Australia have kicked off their ODI series against New Zealand in style thanks to a ripping Glenn Maxwell catch at backward point to dismiss New Zealand opener Martin Guptill.
The host nation won the toss and elected to bowl at Cazalys Stadium on Tuesday afternoon, forcing Guptill and partner Devon Conway to the crease.
The former mastered six runs from the first two balls of the day, but failed to trouble the scorers in his next 17 deliveries before his frustrations were met with a lifted shot in Maxwell's direction off Mitchell Starc's bowling.
An in-swinging delivery from the Australian pace bowler took the outside edge of Guptill's attempted on-drive, with Maxwell taking advantage of the opportunity with a fully-stretched dive to his left, plucking the white ball with one hand.
Brilliant bowl. Brilliant catch! 👏
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The fall of wicket came with New Zealand at just 10 runs from the opening 28 balls of the day, with Starc and Josh Hazlewood putting the clamps on the Kiwis' opening pair.
The dismissal of Guptill saw New Zealand captain Kane Williamson brought to the crease, with Conway and his skipper both currently on 6* for a team total of 1-26 in the series opener at the time of writing.
