Australia Tour of New Zealand Test Series, 2024

1st Test Day-3 Highlights:

Rachin Ravindra leads the New Zealand’s team charge in a difficult chase.

New Zealand 179/10 and 111/3, Australia 383/10 and 164/10 at stumps of Day-3:

The Basin Reserve in Wellington witnessed another whirlwind day, leaving New Zealand teetering on the brink in the series opener against Australia, as they struggled to 111/3 while chasing 369.

Earlier in the day, Glenn Phillips spun a web around the Australian lineup, clinching a five-wicket haul and becoming the first New Zealand spinner to do so in 18 years.

However, the hosts stumbled losing three crucial wickets, including that of Kane Williamson, by the end of Day 3, reducing them to 59 for 3.

Yet, Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell managed to navigate through the final session, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the looming challenge of securing 258 runs for victory.

Australia commenced the day at 13 for 2, with Nathan Lyon and Usman Khawaja at the crease.

Lyon, the nightwatch, fell early on the third day after contributing a valuable 41 off 46.

This effort stood out as the highlight of Australia’s second innings, as the middle-order succumbed to the spin mastery of Glenn Phillips.

Phillips commenced his five-wicket haul with a tempting delivery outside the off-stump, enticing Usman Khawaja to stretch and ultimately be stumped.

Despite a brief revival by Cameron Green and Travis Head, Phillips struck again, dismissing Head with a well-judged catch by Scott Kuggeleijn.

In a stunning sequence, Phillips claimed Mitchell Marsh’s wicket on the very next ball, trapping him leg before for a golden duck.

Tim Southee’s aggressive field placement paid dividends as Alex Carey fell prey to Phillips, edging a full ball straight to the New Zealand skipper.

Will Young’s sharp reflexes at short leg enabled Phillips to complete his fifer, removing the first-innings centurion Green for 34.

With Australia folding for 164, they set a daunting target for New Zealand, banking on their first-innings advantage.

Australia’s bowlers continued to apply pressure, swiftly dismantling New Zealand’s top-order.

Nathan Lyon, introduced in the fifth over, struck immediately by dismissing Tom Latham.

Just after Tea, Lyon delivered another blow with the prized scalp of Kane Williamson, caught at leg slip.

As Australia tightened their grip, Travis Head produced a moment of brilliance with a remarkable one-handed catch at first slip to send Will Young packing.

In the company of Daryl Mitchell, the crisis man for New Zealand, Rachin Ravindra showed resilience, crafting a gritty half-century to steer the hosts to stumps without further loss.

However, sustaining this effort over longer periods will be imperative on Day 4, as New Zealand faces the daunting task of chasing down a significant target.