Second Test LIVE: Australia trail New Zealand by just 38 after day 1
We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later.
Christchurch: Once upon a time, Josh Hazlewood’s Test career may have been well and truly over by now.
At Hagley Oval on day one, New Zealand’s top order dearly wished that this were true. Upon edging a treacherous Hazlewood lifter to Alex Carey, Daryl Mitchell offered a quizzical look down the pitch as if to say, “What can you do?”
Josh Hazlewood starred for Australia on the opening day of the first Test.Credit: Getty
Marnus Labuschagne has played his most important innings in months, remaining unbeaten on 45 with nightwatchman Nathan Lyon one as Australia reached 4/124 in reply to New Zealand’s 162. Australia trail by just 38 runs. After Pat Cummins sent New Zealand in on a green pitch, 14 wickets fell on the opening day. Josh Hazlewood claimed 5/31 while Matt Henry has 3/39.
Manus Labuschagne made his highest score in two monthsCredit: Getty
Travis Head’s ambition has become more pronounced than his results as he was caught behind for 21 off a bottom edge attempting to pull a ball from Matt Henry that was too full for the shot. It left Australia 4/107 in reply to New Zealand’s 162 and gave Henry his third wicket. Head’s century during the Adelaide Test against the West Indies in January is his only score past 50 in 15 innings.
Travis Head was out for 21.Credit: Getty
Pull shots for six and four by Travis Head during a Matt Henry over have taken Australia beyond one hundred as he lifted the tempo during the final overs of the day. By the end of the 32nd over Australia were 3/107 in reply to New Zealand’s 162 with Marnus Labuschagne 29 from 67 balls and Head 21 from just 16, deliveries.
A wonderful delivery from Matt Henry has dismissed Cameron Green, leaving Australia 3/81 in reply to New Zealand’s 162. A full off-cutter from Henry jagged back between bat and pad to bowl Green as he propped on the crease. He had been walking down the pitch to try and unsettle Henry’s length without success but stayed in his crease when he was bowled.
Matt Henry celebrates a wicketCredit: Getty
Marnus Labuschagne’s highest score since the New Year’s Test in Sydney has allowed Australia to cut New Zealand’s meagre score in half. During the last drinks break on day one Australia were 2/81 in reply to New Zealand’s 162 with Labuschagne 24 and Green 25.
A delightful straight drive and flick through mid-wicket for boundaries by Cameron Green have left Australia just 98 behind New Zealand’s first innings total of 162 with eight wickets remaining late on day one. They were reminiscent of some of the strokes Green played during his majestic 174 not out during the first Test.
Cameron Green is hit on the body during one of the more awkward moments of his innings.Credit: Getty
Marnus Labuschagne has played a few nice shots as he attempts to regain his form and confidence from a lingering slump. They came after another slow start when he was blocking half volleys. He has a top score of ten from his previous six innings.
Marnus Labuschagne batting during the second Test.Credit: Getty
Usman Khawaja has followed fellow opener Steve Smith back to the dressing room after being bowled for 16, leaving Australia 2/32 in reply to New Zealand’s 162 at drinks during the last session. Khawaja fell during an excellent spell from Matt Henry but was a little unlucky when the ball flicked his back pat and somehow ended up hitting leg stump.
Steve Smith was leg before wicket without playing a shot for 11, giving debutant Ben Sears a Test wicket with just his fourth ball. Smith raised his bat to a delivery which cut back and then called for a review after being given out. However the DRS came up as umpires call. In four Tests opening the batting Smith’s only score of note was 91 not out in the second innings of Australia’s losing Test against the West Indies at Brisbane’s Gabba during late January.
New Zealand celebrate Steve Smith’s wicketCredit: photosport.nz
Loading
Add Category