Australia displayed their supremacy on Day 2 of the first Test against New Zealand at the Basin Reserve. Despite a late hiccup, Australia finished at 2/13, maintaining a commanding lead of 217 runs over the hosts. The day witnessed notable performances and strategic moves that shaped the course of the match.
Late stumble but substantial lead
Australia’s dominant performance faced a minor setback as they concluded Day 2 at 2/13. The dismissals of key players Steve Smith (0) and Marnus Labuschagne (2) by the Black Caps skipper Tim Southee were the only blemishes in an otherwise imposing day for the tourists. Usman Khawaja (5*) and nightwatchman Nathan Lyon (6*) held their ground, ensuring a significant lead.
Bowling brilliance sets the tone for Australia
Australia’s ascendancy was primarily established through their effective bowling in the third session. New Zealand, starting at 5/42, struggled to counter the relentless Australian attack. The unfortunate run-out of star batter Kane Williamson, a rare occurrence in his illustrious career, further tilted the balance in Australia’s favour.
Also WATCH: Kane Williamson gets run out after a bizarre mid-pitch collision with Will Young in Wellington Test
Counterpunching efforts fall short
Despite some resistance from Tom Blundell (33), Glenn Phillips (71) and Matt Henry (42) in the lower order, New Zealand couldn’t bridge the gap, concluding their innings at 179, trailing by 204 runs. Spinner Lyon showcased his prowess with figures of 4/43, exploiting the bouncy conditions to perfection. Other Australian bowlers, including Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Marsh, contributed significantly.
Cameron Green-Josh Hazlewood partnership frustrates New Zealand
Earlier in the day, Cameron Green and Hazlewood’s resilient partnership added 116 runs to Australia’s total, frustrating New Zealand’s bowlers. Green’s unbeaten 174 and Hazlewood’s valuable contribution propelled Australia to a formidable score of 383. Henry emerged as the standout performer for New Zealand, finishing with impressive figures of 5/70.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
“History of little success against a team creates scars & skeletons that keep returning to haunt you,” is how Gilbert Enoka, who spent 23 years with the All Blacks, described NZ’s poor recent Test record against Australia & boy have they returned to haunt them today #NZvAus
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) March 1, 2024
What a turn around this has been!! Tim Southee has got NZ back in this!! 🔥
Southee got two wickets. Marnus and Smith both are dismissed ❤️#NZvAUS @TheACCnz #NZvAUS #nzpolitics #nzpol #TestCricket #WTC25 #CameronGreen #Smith
— Sibtain Raza (@I_am_Sibtain) March 1, 2024
The most disappointing aspect of this @BLACKCAPS batting performance is how many of the wickets have fallen to unforced errors – i.e. balls that didn’t really demand a wicket.
A procession of avoidable mistakes.
— Michael Appleton (@michelappleton) March 1, 2024
Tim Southee never doubted you
— Sam[uel] Smith (@sgowsmith1988) March 1, 2024
This is not the cricket test I ordered.
— Jason Pine (@pineynz) March 1, 2024
This hasn’t been New Zealand’s best day…
— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) March 1, 2024
Kane Williamson + Steve Smith 0 (5)#NZvAUS
— Andrew McGlashan (@andymcg_cricket) March 1, 2024
Josh Hazlewood has scored more runs today than Marnus Labuschagne has managed in his previous five Test knocks combined.#NZvAUS
— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1) March 1, 2024
Hahaha what a day!!! What a roller coaster 🤣🤣 Tim Southee did a brilliant job getting us back into this game. #NZvAUS fantastic batting by Glen Phillips and Matt Henry!!!!
— Aaron 🇳🇿 🦍 (@BlizzardKing_) March 1, 2024
Tim Southee’s dropped catch off the final ball just about sums up his day. One of those difficult days a cricketer & captain can have.#NZvAUS
— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) March 1, 2024
Great bowling from Australia. Disappointed with the batting towards the end but we didn’t lose any more wickets which is good. Let’s build on some more runs and get a healthy lead #NZvAUS
— Mikala (@mikala_mc) March 1, 2024
It might not hang on a wall at the Louvre, but on a day that might have been run-of-the-mill in limited overs, this is why we love our test cricket. #NZvAUS @abcsport
— Ron Flatter (@ronflatter) March 1, 2024
Geez, I was only on a plane for a couple of hours and apparently we’re batting again?! #NZvsAUS
— Roanna Edwards (@Roanna_Edwards) March 1, 2024
Nathan Lyon has now gone above Courtney Walsh in the leading wicket takers in Test cricket.
— Ri Fingal (@RiFingal) March 1, 2024
New Zealand gives Australia early jolts in the second innings
Scorecard: #cricket #NZvAUS #Tests #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/gsRZKMQag9
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) March 1, 2024
The visitors lead by 217 runs at stumps in Wellington 🏏 Tim Southee with two wickets late on Day 2. Head to or the NZC App for the full scorecard 📲 #NZvAUS pic.twitter.com/IBUtcAx6VR
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 1, 2024
