Australia copped a hammering on the field in the opening one-day international against New Zealand – and the reaction on social media was equally unpleasant.

The visitors made a disastrous start to their tour over the ditch, suffering a massive 159-run loss to a rampant Black Caps outfit.

After the home side cracked 8-307 thanks to Martin Guptill (90 off 76 balls) and Henry Nicholls (61 off 67), Australia wilted almost immediately, losing its first six wickets for 41 runs before eventually being bowled out for just 148.

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It was the shortest innings in Australian ODI history – only 146 balls and the first time that Australia have not reached 25 overs in the 50-over format.

But the final score was not the only talking point out of the match.

Disgruntled Aussie fans took aim at the wisdom of selectors in leaving in-form batsman Usman Khawaja out of the squad.

Usman Khawaja carries the drinks in Wednesday’s match after he was overlooked by selectors. Photo: Getty

“If selectors want to know who Khawaja could replace in the squad, my suggestion would be ‘everyone’,” one Twitter user wrote.

“When is Usman in?” another said.

Khawaja carried the drinks in the series-opening ODI, despite scoring 863 runs at 123.29 in all forms of cricket since the start of November.

Earlier on Wednesday, former Australian opener Michael Slater indicated the future of Australian selector Rod Marsh should be reconsidered.

“It’s a joke, it’s a joke and the pressure that should be mounting on Rod Marsh,” Slater told the Big Sports Breakfast on Sky Sports Radio.

“There’s no great planning when it comes to some selections and there is no great logic when they leave someone out like Khawaja. So Rod Marsh should be in the sights.”

Khawaja was originally left out of Australia’s squad for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, with Marsh reasoning no batsman from the recent home series against India deserved to be dropped.

Wednesday’s loss was Australia’s fourth since coach Darren Lehmann was hospitalised indefinitely after being diagnosed with DVT.

“I’d like to forget tonight’s game, to be perfectly honest,” dejected captain Steve Smith said after Wednesday’s defeat.

“We’ve got to turn it around quickly.

“It was a disappointing start to the tour.”

Watching the highlights #NZvAUS
I guess we’ll see the entire Australian second innings?

— Jason Gunn (@jasegunn) February 3, 2016

Well played @skysportnz, ending with a slow motion montage of Australian wickets to the tune of Don’t Dream it’s Over… #burn #NZvAUS

— Brett McKay (@BMcSport) February 3, 2016

Turns out Usman Khawaja has spent considerably more time in the middle running drinks than any of the batsmen… #NZvAUS — Sportsbet.com.au (@sportsbetcomau) February 3, 2016

Never forget! Hahaha #NZvAUS #whackbat pic.twitter.com/4EGwYaz5LA — R M (@Mircheezz) February 3, 2016

“We gave Usman strong consideration but just couldn’t squeeze him in.” –Rod Marsh announcing our team for the 2nd game. #NZvAUS — Paul Dennett (@the_summer_game) February 3, 2016

That Eden Park pitch is clearly a minefield. #NZvAUS — Anthony Leach (@ahleach) February 3, 2016

Australia’s run-chase at Eden Park in pictures #NZvAUS pic.twitter.com/vdTfRokjKa — Fake Fox Sports News (@Fake_FSN) February 3, 2016

Well done Aussie you got to 50 👏🏻 #NZvAUS — amy (@amy__crampton) February 3, 2016

Eden Park has been a graveyard for the @qantaswallabies for 20 years & now a graveyard for Aussie cricketers too. Go the @BLACKCAPS #NZvAUS — Matthew Harper (@harperkiwibird) February 3, 2016

– with AAP