Cameron Green’s unbeaten 174 was perfectly backed up by the bowlers as the Australians are in full control against New Zealand in the first Test match at Wellington. Green put on a record stand with Josh Hazlewood to take the first innings total close to 400. Then the Aussie bowlers took the initiative to bowl New Zealand out in just 44 overs. Two quick wickets in the evening meant the Australian would only manage to score 13 before stumps. However, the 217 run lead with nine wickets in hands means New Zealand would have to achieve the impossible to get a positive result out of this Test match.
Team Lineups
The Test series between New Zealand and Australia is highly anticipated after New Zealand’s recent whitewash in the T20I series. The first match of the two-test series is scheduled to commence on February 29 at the iconic Basin Reserve in Wellington, promising an exciting five-day contest for cricket fans worldwide.
Australia, led by their regular captain Pat Cummins, have arrived with a formidable full-strength team. With the absence of David Warner, the experienced Steve Smith is set to open the innings alongside the talented Usman Khawaja. The visitors are expected to showcase their depth with the inclusion of two all-rounders in Mitchell Marsh and Cameron Green. The pace attack will be spearheaded by the lethal duo of Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, while the spin department will rely solely on the expertise of Nathan Lyon. They are playing with an unchanged side that was surprisingly beaten by the West Indies last month.
On the other hand, New Zealand will face a setback as Devon Conway will miss the series due to a thumb injury sustained during the T20I series against Australia. In his absence, Will Young will partner with Tom Latham at the top of the order. The return of Henry Nicholes, who was absent in the previous Test series against South Africa, will provide a boost to the Kiwi batting lineup. Additionally, the inclusion of the promising all-rounder Rachin Ravindra, who overcame knee soreness that kept him out of the first two T20Is, adds depth to the New Zealand squad for the first Test.
The clash between these two cricketing powerhouses promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams fielding strong lineups and eager to make their mark in the Test arena. Fans can expect intense battles between bat and ball as the series unfolds, showcasing the competitive spirit and skill of players from both sides.
New Zealand
- Tom Latham 2. Will Young 3. Kane Williamson 4. Rachin Ravindra 5. Daryl Mitchell 6. Tom Blundell (WK) 7. Glenn Phillps 8. Scott Kuggeleijn 9. Matt Henry 10. Tim Southee (Cap.) 11. Will O’Rourke
Australia
1. Usman Khawaja 2. Steve Smith 3. Marnus Labuschagne 4. Cameron Green 5. Travis Head 6. Mitchell Marsh 7. Alex Carey (WK) 8. Mitchell Starc 9. Pat Cummins (Cap.) 10. Nathan Lyon 11. Josh Hazlewood
In scenic Wellington, New Zealand, enthusiasts can look forward to a riveting clash where both bat and ball are set to have their moments of glory. As the match kicks off, bowlers are poised to relish the substantial support from the pitch, with the new ball exhibiting remarkable swing and posing a formidable challenge for the batsmen. Conversely, spinners may encounter difficulties in extracting substantial turn or bounce from the wicket, requiring them to adapt their strategies to make an impact. However, once batters find their rhythm and acclimatize to the conditions, the stage is set for them to accumulate runs with diligence and construct substantial innings that could potentially sway the course of the game.
Fixture
The historic Trans-Tasman rivalry between Australia and New Zealand is poised to reignite in a thrilling showdown as they gear up for the inaugural Test of the highly anticipated two-match series commencing on February 29th (Thursday), vying for the prestigious Chappell-Hadlee Trophy.
Australia is embarking on a momentous red-ball tour of their neighboring arch-rivals for the first time since the memorable encounters of February 2016. Back then, Australia asserted their dominance emphatically, clinching a commanding 2-0 triumph over the Kiwis.
The Aussies undeniably hold the upper hand over the Blackcaps in the traditional red-ball format, boasting a stellar record with 34 victories out of the 60 Tests contested, while New Zealand has mustered only eight wins, with 18 matches culminating in a stalemate.
Armed with the aura of reigning champions of the World Test Championship, Australia strides into the series brimming with confidence following their recent resounding success in the T20I series, where they outclassed New Zealand with a clinical 3-0 whitewash. Nonetheless, New Zealand draws inspiration from their commendable performance against a makeshift South African squad in the recent two-match Test series.
