New Zealand’s seamen caused havoc, decimating Australia’s top four batsmen and leaving them chasing 279 runs to win the second Test in Christchurch on Sunday, 77-4.
Australia’s batting line-up, including heavyweights Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja, and Cameron Green, quickly succumbed to a ferocious New Zealand seamer attack led by Matt Henry with figures of 2-37 and debutant Ben Sears, who contributed 2-22. The tourists will face an uphill task, requiring 202 more runs to secure victory.
At the end of the third day, Mitchell Marsh stood firm on 27 not out, accompanied by Travis Head, unbeaten on 17.
A draw is off the table and with two days to go and no rain in the forecast, New Zealand are determined to get their first win over Australia since 2011.
Australia, aiming for a series sweep after a commanding performance in the first Test, faced a serious challenge as the pitch flattened and provided less movement.
Set a target of 300+ after reaching 345-6 at tea, New Zealand had the momentum early on. However, the tide turned as the Australian bowlers rallied and restricted the tail to just 27 runs, with the last three wickets contributing just one run.
Earlier in the day, New Zealand’s top order, including Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, and Daryl Mitchell, all moved up half-centuries, but none managed to convert into centuries.
Latham, who added eight to his overnight score of 65, was caught behind by Pat Cummins, breaking the opening partnership.
However, Ravindra and Mitchell put on a crucial 123-run partnership for the fourth wicket before Hazlewood’s breakthrough dismissed Mitchell for 58. Ravindra, on 82, fell victim to Cummins, caught by keeper Alex Carey.
Despite contributions from Glenn Phillips and Henry, Scott Kuggeleijn’s removal of Nathan Lyon in 44 innings spelled the end.
Cummins proved to be the most successful bowler with 4-62 while Lyon claimed 3-49.
Australia’s momentum gained during the bowling innings was short-lived as the New Zealand attack unleashed a blistering onslaught in a spirited 24 overs in front of the stumps, sending key batsmen like Smith, Khawaja, Labuschagne and Green back to the pavilion.
