Fleming gives due credit to 'ruthless' Australia

<preform>Australia 575-8 dec &amp; 139-2 dec<BR> New Zealand 251 &amp; 250<BR> Australia win by 213 runs</preform>

The New Zealand captain, Stephen Fleming, was quick to praise Ricky Ponting's Australia side after the Black Caps were beaten by 213 runs in the second Test in Adelaide. Chasing 464 for victory, New Zealand were bowled out for 250 in their second innings.

The New Zealand captain, Stephen Fleming, was quick to praise Ricky Ponting's Australia side after the Black Caps were beaten by 213 runs in the second Test in Adelaide. Chasing 464 for victory, New Zealand were bowled out for 250 in their second innings.

"It's obviously very disappointing to lose the series 2-0," Fleming said. "Once again we've learned massive lessons. I haven't seen a bowling display or batting display as ruthless as that for some time."

Despite watching his side completely outplay the visitors in the two Test matches, the Australia coach, John Buchanan, felt the New Zealanders would be a much tougher prospect in the Chappell-Hadlee one-day series, which starts on Sunday.

"The weaknesses that they showed will be less at one-day level," Buchanan said.

Defeat was inevitable for the tourists after they lost four wickets before lunch on the fifth day to be 243 for nine, needing another 221 to win as they chased Australia's combined total of 714.

They lasted just six balls after lunch. Paul Wiseman added four more runs before Chris Martin was caught by Ponting at short leg to leave the Kiwis all out for 250.

Simon Katich, all-rounders Andrew Symonds and Shane Watson and the leg-spinner Brad Hogg were included in the Australian team for the limited-overs cricket series against New Zealand.

¿ Rahul Dravid led the way with 80 and India's middle-order batsmen were quick to lend support as the hosts finished the third day of the decisive second Test against South Africa on top. India closed on 359 for six, a lead of 54 on South Africa's first-innings of 305 all out.