Nathan Lyon put on a stellar show of spin bowling to take Australia to victory on the fourth day of the First Test at Basin Reserve. The veteran off-spinner took six wickets in the innings to break through the Kiwi resistance. The New Zealand batting suffered a stunning collapse from a promising situation and ended up well short of the target. The Australians picked up a 179 runs victory despite their batters struggling with consistency.
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 Nicholls, 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. On the other hand, 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 fourth day of the first Test match between Australia and New Zealand was played at The Basin Reserve in Wellington, New Zealand. |
| Date | The fourth day started on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. local time. |
Captaincy & Tactics
In a glittering career adorned with numerous standout moments and significant achievements, Nathan Lyon etched his name in the annals of cricket history with a unique feat during a commanding morning display that propelled Australia to a resounding 172-run triumph in the thrilling opening Test clash against New Zealand.
Asserting his mastery over the game, Lyon clinched his 24th five-wicket haul in Test matches, swiftly followed by an exceptional fifth ten-wicket haul in a single match, a rare accomplishment that distinguished him as the first male cricketer on record to achieve such bowling milestones while also emerging as the top-scorer for his team in the match.
Amidst an aura of anticipation, the Black Caps had commenced day four at the revered Basin Reserve standing at 3-111, harboring faint hopes of mounting a challenge against the daunting target of 369 set by the Australians. However, their aspirations were ruthlessly quashed within an hour by the virtuoso off-spinner Lyon, who orchestrated a dramatic collapse in the Kiwi batting lineup.
A pivotal change of bowling ends heralded a seismic shift in momentum, as Lyon wreaked havoc by scalping three crucial wickets – the prized scalps of Rachin Ravindra, Tom Blundell, and Glenn Phillips, effectively extinguishing any glimmer of hope for a resilient New Zealand fightback.
In the face of Australia’s relentless bowling onslaught, Daryl Mitchell valiantly tried to stem the tide of wickets but found little support as the home team succumbed to a dismal collapse, losing 7 wickets for a mere 85 runs in a devastating two-hour passage of play. This emphatic victory ensures Australia retains the trans-Tasman Trophy as they march forward to the second and final Test of the Qantas Tour set to commence at Christchurch on Friday.
Lyon’s exceptional performance in the match, which included a gritty 41 as a nightwatchman in Australia’s second innings, highlighted his versatility as an all-rounder. Notably, Lyon’s remarkable feat of securing a five-wicket haul in every Test-playing nation, with the exception of the UAE, where Pakistan historically hosted their home Tests, underscores his remarkable skill and consistency across diverse cricketing landscapes.
As the sun cast its glow on a cloudy Sunday morning, Lyon embarked on his bowling duties from the northern end, a departure from his previous days’ exploits at the opposite end. A fortuitous change in wind direction prompted Lyon’s return to his favored southern end, setting the stage for another exhibition of his bowling prowess and game-changing abilities.
Facing the challenge of last standing Kiwi batsmen Ravindra and Mitchell, Lyon encountered initially resistance as the pair cautiously navigated the early overs. However, Lyon’s astute reading of Ravindra’s vulnerabilities bore fruit as he enticed the young talent into a fatal misjudgment, triggering a swift unraveling of the New Zealand middle-order.
Executing his plans with precision, Lyon outsmarted Blundell and Phillips in quick succession, leaving the Kiwis in disarray and the home crowd stunned into silence after a fervent morning of hopes and expectations.
The captivating duel between bat and ball, exemplified by Lyon’s strategic brilliance and the Kiwi batsmen’s valiant efforts, painted a gripping narrative of resilience and determination. Lyon’s off-spin wizardry and match-winning performance stood as a testament to his enduring impact on the game, affirming his status as a stalwart of Australian cricket lore.
Batting Analysis
Cameron Green’s exceptional display over the course of an enthralling three and a half days at Wellington’s Basin Reserve unequivocally solidified his stature as a rare and invaluable talent for Australia’s esteemed men’s cricket team. While the cricketing circles had long speculated and marveled at Green’s multifaceted prowess with the bat, ball, and in the field, it is this week’s stellar performance that definitively stamped his mark as a game-changer.
The 24-year-old maestro’s stellar showing in the opening Test proved to be the pivotal factor in Australia’s decisive 172-run victory over New Zealand, with his innings of 174 in the first innings setting the tone on a challenging pitch where offensive batting proved to be a daunting task, making his contribution all the more crucial.
Beyond the sheer volume of runs amassed by Green on a track offering unexpected spin and bounce, it was his composure and maturity exhibited during the remarkable 116-run last-wicket partnership with Josh Hazlewood that resonated as a turning point in the match – a sentiment echoed by rival skippers Pat Cummins and Tim Southee.
