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Australia displayed their supremacy on Day 2 of the first Test against New Zealand at the Basin Reserve. Despite a late hiccup, Australia finished at 2/13, maintaining a🎉 commanding lead of 217 runs over the hosts. The day witnessed notable performances and strategic moves that sha��ped the course of the match.
Late stumble but substantial lead
Australia’s dominant performance faced a minor setback as they concluded Day 2 at 2/13. The dismissals of key players Steve Smith (0) and Marnus Labuschagne (2) by the Black Caps skipper Tim Southee were the only blemishes in an otherwise imposing day for the tourists. Usman Khawaja (5*) and nightwatchman Nathan Lyon (6*) held their ground, ensuring a signif🦩icant lead.
Bowling brilliance sets the tone for Australia
Australia’s ascendancy was primarily established through their effective bowling in the third session. New Zealand, starting at 5/42, struggled to counter the relentless Australian attack. The unfortunate run-out of star batter Kane Williamson, a rare occurrence in his illustrious career, further tilted the balance in Australia’s favour.
Also WATCH: Kane Williamson gets run out after aಌ bizarrღe mid-pitch collision with Will Young in Wellington Test
Counterpunching efforts fall short
Despite some resistance from Tom Blundell (33), Glenn Phillips (71) and Matt Henry (42) in the lower order, New Zealand couldn’t bridge the gap, concluding their innings at 179, trailing by 204 runs. Spinner Lyon showcased his prowess with figures of 4/43, exploiting the bouncy conditions to perfection. Other Australian bowlers, including Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Marsh, contributed significantly.
Cameron Green-Josh Hazlewood partnership frustrates New Zealand
Earlier in the day, Cameron Green and Hazlewood’s resilient partnership added 116 runs to Australia’s total, frustrating New Zealand’s bowlers. Green’s unbeaten 174 and Hazlewood’s valuable contribution propelled Australia to a formidable score of 383. Henry emerged as the standout performer for New Zealand, finishing with impressive figures of 5/70.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
“History of little success against a team creates scars & skeletons that keep returning to haunt you,”ꦫ is how Gilbert Enoka, who spent 23 years with the All Blacks, described NZ’s poor recent Test record against Australia & boy have they returned to haunt them today
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07)
What a turn around this has been!! Tim So🌼uthee has got NZ back in this!! 🔥
Southee got two wickets. Marnus and Smith bot𒁃h are dismissed ❤️
— Sibtain Raza (@I_am_Sibtain)
The most disappointing aspect of this batting performance is how many of the wickets have fallen to unforced errors – i.e. balls that didn’t really demand a wicket.
A procession of avoidable mistakes.
— Michael Appleton (@michelappleton)
Tim Southee never doubted you
— Sam[uel] Smith (@samuelsmith1988)
This is not the cricket test I ordered.
— Jason Pine (@pineynz)
This hasn’t been New Zealand’s best day…
— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell)
Kane Williamson + Steve Smith 0 (5)
— Andrew McGlashan (@andymcg_cricket)
Josh Hazlewood ha🎉s scored more runs♍ today than Marnus Labuschagne has managed in his previous five Test knocks combined.
— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1)
Hahaha what a day!!! What a roller coaster 🤣🤣 Tim Southee didไ a brilliant job getting us back into this game. fantastic batting by Glen Phillips and Matt Henry!!!!
— Aaron 🇳🇿 🦍 (@BlizzardKing_)
Tim Southee's dropped catch off the final ball just about sums up his day. One of those difficult days a cricketer & captain can have.
— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog)
Great bowling from Australia. Dis꧃appointed with the batting towards the end but we didn’t lose any more wickets which ♍is good. Let’s build on some more runs and get a healthy lead
— Mikala (@mikala_mc)
It migh🌜t not hang on a wall at the Louvre, but on a day that might have been run-of-the-mill in limited overs, this is why we love our test cricket.
— Ron Flatter (@ronflatter)
Geez, I was only on a plane for a couple of hours and apparently we’reꦑ batting again?!
— Roanna Edwards (@Roanna_Edwards)
Nathan Lyon has now gone abo🌌ve Courtney Walsh i💟n the leading wicket takers in Test cricket.
— Ri (@RiFingal)
New ♚Zealand gives Australia early jolts in the second innings
Scorecard:
— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
The visitors lead by 217 runs at stump𓆏s in Wellington 🏏 Tim Southee with two wickets late on Day 2. Head to or the NZC App for the full scorecard 📲
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS)
