The New Zealand cricket captain Ross Taylor has dedicated yesterday's drought-breaking test win over Australia to the long-suffering fans at home as an early Christmas present.
In one of the most remarkable test wins in their history, the Black Caps overcame the late withdrawal from the match of Daniel Vettori, the loss of a crucial toss, and three wickets in the opening 45 minutes, to win a pulsating match by just seven runs yesterday in Hobart.
New Zealand's hero of the hour was the 21 year old rookie pace bowler Doug Bracewell whose six wickets for 40 included Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke and Mike Hussey, and he took nine wickets in the match.
But his match-breaking spell wasn't enough to win the man of the match award.
In a Vodafone-sponsored mobile phone poll of the public, Bracewell received only 27 percent of the votes, while 58 percent went to the Australian opening batsman David Warner for his unbeaten 123 in only his third test.
Warner admitted his surprise on receiving the award.
The Black Caps next test is at home against Zimbabwe in late January, and they have three tests against South Africa at home in March.
Australia host India in their next test series starting on Boxing Day.
