Sunday was the 28th anniversary of “the under arm incident”. One of the most notorious incidents in trans-Tasman relationships. Not many realise, but it was a day that very nearly brought the Antipodean super powers to nuclear war. Only some agile diplomatic dancing by a young Derryn Hinch, Richie Benaud and Sir Edmond Hillary saved the day.

On Sunday night, the scene was set. One ball remaining and a single for victory. Any captain with a sense of class, a sense of history or sense of humour would have order Bracken to delivery that last delivery along the deck. But not Ricky – he ordered a stock, standard military medium, which was duly carved through, not over, a packed off side field.

There was no under arm last night but the Australian cricket team continues to stink. They were the beneficiaries of a lousy decision, they tried cheating (Broom was cruelly swept aside by Haddin’s errant glove work) and still could not prevail. It is hard to contemplate just how far and rapidly the mighty have fallen. It is also interesting to note that Sunday was New Zealand’s first win in Perth for 28 years. In fact, Perth has become an unhappy location for Australia. They have lost their last two Tests there and their last two one dayers.

Can Australia stop the rot? Can New Zealand retain the Chappell-Hadlee Underarm Trophy? Will the Australian selectors use their brains and select one of the world’s inform batsmen (Simon Katich)? Does anyone really care?