2nd Test
Day-1 Highlights:
Australian pacers and Marnus Labuschagne has helped Australia team to a commanding position on the opening day of the second test match
Australia scored 124/4 and where as New Zealand 162 All Out, now Australia is trial by 38 runs at the stumps of Day-1:
Australia asserted dominance on the opening day of the second Test against New Zealand in Christchurch as their pacers dismantled the hosts, restricting them to a mere 162 in the first innings.
Despite a shaky start with the bat, Australia found stability through Marnus Labuschagne’s resilient unbeaten 45, narrowing the deficit to just 38 runs.
New Zealand began the Test match on a promising note as Tom Latham confidently dispatched two boundaries off Mitchell Starc’s first over.
Despite Josh Hazlewood’s probing deliveries, Latham maintained his aggression, finding the fence frequently to bolster New Zealand’s innings.
Will Young, after a cautious start, managed to find his first boundary post the initial drinks break.
However, Starc’s persistence paid off in his second spell as he induced a leading edge from Young, resulting in a catch at third slip and handing Australia their first breakthrough.
Latham continued his aggressive approach and seemed to be the linchpin of New Zealand’s batting lineup.
However, his departure sparked a collapse that swung the momentum firmly in favor of the visitors.
The left-hander edged one behind, caught by the keeper, and from a promising 61/1, New Zealand found themselves in dire straits at 84/5.
Before the lunch break, Rachin Ravindra’s dismissal, chasing a wide delivery and caught at first slip, further compounded New Zealand’s woes.
Following the resumption, Josh Hazlewood struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Daryl Mitchell and Kane Williamson in successive overs, further solidifying Australia’s control over the match.
Starc then dealt a double blow in quick succession, further tightening the screws on New Zealand.
Without the valuable contributions from Matt Henry and Tim Southee, New Zealand would have struggled to reach anywhere near the 150-run mark.
Hazlewood, who had an outstanding performance, claimed the final wicket to complete his five-wicket haul, cementing Australia’s dominance in the innings.
Australia, in their reply, adopted a cautious approach against the probing deliveries of Matt Henry during the initial stages.
However, it was the debutant Ben Sears who made an immediate impact for the hosts by claiming the prized wicket of Steve Smith in his very first over.
Smith misread the delivery and opted not to play a shot, only to be trapped lbw.
Usman Khawaja, who was beginning to settle in, fell victim to Henry’s persistence, as the bowler finally reaped rewards by dismissing him with a well-directed delivery.
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