Cricket: Catch all the action from the first day of the second test as New Zealand began with the bat.
Australia holds the upper-hand in the second Test of the Trans-Tasman Trophy series underway in Christchurch but there is still work to be done to establish a dominant advantage after
“Any wicket in this situation is good. Obviously it is good to see the back of Green after his last Test,” Henry said.Australia reached stumps at 4-124, trailing by 38 runs, with Marnus Labuschagne finding a semblance of form when unbeaten on 45 runs from 80 balls, while nightwatchman Nathan Lyon is not out on one.
The left-armed paceman’s first Test wicket was a Kiwi opener as Starc removed Brendon McCullum, more recently of ‘Bazball’ fame, for 34. He ended the Test with two wickets. The strike bowler and his fellow pace bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are regular golf partners and share a strong friendship away from the crease.“Whether it’s singing the song after an Ashes win or sitting back on the last Test of the summer and reflecting on how the team’s gone, for me, that’s why I play.
Hazlewood, who has 271 wickets from 70 Tests, and Cummins, who has taken 265 wickets in 62 Tests, also sit in the top 10 wicket takers for Australia.Steve Smith used to know exactly where his off stump was. The Australian vice-captain looked befuddled, sending the decision upstairs before Hawkeye confirmed the Kookaburra would have flicked off stump.“It’s been a tough series for him … Smith’s frustrations continue.”“The bat was in no position at all to play a shot.”
Ravindra unnecessarily flashed at wide delivery from paceman Josh Hazlewood, edging the ball through to Usman Khawaja at first slip. The left-hander threw his head back in frustration before trudging off with New Zealand reaching lunch at 3-71.“It’s a loose shot just before lunch, and Ravindra will have to chew on it. It’s a horrible feeling.”
Ravindra, who shot to stardom after a stellar World Cup campaign in India, is still in the early stages of his Test career, boasting just six Test caps before the Christchurch contest. His talent is undeniable, but patience is crucial to success in the red-ball arena, especially for a No. 4 batter. New Zealand’s openers Will Young and Tom Latham, in particular, were able to settle in the infancy of the opening session as Mitchell Starc struggled to find his rhythm early on.
“I love this about Pat Cummins, with his captaincy. He is not afraid to say, ‘OK, Mitch, you have had three overs and taken 0-13, so let’s change it up’,” the Fox Cricket analyst said. As New Zealand broadcaster Scotty Stevenson said: “It is captaincy 101 when you have your two opening bowlers and they bowl five or six overs, and then your change bowlers come on. But it does not need to be like that.”The hand-wringing that occurred at the start of the 2023-24 summer about the attendance for Australia’s Test against Pakistan at Optus Stadium in Perth prompted much discussion.
And part of the reason for this is the ability of fans to be able to wander on to the oval during lunch breaks for a stretch, an impromptu game of cricket or an opportunity to have a look at the pitch. “These kids want to be out here. They want to imagine what it is going to be like in ten years’ time when they are in their colours for their club, or their region, or their country.”Former New Zealand all-rounder Craig McMillan said it reminded him of when he was growing up and believes being able to walk on to the field is clearly an attraction for fans.
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.
Steve Smith and the unbridled joy of taking catches in Test cricketThe Australian now has claim to being one of the greatest in the game and shows the euphoria a catch safely taken can ignite
Read more »
Extended interview: One-on-one with Australian cricket captain Pat CumminsTrusted and independent source of local, national and world news. In-depth analysis, business, sport, weather and more.
Read more »
New Zealand v Australia: second Test, day twoOver-by-over report: Australia are building a lead at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on day two of the second trans-Tasman Test. Join our writers for updates
Read more »
Josh Hazlewood blitz puts Australia in box seat of second Test against New ZealandAustralia raced through New Zealand with the ball and offered dogged resistance with the bat at Hagley Oval
Read more »
Five new sites in Sydney test positive for asbestosA high school, a construction site and a small park are among five new locations in Sydney that have been contaminated with asbestos.
Read more »
BHP share price: Forget nickel, BHP’s next big call is a test for AustraliaBHP CEO Mike Henry’s next big call is on how to grow its copper business. He says Australia’s IR, tax and approvals policies could turn it away from Australia.
Read more »