In a dominating display, seamer Josh Hazlewood spearheaded an aggressive Australian pace attack, wreaking havoc as New Zealand crumbled to 162 all out by tea on day one of the second Test in Christchurch.
Hazlewood’s exceptional figures of 5-31, combined with Mitchell Starc’s 3-59, showcased the relentless performance of an unchanged Australian side aiming to clinch the two-Test series.
Opting to bat on a green-tinged surface, New Zealand’s openers, Tom Latham and Will Young, initially resisted Australia’s pace assault, reaching 47 in the first 90 minutes. However, the Kiwi innings disintegrated after Young’s dismissal for 14.
Latham contributed 38 runs before departing, and Rachin Ravindra fell for four just before lunch, setting the stage for a collapse that saw New Zealand lose five wickets for a mere 28 runs.
In a significant moment, Kane Williamson, playing his 100th Test, received a standing ovation but managed only 17 runs before falling victim to Hazlewood. Despite seeking a review, Williamson acknowledged the inevitable and began walking before the decision was confirmed.
Hazlewood’s prowess continued as he claimed the wickets of Latham, Daryl Mitchell, and Ravindra, with wicketkeeper Alex Carey taking impressive catches. Starc contributed to the dismantling of New Zealand’s batting lineup by dismissing Blundell and Phillips.
The momentum continued with Starc dismissing Kuggeleijn lbw with his very next delivery. Hazlewood rounded off the innings by catching Southee and having Henry caught behind, sealing a commanding performance by the Australian pace attack.
