New Zealand had come off a 4–0 loss in South Africa two months before, but in August they had defeated India to win the Videocon Tri-Series.

Australia's most recent result against a regular national team was a tie in the final of the NatWest Series with England.

From the last series, Jason Gillespie, Matthew Hayden and Darren Lehmann had been dropped by Australia, while Damien Martyn was out with injury and Glenn McGrath was rested.

Australia won the toss and chose to bat first, and made eight for 252 after Ricky Ponting and Simon Katich hit half-centuries, sharing a stand of 118.

As mentioned, Glenn McGrath was rested, but the replacement Stuart Clark performed sufficiently, taking three wickets in his seven overs as New Zealand lost eight batsmen in single figures.