Australia took charge of the first Test on the second day of play as they bowled out New Zealand for only 179 runs, with Cameron Green contributing a magnificent unbeaten score of 174 runs.

On the second day of Friday’s first Test, Australia dominated by dismissing New Zealand for a mere 179 runs. Cameron Green’s impressive unbeaten score of 174 helped steer the visitors to a total of 383 runs before being bowled out.

The Black Caps team experienced multiple losses in a row as they struggled against Australia’s strong offense. Despite Glenn Phillips’ bold score of 71, it was only enough to prevent the team from facing further humiliation in front of a full stadium.

The Australian team decided against enforcing the follow-on, but they continued to lose wickets as captain Tim Southee dismissed Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne for a low score as the shadows on the field grew longer.

Nathan Lyon, the nightwatchman, was let go by Southee in the slip field on the final ball of the day. He will start tomorrow’s play at six runs not out, while Usman Khawaja remains unbeaten at five runs. Australia’s current score is 13 for two, with a lead of 217 runs.

New Zealand, looking for only a second win over their neighbours in 24 Tests this century, had started the day hoping to quickly remove the final Australian wicket but Green and Josh Hazlewood refused to yield for two hours.

Green, an all-around player, achieved a score of 100+ in Tests for the second time on the second last ball of day one. He maintained his aggressive playing style and hit 23 fours and five sixes in his lengthy 275-ball innings.

Hazlewood scored 22 runs off 62 balls while partnering with the other batsman to rack up a total of 116 runs. However, seamer Matt Henry was able to dismiss him and achieved his second Test five-wicket haul by recording figures of 5-70.

Australia’s final score of 41 included 41 additional points, 20 of which were due to wides. However, New Zealand’s recklessness extended beyond their fielding as they swiftly fell to a record of 12-3.

Tom Latham was dismissed after scoring five runs, while Kane Williamson got run out for zero when he accidentally collided with his teammate Will Young at midwicket. Labuschagne’s accurate throw hit the stumps, causing the dismissal.

After three more balls, Rachin Ravindra was caught by Nathan Lyon off of Hazlewood’s bowling without scoring any runs.

Pat Cummins, the captain of Australia’s team, caused the next fall of wickets by catching Daryl Mitchell out in the final ball of an over, while Mitchell Marsh ended Young’s turn at bat with his first ball in the following over. This resulted in New Zealand’s team having a score of 29-5.

Phillips and Tom Blundell teamed up to stabilize the struggling team with a combined score of 84. However, Lyon (4-43) broke the partnership when he caught the latter for 33 with an inside edge.

Two deliveries after that, Scott Kuggeleijn fell victim to the off spinner for the second time and the home team was once again struggling at 113-7.

Hazlewood was able to successfully remove Phillips by delivering a short ball that was then top-edged and caught by Starc in the outfield. Lyon then ended Henry’s aggressive batting at 42, making it clear that the end was near. The second and final Test in Christchurch will take place on 8 March.

Source: theguardian.com