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Posted:
2024-03-10 21:49:11
Original link:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-03-11/australia-vs-new-zealand-second-test-day-four-live-blog/103571526
Australia has battled back to beat New Zealand by three wickets in a thrilling conclusion to the second Test at Christchurch's Hagley Oval.
Alex Carey (98 not out) and Mitch Marsh (80) scored a 140-run partnership to rescue Australia from 5-80 early on day four to bring the Aussies within touching distance of victory.
Two wickets in as many balls from debutant Ben Sears with Australia still 59 runs away gave the home crowd hope of a first Test victory over the Aussies on home soil since 1993.
But Carey and Pat Cummins (32 not out) came together with a 61-run partnership to see Australia home and complete a 2-0 series victory.
Cummins hit the winning runs, punching the ball through the off side in the gloom of an early autumn afternoon to see the Australians home with a back-against-the-wall win for the ages against a New Zealand team that came agonisingly close to an upset victory.
"It was a great series," Carey, who was awarded player of the match, said.
"This game ebbed and flowed.
"It was backs against the wall this morning, they come out last night and really put us under the pump so it was nice to chase those runs down."
After an hour's delay for rain, Mitch Marsh and Travis Head resumed on 4-77, having dug Australia out of a hole at 4-34 the evening prior.
However, the malaise of rash shot-making that afflicted the Australian batters appeared to have spread into the morning session, with Marsh cutting a wide Tim Southee ball straight to point.
Fortunately for Marsh, Rachin Ravindra shelled the regulation chance, giving Marsh a life on 28.
Head though, was not so lucky, slapping the very next ball to Will Young in a mirror image shot to be caught for 18 having added just one to his overnight score.
After such a hopeful start for the hosts there appeared a grim inevitability about Australia doing what they had done in 10 of the previous 11 Tests against New Zealand — win.
Marsh continued to play his shots but never seemed genuinely threatened after his earlier lapse.
"I thought Mitch Marsh' intent was outstanding and got us going a bit," Carey said.
"The messaging this morning was let's go out there and play our way, if we see an opportunity, let's take it."
Carey was left with his heart in his mouth, given out LBW to Henry for 19 by umpire Nitin Menon.
After a short discussion with Marsh, the South Australian wicketkeeper opted to review. It proved a masterstroke.
The ball was shown to be missing leg stump and Carey went on his merry way, passing 50 just before the lunch break.
Marsh too had reached his half-century before the break, with Southee saying the 140-run partnership "broke the back" of the New Zealand attack.
However, an inspired bowling change from Southee soon turned the game back on its head.
After compiling a 140-run partnership, debutant Ben Sears was thrown the ball and the 26-year-old steamed in at in excess of 140kph to have Marsh trapped on his crease LBW.
The very next ball, Mitch Starc clipped a 145kph delivery off his hip straight to Young at bat pad to be dismissed for a golden duck.
Suddenly, the New Zealanders had hope for a first Test win against Australia on home soil in 31 years.
But Cummins has proven himself able to manage a run chase, playing a crucial role in a 61-run partnership with Carey to see the Aussies home just before tea.
Look back on how all the action unfolded in our live blog.
Australia completes a 2-0 series win over New Zealand
It probably felt closer than that during stages of this series, but Australia's experience and a little bit of extra quality told in the end. It's also a result that might paper over a few lingering issues in this Australian team, but that will very much be a discussion to pick up in November.
That's it from us! Honestly, it feels like we've been blogging Test cricket non-stop since last June but we have an extended break coming up, with no Test cricket - and therefore no Test blogs — until November. So from me, Simon, Jon and everyone who has chipped in to the cricket blogs over the last year or so, a genuine thank you for your company, comments and insights. We're already pumped for India in the summer, so we'll see you then.
Pat Cummins is a happy captain
A wide smile on the face of Pat Cummins, who more than played his part today. Here's what he had to say:
On the mood in the rooms:
It was pretty tense, pretty nervous. But an amazing win and the boys are quite happy.
On Carey falling short of a ton:
I had no idea he was on 98, so it would have been embarassing if he was celebrating and I wasn't looking.
On the game and Australia's plans:
It was a funny old Test match. Day one moved really quickly, and then the pitch flattened out and became pretty tough for the bowlers.
It's the scoreboard's not moving you're still in the game, but if you keep chipping away at it can feel like it's moving quickly on you. We just had to stay busy out there.
We've got quite an experienced side, played a lot of Test matches and had quite a bit of success. The story of this series was in big moments, someone stood up and made himself a match-winner. Finding a way to win is pretty awesome.
Will he miss Test cricket over the next eight months?
Absolutely. Coming off seven in the last couple of months, it's been busy, but it's the best form of cricket.
Tim Southee is speaking
Like Henry, he's pretty flat. He knows this is one that got away.
It was a great partnership between Carey and Marsh and broke the back of our attack. But there was a little exciting end to the day. It was a great Test match.
On dropped catches:
It's part of cricket, but when you're playing the best side in the world you have to just be a bit better for longer.
