Australia’s bowling prowess led by Nathan Lyon showcased its might as they held New Zealand to a modest 179 runs, securing a commanding 217-run lead by the end of Day 2 in the ongoing first Test on Friday.
At stumps, Australia found themselves at 13/2 with nightwatchman Nathan Lyon, unbeaten on six, and opener Usman Khawaja, five not out, steadying the ship.
The second innings for Australia began on shaky ground with both Steve Smith (0) and Marnus Labuschagne (2) falling early to the bowling of New Zealand captain Tim Southee.
Earlier in the day, despite a resilient 71 from Glenn Phillips, the hosts crumbled to 179 all out in response to Australia’s formidable 383.
New Zealand’s innings got off to a rocky start, losing half their side with just 29 runs on the board. Mitchell Starc’s early dismissal of Tom Latham (five) set the tone, followed by the quick departure of star batsmen Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra for ducks, leaving the hosts reeling at 12/3.
Will Young fought valiantly, facing 50 deliveries for a gritty nine runs, but his efforts were in vain as he fell in the 18th over. A brief partnership between Young and Daryl Mitchell (11) offered a glimmer of hope before Young’s departure.
The duo of Tom Blundell and Glenn Phillips then steadied the innings, crafting New Zealand’s most substantial partnership of 84 runs. However, Blundell’s cautious 33 ended when he became Lyon’s victim, while Phillips continued to defy the Australian attack until being caught by Starc off Hazlewood after a brisk 71 off 70 deliveries, adorned with 13 boundaries.
Following Phillips’ dismissal, Lyon further stamped his authority with two more crucial wickets to clean up New Zealand’s tail.
Reflecting on the challenging conditions, Phillips remarked, “The pitch was moving around a little bit and they were hitting really good areas so it was up to us to get the pressure back up on them. Obviously the way Green played with Hazlewood, they did really well and put up a massive partnership. It’s not ideal for us but that’s what Test cricket is like.”
Australia’s hero with the bat from the opening day, Cameron Green, continued his stellar performance, adding 84 runs to his 11th-wicket partnership with Hazlewood, boosting Australia’s total to 383. Green remained unbeaten on 174 off 275 deliveries, showcasing his prowess with 23 boundaries and five sixes, while Hazlewood contributed an unbeaten 22 off 62 deliveries.
