"All the players and all the Australian public were looking forward to this final-type game today," said Australian  captain Ricky Ponting.

"We were lucky to get out there and get a game under way and as it was unfolding it was turning out into a very good game.

"It was getting down to the last few overs to determine the game and the series so it was a disappointing way to finish what has been a hard-fought and close series."

Daniel Vettori said: "It would have been great to see it play out. I think the powerplays would have dictated the result, if we had of been able to get some runs there then we probably would have been able to get the result and if Australia take wickets it would have been tough to come from that.

"I think everyone would have liked to have seen it played out, but unfortunately it wasn’t to be."

He said: "We had an interesting start to our batting getting away so quickly but losing all of those wickets. After that it was going to be tough but a wonderful partnership between two relatively new guys in Martin Guptill and Brendon Diamanti helped.

"It gives us competition for places with guys like Styris, Oram and Ryder coming back into contention for the India series. It’s nice for the selectors to have some decisions to make."

"Callum has fitted in beautifully, he’s played very well every time he’s had an opportunity," said ponting.

"He seems to have a lot of composure and poise. I thought he handled the situation this afternoon was very, very good.

"We’ve had a number of positive to come out of the series, but I still think we’ve got a fair way to go yet before we play anywhere near our best."