Moreover, Green’s seamless transition into the critical number four position, prompting a reshuffle in the team’s batting order to accommodate his elevation, places him in an elite echelon alongside only two other Australian greats who have excelled in the same role at a young age – Neil Harvey and Norm O’Neill.
Despite being relatively nascent in his role at number four, Green’s impressive batting average of 79.3 stands as a testament to his burgeoning talent, drawing parallels to Reggie Duff’s exceptional record at the turn of the 20th century among Australia’s under-25 cohort.
Coupled with Green’s adept bowling skills, which have already seen him amass 33 wickets in his 27 Tests, the imperative of reinstating him in Australia’s starting XI becomes glaringly apparent, underlining his significance as a dynamic all-rounder.
Reflecting on Green’s meteoric rise, Cummins lauded his adaptability and learning curve in the challenging realm of Test cricket, emphasizing the young prodigy’s continual evolution and growth under the intense spotlight and scrutiny of the international stage.
Green’s formidable performance in the Wellington Test, coupled with his notable achievements on diverse cricketing terrains beyond Australian shores, underscores his promise and potential as a standout cricketer capable of thriving in varied conditions and against formidable opponents.
As Green continues to etch his name in the annals of Australian cricket history with each resplendent display, his unwavering dedication, resilience, and astute game awareness position him as a beacon of hope and excellence for the future of the Baggy Greens.
Bowling Analysis
Nathan Lyon, the skillful spinner, dashed New Zealand’s aspirations early on day four to complete a remarkable 10-wicket match haul, propelling Australia to a resounding 172-run victory in the first Test at the iconic Basin Reserve.
Following a dramatic fightback on day three, New Zealand resumed their innings at 111 for 3, eyeing the challenging target of 369 with a buzzing crowd packed to the brim, eagerly hoping for a spirited comeback.
However, after a slow beginning on a seemingly placid pitch that offered some ease compared to the preceding days, Lyon struck swiftly to dismiss Rachin Ravindra, Tom Blundell, and Glenn Phillips in quick succession, essentially crushing New Zealand’s resistance.
While wickets were tumbling at the other end, Daryl Mitchell valiantly stood firm but in vain, being the final batsman dismissed for a gritty 38 off 130 deliveries.
Operating on a sharply turning and bouncing surface, Lyon dominated once again, emerging as Australia’s hero with splendid figures of 6 for 65 in the innings and a comprehensive 10-108 in the match. This remarkable performance marked the first 10-wicket haul by a spinner in New Zealand since 2006.
Apart from Lyon’s heroics, Cameron Green shone bright with his unbeaten 174 in the first innings, defying the challenging conditions. Their stellar contributions led Australia to a historic victory, with the last-wicket partnership record by Green and Josh Hazlewood adding salt to New Zealand’s wounds.
Despite New Zealand’s valiant fightback giving a glimmer of hope, they fell short in the end, failing to rewrite the record books with their highest successful fourth-innings chase remaining at 324 against Pakistan in 1994.
The match witnessed a series of twists and turns, with moments of brilliance from both teams, ultimately culminating in Australia’s dominance and continuation of their stronghold over New Zealand in Test cricket.
Nathan Lyon’s determination and strategic prowess were evident throughout the match at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, as he showcased his exceptional skills and played a pivotal role in Australia’s resounding 172-run victory over New Zealand.
Despite the concealment of his eyes behind his customary tinted sunglasses, Lyon’s unwavering confidence and focused demeanor shone through during key moments of the game. Whether it was confidently predicting Australia’s success in creating the necessary opportunities to secure a win during a press conference or sensing the potential for spin and bounce on the pitch at the start of the match, Lyon’s astute cricketing mind was constantly at work.
As the match unfolded, Lyon displayed a masterclass in offspin bowling, joining the ranks of elite spin bowlers by achieving remarkable milestones. His ten-wicket haul in the match placed him among a select few who have achieved such a feat in New Zealand and at the historic Basin Reserve, following in the footsteps of legends like Muthiah Muralidaran and Daniel Vettori. Lyon’s achievement of securing five-wicket hauls in nine different countries further solidified his status as a world-class bowler, placing him alongside the likes of Muralidaran and Shane Warne.
The impact of Lyon’s performance was not lost on his teammates, particularly captain Pat Cummins, who praised Lyon’s game-changing abilities and the sense of assurance he brought to the team. Cummins highlighted Lyon’s precision, adaptability, and control over the game, emphasizing the invaluable support Lyon provided on the field.
Throughout the match, Lyon’s strategic brilliance was on full display, as he executed his plans with precision and finesse. His ability to outsmart the opposition with subtle variations in line and length, coupled with calculated field placements, demonstrated his mastery of the art of spin bowling.
