Alex Carey and Mitchell Marsh steered Australia to a three-wicket win over New Zealand in NZ vs AUS 2nd Test. Pat Cummins and co have now completed a 2-0 whitewash of the Kiwis. Despite Matt Henry and Ben Sears’ heroics, the hosts couldn’t manage to contain the Aussie batters, who romped home to victory.
Carey, Marsh defy odds to help Australia win NZ vs AUS 2nd Test
Australia begun Day 5 with 202 runs to chase to win the game. Mitchell Marsh (80) and Alex Carey (98) stitched together a crucial partnership, making it smooth for Australia in the run-chase.
Marsh’s 80-run knock came off 102 deliveries and was studded with 10 fours and one six. His onslaught was brought to a screeching halt by Ben Sears who trapped him for a LBW. Starc (0) was the next to depart, with Sears striking again.
Carey takes Australia home
In came skipper Cummins (32) and it was all in Australia’s favour after that. Carey carried on his onslaught against the Kiwi bowlers, making the job look easy for Australia. He stayed unbeaten on 98, falling two runs short of a well-deserved century. He was adjudged the Player of the Match.
“Yeah, I’m thrilled. Was a great series, this game ebbed and flowed. Back against the wall last night, they came hard and put us under pressure. So nice to get home,” Carey says at the post-match presentation.
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Pat Cummins reflects on nervous win
“Pretty tense, everyone was nervous the last couple of hours. Amazing win. Anyway possible to win, I had no idea he (Carey) was on 98. The toss helped, it was funny how quickly the match moved on Day 1. First innings leads are always key for this reason. We’ve been on the other side of Tests plenty of time, I just told the boys to keep the scoreboard moving, stay busy and put the pressure on the opposition. We’ve got an experienced side, the story of this series has been guys standing up in crunch moments. Love playing Test matches, best format of cricket and it pays off on days like this,” Cummins says.