Cameron Green’s career-best inning of 174 runs extends Australia’s dominance in Wellington Test against New Zealand
Kane Williamson run-out for the first time in his Test career in Wellington Test
New Zealand vs Australia 2nd day highlight: Cameron Green’s career-best unbeaten 174 and a last-wicket partnership with Josh Hazlewood has put Australia in a strong position in the opening Test against New Zealand in Wellington. Green’s innings, the best by an Australian number four since Steve Smith’s double century in the 2019 Ashes, helped Australia take a 204-run first innings lead.
The turning point of the day came in the form of Kane Williamson’s improbable run-out, which added to the drama of a day dominated by the bowlers on the grassy Basin Reserve pitch. In the first session, 30.1 overs were played to take the last wicket of Australia, New Zealand scored 29 runs for 5 wickets in their innings.
Green’s remarkable partnership with Hazlewood, adding 116 runs for the final wicket, was instrumental in increasing Australia’s lead and taking control of the match.
Nathan Lyon dominated the Australian bowlers by taking four wickets
Australia’s bowlers, led by Nathan Lyon, who took four wickets, took advantage of the favorable conditions and dismissed the Kiwis’ upper order players. Lyon’s ability to gain significant turn and bounce raised questions over New Zealand’s decision not to play a specialist spinner, leading fans to wonder whether Mitchell Santner could pose a similar threat.
Nathan Lyon suffered an injury to his right hip after being hit by Tim Southee, but he continued to bat patiently. Marnus Labuschagne was out caught down the leg side and the early loss of Steve Smith set the stage for a potential Kiwi fightback.
New Zealand had a chance to dismiss Nathan Lyon, but captain Tim Southee dropped a crucial catch at third slip, ending a day of missed chances by the hosts.
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New Zealand vs Australia 2nd day highlight
New Zealand faces an uphill battle
Australia ended the second day at 2-13 and a lead of 217 runs, but the highlight of the day was the innings of Cameron Green and Hazlewood, who were the architects of Australia’s lead. New Zealand attacked late but with Australia still in lead, the balance of the Test hangs in the balance, which is expected to be an interesting third day in Wellington.
Trailing by 204 runs, the Kiwis fought back with the ball, but missed crucial catches and a flexible last-wicket partnership that left them facing a tough task of making a comeback. Matt Henry’s five-wicket haul and the late dismissals of Smith and Labuschagne offered a ray of hope, but Australia are in a strong position.
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After two days of action and dust-up, it is Australia who have maintained the lead and find themselves in a strong position. With a lot of batting still left, the Australians will look to take New Zealand out of the match here. On the other hand, Tim Southee and Company will be looking for early wickets on ‘Moving Day’ as they look to bowl out Australia and keep them to a manageable total.