Offering a sneak peek into the battlefield, the Basin Reserve in Wellington unveils a pitch shrouded in a lush green cover for the impending contest. The verdant hue promises to favor the seamers from both camps, potentially posing a formidable challenge for the team tasked with setting the tone in the opening innings. Notably, the historic venue has witnessed outcomes in 43 out of the 67 Tests held within its precincts, with a remarkable 29 of those victories belonging to sides that opted to unleash their bowling arsenal first.
With the promise of moisture-laden conditions and the allure of fresh grass blades, the bowlers entrusted with embarking on this cricketing odyssey stand poised to exploit the early advantage offered by the Basin Reserve wicket, setting the stage for a compelling battle between bat and ball
| Venue | The second day of the first Test match between Australia and New Zealand was played at The Basin Reserve in Wellington, New Zealand. |
| Date | The second day started on Friday, March 1, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. local time. |
Captaincy & Tactics
Australia took firm control of the first test against New Zealand on the second day as they dismissed the hosts for 179, following Cameron Green’s remarkable unbeaten 174 in a determined final-wicket partnership that propelled the visitors to a total of 383 all out.
Facing Australia’s potent attack, the Black Caps succumbed to regular clumps of wickets, with Glenn Phillips’ aggressive 71 providing some respite for the home side amid the relentless bowling assault. Despite the valiant effort from Phillips, New Zealand found themselves in a precarious position in front of a packed Basin Reserve.
Opting not to enforce the follow-on, Australia continued to tighten their grip on the match as crucial wickets fell, including dismissals of key batsmen Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne by skipper Tim Southee. As the day progressed, the shadows lengthened across the ground, adding to the tension of the match.
Nightwatchman Nathan Lyon survived a scare as he was dropped by Southee off the final ball of the day, securing an opportunity to build on his six not out alongside Usman Khawaja, who remained unbeaten on five. With Australia at 13 for two, holding a substantial lead of 217 runs, the visitors maintained their dominance going into the next day’s play.
In a bid to wrap up the Australian innings quickly, New Zealand hoped to dismiss the final Australian wicket early on day two. However, Cameron Green and Josh Hazlewood showcased resilience and determination, frustrating the New Zealand bowlers for a commendable two hours.
Green, displaying exceptional skill and composure, continued his onslaught with an array of strokes, accumulating 23 boundaries and five sixes in his marathon 275-ball innings. Hazlewood played a crucial supporting role, contributing 22 runs off 62 deliveries as they forged a resilient partnership of 116 runs before Matt Henry’s breakthrough dismissed Hazlewood and earned him a five-wicket haul.
Despite Australia’s innings featuring 41 extras, including 20 wides, New Zealand’s woes extended beyond the fielding lapses as they stumbled to 12-3 in their reply.
The hosts’ top order suffered setbacks as Tom Latham and Kane Williamson fell early, with Williamson’s unfortunate runout adding to New Zealand’s woes. A flurry of quick wickets orchestrated by Pat Cummins and Lyon further dented New Zealand’s hopes, leaving them reeling at 29-5.
A partnership between Phillips and Blundell briefly steadied the innings, but Lyon’s incisive spell dismantled the resistance. As Hazlewood and Lyon continued to pick off the lower order, Australia closed in on victory, precipitating the end of the New Zealand innings. The focus now shifts to the second and final test in Christchurch starting on March 8.
Batting Analysis
Cameron Green’s exceptional unbeaten knock of 174 and his unexpected heroics in a record-breaking last-wicket partnership with Josh Hazlewood steered Australia into a commanding position in the opening Test against New Zealand. However, amidst a day dominated by bowlers at Wellington, it was a bizarre run-out that stood out as a pivotal moment in the match.
Green’s stellar innings mirrored the brilliance of a number four batsman for Australia abroad since Steve Smith’s memorable double-century at Old Trafford during the 2019 Ashes, aiding Australia in establishing a substantial 204-run lead in the first innings. Despite the Black Caps mounting a late resurgence with the ball on day two, the visitors held the upper hand.
New Zealand’s bowling effort saw Nathan Lyon shine, claiming crucial wickets to equal the Test scalps of West Indian legend Courtney Walsh and further climb the all-time wicket-takers list. The late hitting from Glenn Phillips and Matt Henry salvaged some respectability for the Black Caps, inching them close to avoiding the follow-on.
