2nd Test
Day-3 Highlights:
Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell as well as New Zealand bowlers with their performance has pushed Australia team on the back foot
New Zealand scored 162 (1st Innings) & 372 (2nd Innings), where as Australia scored 256 (1st Innings) & 77/4 (2nd Innings)
So, finally Australia need 201 runs to win the 2nd Test match.
New Zealand positioned themselves for a remarkable come-from-behind victory in the Christchurch Test, a prospect that appeared distant after being dismissed for 162 on the opening day.
However, by the end of a captivating third day’s play, the Black Caps had seized control, though the game hung delicately poised, capable of swinging in either direction.
Set to pursue 279 for a series-clinching triumph, Australia found themselves at 34 for 4 before Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh counter-attacked, constructing an unbroken 43-run partnership.
The visitors required a further 202 runs for victory.
Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, and the fast-bowling duo of Matt Henry and Ben Sears spearheaded the continued resistance of the Black Caps on the third day.
Buoyed by their Saturday efforts to wrest back control of the game, the hosts steadily reentered the fray under more favorable batting conditions.
Overnight half-centurion Tom Latham seemed destined for his maiden Test century against Australia before Pat Cummins induced an edge via Latham’s thigh pad.
Even with Latham’s dismissal at 73, there was no cause for panic as Ravindra and Mitchell swiftly laid the groundwork for another substantial partnership.
Both batsmen exhibited proficiency against Nathan Lyon’s spin, with Mitchell particularly exploiting the comfortable position to display his array of strokes.
Ravindra matched his partner’s assurance, reaching his half-century with a straight drive off Mitchell Marsh.
Taking wickets with the aging ball proved challenging, prompting the Australian captain to cycle through eight bowlers on either side of the lunch interval.
Despite some comedic relief, including Marnus Labuschagne’s seam-up over, it was the second new ball that rejuvenated Australia’s chances.
Hazlewood’s late movement accounted for Mitchell, ending a crucial 123-run stand, the highest of the series.
Cummins swiftly made an impact upon his return to the attack, dismissing Ravindra with a sharp delivery.
Tom Blundell’s aggression ended in a catch at cover, but Australia missed a chance off Scott Kuggeleijn, who capitalized on the reprieve to accumulate quick runs.
At Tea, with a lead of 251, the hosts seemed destined to set a daunting target.
However, within 30 minutes of the final session, Lyon disrupted the momentum by dismissing Phillips.
Cummins and Lyon then collaborated to dismantle the lower order, bowling out New Zealand for 372.
Australia’s pursuit of 279 faced adversity early on, as Henry and Sears dismantled their top order.
Mitchell Marsh’s aggressive innings, punctuated by four boundaries, and Travis Head’s resilience kept Australia’s hopes alive, thwarting a potential New Zealand victory for the time being.
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