New Zealand vs Australia 1st Test, Day 2: The New Zealand batsmen endured a torrid day at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, collapsing to a meager 179 runs in response to Australia’s 383, handing the visitors a commanding 204-run lead in the first Test.
Horror show for New Zealand batting:
The home team’s batting woes began early with Mitchell Starc dismissing Tom Latham cheaply. Adding fuel to the fire was a comical run-out mix-up that saw captain Kane Williamson sent back to the pavilion for a duck.
The nightmare continued with quick dismissals of Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, and Will Young, leaving New Zealand reeling at 54-5.
New Zealand vs Australia 1st Test, Day 2: Brief Resistance
A defiant knock from Glenn Phillips (71) alongside wicketkeeper Tom Blundell (51) provided a glimmer of hope. However, their 84-run partnership was short-lived as Nathan Lyon dismantled the lower order, claiming four wickets, including Phillips and Blundell.
New Zealand skipper Tim Southee’s valiant effort was also in vain as Lyon completed the rout.
Australia’s cautious Start:
Despite the significant lead, Australian captain Pat Cummins opted against enforcing the follow-on, opting to give his bowlers a rest. However, their batting resurgence proved short-lived as both openers, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, departed cheaply. Australia closed the day at 13/2, extending their lead to 217 runs.
Green Shines, Lyon Spins Web:
Earlier, Cameron Green’s masterful century (174) and a record-breaking 116-run partnership with tailender Josh Hazlewood (22) had propelled Australia to a challenging total. The bowling attack, particularly Nathan Lyon with his four wickets, ensured New Zealand’s capitulation.
Looking Ahead:
With a near-insurmountable deficit and three days remaining, New Zealand faces a monumental task to salvage the Test and avoid going down 1-0 in the series. All eyes will be on the Blackcaps’ batting performance as they attempt to avoid an embarrassing defeat.
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