Australia’s Nathan Lyon lead his team to victory in the first Test and secured the Trans-Tasman Trophy, as New Zealand struggled in their second innings at the Basin Reserve.

In the Test match, Australia was victorious by a margin of 172 runs. The standout moment of the game was Cameron Green’s impressive undefeated score of 174 in the first innings, showcasing his potential as a young player vying for the permanent position at No. 4. Despite playing on New Zealand’s home ground, the Australian team, led by Lyon, kept a tight hold on the match and prevented the opposing team from scoring any centuries.

On the fourth day, with a score of 111-3 and a target of 369 runs, the Black Caps expressed confidence in their ability to achieve their highest ever fourth innings chase, despite facing unfavorable odds. However, their performance faltered and they lost 85-7, with Lyon claiming his fourth 10-wicket Test and ending the second innings with 6-65.

From the moment Lyon took over at the Vance End and bowled against the wind, it was evident that he would have a successful outcome. Despite being 36 years old, he managed to dismiss three players in the first 10 deliveries from the Scoreboard End, with his first being the crucial wicket of Rachin Ravindra.

The young athlete, at the age of 24, began the day with a score of 56. Fans were eagerly anticipating a strong contribution of 100 runs, which would prove his potential as New Zealand’s future superstar and help his team secure their first victory against Australia in a home Test match in 31 years. However, Ravindra’s innings was cut short after facing just seven deliveries from Lyon. He fell for 59 runs as he attempted to hit a wide and short delivery, but instead ended up hitting a catch to Green at point.

“Lyon was considered a hat-trick

Lyon took another wicket just three balls later, getting rid of Tom Blundell who also didn’t score any runs, using the same technique as he did in the first innings – attempting to hit a ball on the leg-side but ultimately getting caught out due to an inside edge. In his following over, Lyon achieved his 24th five-wicket innings of his career, surpassing Dennis Lillee’s record of 23, by tricking Glenn Phillips with a slower ball, causing him to get out when trying to defend. “Lyon was on the verge of a hat-trick.

Australian captain Pat Cummins described Lyon as a dream captain.

When you have a highly skilled individual on a field that is helping them, there is a noticeable feeling of serenity.

He always seemed to be the one in charge … we also had backup plans B, C, and D, but they were never necessary.

The Black Caps did not seem motivated to stay on the field, as they lost three players – Scott Kuggeleijn (26), Matt Henry (14), and Tim Southee (seven) – while trying to score points. Will O’Rourke, who was pulled from bowling on Saturday because of a tight hamstring, eventually came to bat and witnessed Daryl Mitchell (38) getting caught and bowled by Hazlewood for the final wicket.

On the second day of the match, everything changed when Green and Hazlewood teamed up for a 116-run 10th-wicket partnership, boosting Australia’s score to 383. Later that day, New Zealand was eliminated with a score of 179.

“The last-wicket partnership was likely the determining factor,” stated Southee, captain of the Black Caps.

“[Green] played an absolute blinder, for a young guy to come in and play the way he did, a chance-less 170-odd … it took the game away from us.”

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Two players from the Black Caps stand out and should be acknowledged for their performances. Glenn Phillips impressed with 71 runs in the first innings and a career-high 5 wickets for 45 runs in the second innings, limiting Australia to just 164 runs. Additionally, paceman Matt Henry also had a strong showing with figures of 5-70 and 3-36.

Due to the packed international schedule, there will only be a two-Test series. Australia’s victory ensures that they cannot be defeated in the series and they will continue to hold the Trans-Tasman Trophy. The upcoming Tests between New Zealand and Australia are not planned until the summer of 2026-27, meaning that Australia will keep possession of the trophy for at least another decade.

The last time the Black Caps won the trophy was in 1994. Since then, they have had a difficult journey, with only one Test win in 2011 at Bellerive Oval in Hobart. However, they have the chance to break that streak and tie the series next week at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, where the second Test will take place on Friday.

Source: theguardian.com