McCullum predicts further hostilities with rival Australia at Eden Park

Kiwi wicketkeeper-batsman Brendon McCullum has predicted further hostilities with Trans-Tasman rival Australia when the two teams clash in the second of five one-day internationals of the Chappell-Hadlee series to be played at the Eden Park here tomorrow night.

''Australia is playing New Zealand, so it's always going to be testy,'' McCullum said.

''Both teams are playing for their countries, trying to win for their countries, and we're always going to have banter out in the middle. What we saw [between Johnson and Styris] was two guys who are extremely passionate trying to pull through for their country,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted him, as adding.

''Both players had a talking to from the match referee, so that might suggest it went a little bit too far, it probably bordered on just stepping over the mark, but once we get out there again I'm sure the fight will come to the fore in both teams again.

''I don't think it's a bad thing, to be honest. It shows everyone watching how much it means to us.''

Johnson was fined 60% of his match fee, and Styris was docked 30% of his, after both were charged by the ICC for two mid-pitch confrontations during New Zealand's victory at Napier.