Australia’s skipper, Pat Cummins, chose not to enforce the follow-on despite the sizeable lead, opting to bat again with a significant lead and considering the imminent second Test in Christchurch. The match narrative took an unexpected turn as Australia’s top order faltered, with key batsmen Smith and Labuschagne departing early in the second innings.
Lyon’s injury scare added a touch of drama to the proceedings, but Australia closed the day at 2-13, holding a commanding overall lead of 217 runs, setting the stage for an intriguing continuation of the contest.
While bowlers continued to dominate the action on the field, it was the unusual run-out of Kane Williamson that left a lasting impact. Williamson’s dismissal in peculiar circumstances exemplified New Zealand’s struggles, as they grappled with a series of self-inflicted setbacks that dented their hopes of a resurgence.
The day’s play witnessed a stark contrast in fortunes, with Australia’s remarkable last-wicket stand contrasting sharply with New Zealand’s misfortunes. Green’s exceptional innings provided a strong platform for Australia, while the Kiwis found themselves grappling with setbacks and missed opportunities, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the Test match.
Bowling Analysis
In a stunning conclusion to day two of the first Test, both Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne faced early dismissals, adding a dramatic twist to the proceedings. However, despite these setbacks, Australia firmly maintained control over the match, courtesy of their disciplined bowling attack that tore through New Zealand’s lineup in challenging conditions at Basin Reserve.
After enduring a relentless onslaught from Cameron Green, who showcased exceptional resilience with an unbeaten 174 and orchestrated a record tenth-wicket partnership of 116 with Josh Hazlewood, New Zealand found themselves struggling to respond, ultimately being bundled out for a mere 179 in 43.1 overs.
With a commanding first-innings lead of 204 runs, Australia opted against enforcing the follow-on, setting themselves up for a tough eight overs before stumps. New Zealand’s captain, Tim Southee, provided a much-needed breakthrough by dismissing Smith for a duck, while Labuschagne fell for just 2 runs, extending his streak of low scores in Test cricket.
Despite facing some late drama, with Nathan Lyon surviving a torrid period and opener Usman Khawaja holding firm, Australia’s dominant display throughout the day ensured they remained in a position of strength.
Australia’s frontline seamers, supported by allrounder Mitchell Marsh, maintained relentless pressure, with Lyon also proving instrumental with 4 for 43. Lyon’s stellar performance propelled him past Courtney Walsh’s Test wicket tally, securing his place in the annals of cricket history.
New Zealand, hopeful of mounting a strong reply under sunny skies, faltered as Australia’s bowlers capitalized on the uneven bounce, triggering a sudden collapse in the top order. Mitchell Starc’s well-directed deliveries further compounded New Zealand’s woes, with key batsmen such as Tom Latham and Kane Williamson falling cheaply.
Despite a brief resurgence led by Glenn Phillips and Tom Blundell, Lyon’s spin wizardry ultimately stifled New Zealand’s fightback, with the lower order offering only token resistance.
Green’s magnificent century and Hazlewood’s determined stand underscored Australia’s dominance, leaving New Zealand grappling with missed opportunities and conceding extras in a frustrating outing. As the match headed into its third day, Australia stood poised for further success, buoyed by their commanding performance on the field.
Fielding Performance
The Australians had an impeccable day at the field through a fine bowling display which was completely complemented by a perfect display. Marnus Labuschange gave Australia the most important breakthrough of the day with a direct hit to get rid of the Kiwi legend Kane Williamson.
Labuschagne then took a good low catch to put an end to an entertaining show by Matt Henry. Despite failing with the bat, Travis Head enhanced his reputation as a fine short-leg fielder. The 30 year old took a fine catch to send Tom Blundell back. He then repeated the feat to get rid of Tim Southee. Alex Carey also completed two grabs. Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon and Cameron Green ended the day with one catch each.
Key Performances
The day began with the continuation of Cameron Green’s marathon innings. Unbeaten on 174, he continued to dominate the New Zealand attack, adding another 71 runs before the innings finally concluded. His knock, a blend of power and finesse, included 23 fours and five sixes. Green’s partnership with Josh Hazlewood, who chipped in with a valuable 22, proved to be a record-breaker. They stitched together a mammoth 116-run stand for the 10th wicket, surpassing the previous best against New Zealand by Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie in 2004. This incredible partnership propelled Australia’s total to a respectable 383.
