Ponting plays down win significance

"We can’t afford to get carried away with one win – it’s our first win in five or six games – and I still think there is some room for improvement," said Australian skipper Ricky Ponting.

"I thought we could have got a few more runs than we did. We lost two or three quick wickets through the middle of our innings, our fielding was a little bit sloppy, by no means was this a great performance. It was a good solid performance but I think we can improve for Adelaide," he added.

"There’s a little bit of relief and a little bit of joy that some of the hard work we’ve been putting in finally came through in our performance," he said.

"It’s been a really good result for us as far as confidence is concerned. Having a win under our belt will certainly bring a lot more confidence. It’s just good for the guys to get that winning feeling back around the dressing room. We will have a bit more of a spring in our step," skipper added.

"It’s come about from a few injuries. I was quite enjoying my role down at six and seven, closing out the game. Winning is more the main focus. If we didn’t get the result we were out of the series. It was more satisfying to get the win," said Brad Haddin, the keeper added.

"Getting off to the start we did with Brad and Michael was outstanding," he said.

"Any time you lose a game that’s the feeling in the camp," said New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori. "I thought it was a good total but a gettable one," he added.