On positives:
There are a number of positives to take. Matt Henry has just gone from strength to strength, he had a phenomenal series.
Matt Henry is the player of the series
Don't think there can be any complaints with that. 17 wickets in two Tests at 15.7 is some going, and don't forget the very handy 100 runs he chipped in with too.
He's flat with the result, but proud of his own performance. He couldn't have done any more.
Alex Carey is the player of the match
Tough on Matt Henry, but 10 catches and the match-winning innings makes Carey a deserving winner.
Carey on Marsh and Australia's tactics:
I thought Mitch Marsh's intent was outstanding, and it got us going a little bit. But it was certainly tough early. The messaging this morning was to go out there and play our way, if we see an opportunity then take it.
On being stuck on 98*:
I was happy with that, I didn't want to be on strike again.
On a record-equalling 10 catches
I'll have to thank the bowlers for that one, but it's a nice little stat.
Captain Cummins and Keeper Carey
Once Alex Carey turned it into something that looked like an ODI run chase, he settled into a groove and was rarely troubled. His is one of the positions in this team that has come under question in the last couple of years, but he is capable of innings of great maturity, like this one. His keeping is outstanding also. He's a fine cricketer, and deserved a day like this to remind us of that.
I don't need to tell you anything more about Pat Cummins. You know it all already.
AUSTRALIA WINS BY THREE WICKETS! Carey steers Australia home!
Just as he did at Edgbaston nine months ago, Pat Cummins hits the winning runs in an inspired Australian victory. A run chase that could hardly have started more poorly has been rescued by Mitch Marsh and Alex Carey, and supported wonderfully by Captain Cummins.
Carey's 98* is probably his best Test knock, and certainly his most significant. He and Marsh (80) turned the game back in Australia's favour, but those 32 runs from Cummins were invaluable just as Australia started to wobble late.
It's heartbreak for New Zealand, who had Australia 5-80 when Travis Head went in the second over of the day. The Black Caps will rue the near misses, the close DRS calls and an early dropped catch. In the end, they were beaten by a professional and ruthless Australian team that boasts batting depth that is the envy of every other Test playing nation.
65th over - Sears needs to find something special
Something special like a hat-trick, really.
FOUR RUNS! Alex Carey goes up and over midwicket with a wonderful pull shot, and Australia is nearly home! Three runs to win, and Carey is on 97*. Can he make it a perfect finish?
Oof, that one really jumped on Carey! Pitch has played no tricks all day, but that reeeeaally burst off a back a length. It whacks Carey on the glove, and he'll take the single. The century dream might be over, but the victory is only two runs away.
Good bouncer, well defended by Cummins. Absolutely had to keep that down with catchers all around him, and he played it perfectly to his feet.
Cummins tries to swat away the winning runs, but doesn't get enough of it. They think about the single but Sears was quick to field. He throws down the stumps for a bit of added drama, and to keep Cummins honest.
BOTTOM EDGE! Well short of the keeper. That sums up the day a little bit — New Zealand has been there or thereabouts, but the cards have come up in Australia's favour.
CUMMINS CUTS FOR FOUR! AUSTRALIA WINS BY THREE WICKETS!
64th over - Matt Henry is New Zealand's last roll of the dice
Phillips had his cap and jumper off ready to bowl again, only for Southee to call his strike bowler back for one last spell. It's now or never for New Zealand, Australia has made light work of the last 30 or 40 runs.
EDGED FOR FOUR! I think it might just be Australia's day, you know. A good ball from Henry grabbed a genuine outside edge from Carey, but it squirts low and through the gully gap for four. 12 runs to win.
It's getting a bit chaotic out there! Carey smoked a straight drive, which Henry stopped with his boot. Carey called Cummins through for a quick single anyway, and the Aussie skipper had to put in the big dive to make sure he got home safely. Single taken, 11 to win.
Solid forward defence from Cummins. No run.
The field has cramped around Cummins, perhaps belatedly. He defends off his hip but can't take the single.
SHOT! Pat Cummins! The most gorgeous on drive you're likely to see, all the way along the ground for four! Ricky Ponting, eat your heart out.
That's the 50 partnership up, and the end of the over. Australia is seven runs away from victory.
63rd over - Sears's spell continues
Might have to think about Matt Henry again pretty soon.
Cummins stands tall and plays out to deep point for a single. 22 to get.
Carey hooks for a single to fine leg - and Henry has accidentally knocked the bails off at the non-striker's end in his bowling action, which is a no ball now! More costly extras.
Better short ball from Sears, short leg was briefly interested as Cummins rose to defend it. That's where the bouncers need to be, if he's going to bowl them.
Another short ball, but that one not nearly as threatening. Too high and well outside the off stump.
CLOSE! Cummins flicks one off his hip and leg gully flies to his right in a desperate attempt at a catch. It beats him, and again Kuggeleijn has to be at his best to stop the boundary. Excellent running from Carey and Cummins though, and they get three. 17 to win.
Fantastic batting from Carey, a drop and run single from the final ball of the over. He'll keep the strike, seven from the over and 16 required to win.