As the game reached its climax on the fourth day, Lyon’s dominance was undeniable. His well-executed plans and relentless pressure led to breakthroughs that dismantled New Zealand’s batting lineup with ease. From setting traps for batsmen to exploiting any hint of vulnerability, Lyon showcased his ability to dictate the flow of the game with his skill and experience.
Looking ahead, Lyon’s commitment to the game and aspirations to continue playing until the 2027 Ashes series reflect his enduring passion for cricket. Cummins expressed his admiration for Lyon’s dedication and resilience, highlighting the positive impact Lyon has on the team both on and off the field.
Key Performances
In a captivating display of spin bowling brilliance, Nathan Lyon orchestrated a stunning victory for Australia as they triumphed over New Zealand by a commanding 172-run margin in the first Test, thus seizing a 1-0 lead in the enthralling two-match series.
As the final day dawned, New Zealand, resuming at 111-3 in their second innings, found themselves ensnared in Lyon’s web of precision and guile. Lyon’s exceptional figures of 6-65 in the second innings not only dismantled the Black Caps’ batting lineup but also culminated in a match-winning performance, with his overall tally reaching an impressive 10-108. Lyon’s impeccable bowling prowess, accentuated by his fifth 10-wicket haul in Test cricket, underscored his status as a premier spinner in the modern game.
The hopes of a spirited fightback from New Zealand, kindled by Glenn Phillips’ valiant 5-43 to restrict Australia’s second-innings lead, were soon dashed as Lyon’s cunning spin and bounce proved too formidable to counter. Despite flashes of resistance from Rachin Ravindra and Phillips, New Zealand’s innings crumbled under Lyon’s relentless pressure, culminating in a swift collapse that sealed Australia’s victory.
Lyon’s mastery over the Basin Reserve pitch, coupled with his astute variations and strategic field placements, posed insurmountable challenges for the opposition batsmen. His ability to exploit the slightest weaknesses in the opponents’ technique, as demonstrated by key dismissals including Phillips and Tom Blundell, reaffirmed his stature as a formidable force in the bowling department.
Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, lauded Lyon’s pivotal role in the team’s triumph, acknowledging the immense impact of his bowling wizardry in tilting the game in Australia’s favor. Lyon’s adept control over the match dynamics, coupled with his invaluable contributions with both bat and ball, epitomized his significance as a match-winner for the Australian team.
Looking ahead to the forthcoming Test in Christchurch, Australia’s commanding position in the series is a testament to Lyon’s pivotal role in setting the tone for the team’s success. With Lyon’s exceptional form and unwavering resolve on full display, Australia enters the next encounter with confidence and momentum, poised to build upon their resounding victory in Wellington.
Match Result
Australia won the first Test match of the Chappell-Hadlee series by a big margin of 172 runs. They have taken a 1-0 lead in the two match series.
Man of the Match
For his heroic innings of unbeaten 174 in the first innings, Cameron Green was adjudged the man of the match. The West Australian picked one wicket in the second innings and added another 34 runs to the total with the bat. Nathan Lyon was another candidate for the award with a ten-wicket haul in the match for 108 runs.
Brief Scorecard
| Australia First Innings: 383/10 (115.1 overs) | New Zealand First Innings: 179/10 (43.1 overs) | Australia Second Innings: 164/10 ( 51.1 overs) | New Zealand Second Innings: 196/10 ( 64.4 overs) |
| Cameron Green 174* (215) | Glenn Phillips 71 (70) | Nathan Lyon 41 (46) | Rachin Ravindra 59 (105) |
| Mitchell Marsh 40 (39) | Matt Henry 42 (34) | Cameron Green 34 (80) | Daryl Mitchell 38 (130) |
| Matt Henry 5/70 (30.1 overs) | Nathan Lyon 4/43 (8.1 overs) | Glenn Phillips 5/45 (4 overs) | Nathan Lyon 6/65 (27 overs) |
| Scott Kuggeleijn 2/75 (20 overs) | Josh Hazlewood 2/55 (12 overs) | Matt Henry 3/36 ( 12 overs) | Josh Hazlewood 2/20 ( 9.4 overs) |
Day Highlights
Day Wrap-Up
In the end, it was another easy victory for the Australians over New Zealand in the longest format of the game. Nathan Lyon showcased once again why he is considered as one of the greatest spinners of all time with another ten-wicket haul. Cameron Green batted with verve and purpose to finally claim the number four spot on the Australian batting order. Glenn Phillps fought hard for the Kiwis but the team lacked cohesion and the right mentality. The two teams would face off again in the second Test at Hagley Oval starting from March 8.
