mark Kolbe

OPINION: You had to have seen this loss coming.

Australia, hot on the heels of Test and One Day International series victories over Pakistan, was rudely brought back to earth by our Trans-Tasman neighbour.

Sure, we sent what I describe as a second string team to Eden Park, so we should have known New Zealand could flog us, but did anyone seriously expect this performance?

I don't expect Australia to win every game it plays, but I do hope that, after showing fine form a week earlier, our national side can produce a similar display.

Instead, it's back to square one with the reinforced belief Australia can't win limited overs matches without the likes of David Warner and Steve Smith.

New Zealand are not a side to be taken lightly.

Currently ranked fourth in One Day Internationals, New Zealand can jump to third with a series win.

Australia are supposed to be the best in the world, but judging on Monday's performance you wouldn't think they were anywhere near that level.

The bowlers let New Zealand get away. Martin Guptill's 61 aside, the Kiwis were on the ropes until Neil Broom (73) and James Neesham (48) were allowed to boost the side to 9-286.

The batsmen weren't much better. The top order were tissue-soft, as Marcus Stoinis launched the only defence (and almost got the result) through his unbeaten 146 from 117 balls.

They'll have two more cracks at the Kiwis, but I'd suggest backing the Southern Stars to get the job done in the T20I series.