With high hopes of chasing down a sizeable target under sunny skies, New Zealand’s batting woes started early. Mitchell Starc, playing his first Test in New Zealand, struck with a good-length delivery that had Tom Latham in two minds. This triggered a mini-collapse as three wickets fell for no runs in just six deliveries. The dismissal of Kane Williamson was particularly bizarre. He was run out in a comical mix-up with Will Young, who was caught ball-watching, after Labuschagne’s direct throw from short range. The carnage continued as Rachin Ravindra fell prey to a full and wide delivery from Hazlewood, with Lyon taking a sharp catch at point.
Daryl Mitchell initially curbed his aggression after the early dismissals but managed to break the shackles with a boundary off Pat Cummins. However, his joy was short-lived as he nicked off to a brilliant Cummins delivery in the very next ball. Just when New Zealand seemed down and out, a glimmer of hope emerged. Glenn Phillips counterattacked with a swashbuckling 71, forging a crucial 84-run partnership with Tom Blundell. But Nathan Lyon, the ever-reliable spinner, took over the bowling mantle and halted New Zealand’s fightback. Phillips’ valiant effort ended at 71, and a late cameo of 42 from Matt Henry couldn’t prevent the inevitable.
New Zealand’s spirit seemed broken by the relentless pressure applied throughout the day. Green’s monumental knock had clearly taken a toll on their bowling attack, which conceded a hefty 41 extras. With only 179 runs on the board, Australia were in a commanding position heading into the third day. Despite losing Smith and Labuschagne cheaply late in the day, the visitors held a strong lead of 204 and looked poised to tighten their grip on the Test।
Turning Point
The turning point of the day came on the final ball of the 6th over of the New Zealand innings. Kane Williamson has been a talismanic figure for the New Zealanders over the years. The 33 year old right-hander has scored 7 centuries in his last 8 Test matches including his last innings against South Africa. Williamson came to the crease after Tom Latham was clean bowled by a rapid delivery from Mitchell Starc. New Zealand were in trouble at the score of 13 runs for one wicket. The success of the innings heavily relied on a big score from Kane Williamson.
The sixth delivery of Starc’s third over was pitched on a full length. Williamson tapped it forward and the ball was going to the mid-on fielder. Williamson called for a quick run but his partner Will Young was caught ball watching. The two Kiwi batters crashed into each other with Mitchell Starc holding the ground between them. Marnus Labuschagne collected the ball at mid-on and hit the stumps at the bowler’s end. The hosts never recovered from that blow and ended the innings well short of the Australian total.
Day Result
The Australians are currently leading their hosts by a margin of 217 runs. They have nine wickets to spare in the second innings. Usman Khawaja is at the crease with the nightwatchman Nathan Lyon as his partner.
Brief Scorecard
| Australia First Innings: 383/10 (115.1 overs) | New Zealand First Innings: 179/10 (43.1 overs) | Australia Second Innings: 13/2 ( 8 overs) |
| Cameron Green 174* (215) | Glenn Phillps 71 (70) | Nathan Lyon 6 (14) |
| Mitchell Marsh 40 (39) | Matt Henry 42 (34) | Usman Khawaja 5 (18) |
| Matt Henry 5/70 (30.1 overs) | Nathan Lyon 4/43 (8.1 overs) | Tim Southee 2/5 (4 overs) |
| Scott Kuggeleijn 2/75 (20 overs) | Josh Hazlewood 2/55 (12 overs) | Matt Henry 0/8 ( 4 overs) |
Day Highlights
Australia Vs New Zealand 1st Test Day 2 Match FULL Highlights | Aus vs Nz | Aus Vs NZ Test Match
Day Wrap-Up
Cameron Green’s outstanding batting performance was followed by his teammates with the ball. As a result, the Australians are on their way to recording another easy victory against their Trans-Tasman neighbours. The New Zealanders failed to get good scores except for Glenn Phillips. The Australians would look to get a lead of 400+ runs on the tricky track of Basin Reserve to take the game away from the hosts.
