Century looms for Steve Smith on second morning at MCG AUSvNZ | SMHsport
Is virtually non-existent. As my colleague Andrew Wu notes, the flags atop the scoreboard appear to be tied down, so still are conditions.While Smith is on the verge of another century after a slow start to the home Test season, today is also a crucial day for Australia's No. 6 Travis Head. He batted well last night to reach stumps at 25 not out. Rightly or wrongly he is viewed as the most vulnerable member of Australia's top six.
It was an eventful innings for Smith, who disputed umpire Nigel Llong's view that the batsman hadn't takenfrom which the bounce was variable, an area the Aussies will doubtless look to exploit when the Kiwis are batting.This isn't the only Boxing Day Test going on. Overnight in Pretoria South Africa reached 9-277 atIt's a beautiful day in Melbourne, with the temperature currently sitting at 18 degrees. We're set for a top of 28 at the MCG today.
There was a lot of scrutiny on the venue ahead of the Test but the ground was a big winner yesterday.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Boxing Day Test LIVE from the MCG: Australia vs New ZealandIt's been 32 years since the Black Caps last played a Boxing Day Test at the MCG. Follow the action live as Australia take on New Zealand: | SMHsport
Read more »
Black caps making life hard for Aussies in Boxing Day test | Sky News AustraliaTens of thousands of cricket lovers have packed out the MCG on Thursday for the start of the Boxing Day test. \n\nNew Zealand have rolled the dice on the opening day of the test, sending the home side in at the MCG.\n\nReturning black caps bowler Trent Boult struck early removing Joe Burns for a golden duck.\n\nUp to 75,000 people are expected at the Melbourne ground, and of that around 20,000 Kiwis.\n\nImage: News Corp Australia
Read more »
Boxing Day sales draw crowds for predicted day of record-breaking spendingAustralian retailers hope the offer of Boxing Day bargains will boost sales after what's been the worst Christmas shopping season in more than a decade.
Read more »