McMillan defies Aussies as New Zealand make 218

SYDNEY, Jan 21 (Reuters) A defiant 89 by Craig McMillan helped New Zealand recover from a disastrous start to post a respectable total of 218 in today's fifth tri-series one-day international at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

McMillan slammed seven fours and three sixes in a superb display of power-hitting after Australia's fast bowlers had demolished the top order.

Stuart Clark captured four wickets to finish with career-best figures of 4-54 in a one-day international while Glenn McGrath bagged three, Brett Lee two and Nathan Bracken one.

New Zealand were in danger of finishing with a much lower score after losing their first two wickets before the total had reached double figures then slumping to 136-7 in the 37th over before McMillan began his rescue mission.

McMillan, whose international career seemed over when he lost his New Zealand contract last year, raced to his half-century off 64 balls in 96 minutes and posted his third highest before he was controversially dismissed 11 runs short of a century.

He was given out when he was caught and bowled by McGrath but stood his ground believing the delivery should have been called a no-ball but it was a waist-high full toss.

McMillan also shared in a 56-run stand with tailender James Franklin, who made a brisk 18 after the New Zealand top order had collapsed against an early Australian onslaught.

Nathan Astle and Hamish Marshall were both caught by wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist off Lee without scoring while Fleming (12) and Ross Taylor(26) both holed to Mike Hussey at mid-off off Clark.

Clark captures his third wicket when Peter Fulton edged to Matthew Hayden at slip for 19 then his fourth when Daniel Vettori fends a short ball straight to Ricky Ponting at second slip for six.

REUTERS PM PM1339