62nd over - Phillips will continue
They've just taken a drinks break - as you can tell, Simon and I have no idea what the session timings are anymore since the rain delay.
Back to the cricket. Phillips bowling to Carey.
FOUR RUNS! Carey sweeps, and sweeps well! That shot got him into trouble in the first innings, but it's paying off now! Only 27 runs to get now!
FOUR MORE! Now a sensational little paddle around the corner by Carey! Brilliant sweeping, and back to back boundaries. 23 to get.
PLAYED AND MISSED! Carey has a slash at a cut shot but misses out. Oohs and ahhs from the close fielders. The Kiwis might need a stroke of luck now.
One loose cut shot aside, that is a perfect over for Carey and Australia.
They've taken 16 runs from the last two overs and have taken some control back of the situation.
61st over - Sears will steam in again
Three wickets for New Zealand or 39 runs for Australia. What comes first? We're about to find out.
FOUR! Cummins on the back foot and pushing through point, well enough for four! Not the prettiest shot, but four beautiful runs. 35 to get.
Sears hits the deck as he tries to extract as much pace out of his action as possible. Cummins defends a full ball from the back foot.
Too straight from Sears, Cummins glances for a single. 34 to get.
Sears is short to Carey, who jumps and controls his shot to point. Another single, 33 to get.
A loose one down the leg side from Sears and Cummins gets plenty of bat on. Kuggeleijn has a lot to do on the fine leg boundary, but he does it well to keep it to two. 31 to get.
Cummins looks to drive, another thick inside edge. But he survives it, and there were eight runs from that over. More than handy for Australia.
60th over - Glenn Phillips will continue
Australia needs 40 runs to win
Cummins defends the first and second out in front of his pads.
Another solid defensive shot from Cummins, there's minimal turn to be honest and Cummins is more than capable of keeping them out. It's a good tight line though from Phillips.
Cummins clips past bat pad and away to midwicket - no run though - Southee has set his field well.
Nice push from Cummins to cover, just a push but to the fielder. He was confident enough to push at that ball though.
Cummins clips past a diving short midwicket for a single.
And, in the absence of drinks, Dean Bilton will take over until tea or the conclusion of this enthralling Test.
59th over - Ben Sears will continue to come in at pace
FOUR! Very well played from Carey, reaching outside off to a bouncer, leaning back and clipping it up over third man for a boundary.
Australia needs 42 to win
Solid defence from Carey as Sears dials in at 140.8kph outside off stump.
CLOSE! Carey dabs the ball to backward point and Glenn Phillips leaped so high and just missed it! He couldn't have done any more to get to the ball, but it was so close to being another remarkable catch. They run a single so Cummins is on strike.
Wide outside off, not the best of deliveries from Sears, just 135kph too. Left alone by Cummins.
That wasn't great either, Cummins clipping off his pads for another single.
Carey defends the last.
58th over - Phillips continues
Solid defence from Cummins.
Another solid defensive stroke from Cummins.
Fended away off his pads by Cummins, a bit of turn from outside off from Phillips.
Outside off, left alone by Cummins.
Another one left alone outside off - Cummins looks very dialled in here. A confident, dispassionate look on his face.
Off the inside edge, Cummins will takes two - a very quick two as well and that's a really important two to keep Carey on strike as well as keeping the scoreboard ticking over.
This is a tremendous Test match
Australia better win. I'm doing no work. This is gripping stuff
- Thiru
And neither should you be doing any.
57th over - Sears continues
He bowled express pace that last over, over 145kph at times.
Carey fends away for a single.
Cummins defends the first ball he faces of the over.
Two slips and bat pad, Cummins fends the ball off the inside half of the bat straight to ground in front of Will Young and into his shin guard - for which he will be giving thanks right about now.
Too full, too straight, Cummins clips to midwicket for a single.
Carey fends one off his thigh pad for a single.
Australia needs 49 runs to win
Too leg side, Cummins takes a single down to backward square leg.
56th over - Phillips continues
There's a slip and a bat pad in place.
Cummins will have to be watchful and is first up, getting forward and playing with crossed hands out in front of him.
The clouds are back at Hagley Oval.
EDGED! To midwicket as Cummins tries to drive. A bit of turn but not enough to go through the gate.
Cummins fends the ball past bat pad but won't get a run.
Incredible tension.
Cummins is squared up a bit again, crossing those hands and fending the ball back down the pitch.
Cummins has history of leading run chases - he got Australia home in the first Ashes Test. But he couldn't repeat it at the Gabba in January against the West Indies.
Cummins gets two into the on side, nicely played past bat pad and well run - an important second run as well there.
Solid defence to end the over.
55th over - Ben Sears on a hattrick
Pat Cummins, the Australian captain is out in the middle.
The debutant is steaming in.
EDGED! Short of second slip for FOUR!
Cummins leaves outside off - the crowd roaring Sears in to the crease.
Cummins clips the last off his pads for a single to keep the strike.
The end of a brilliant return from the debutant from Wellington.
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