Australia Clinch Series Sweep over New Zealand Thanks to Alex Carey Heroics

Alex Carey played a career defining knock of unbeaten 98 to steer Australia to a dramatic three-wicket victory over New Zealand in the second Test, securing a dominant 2-0 series win for the visitors after beating the hosts 3-0 in T20Is.

Facing a perilous 5 for 80 on Sunday afternoon, Carey and Mitch Marsh conjured a gritty batting display, counter-attacking the New Zealand bowling attack and forging a crucial partnership.

Marsh (80) enjoyed a reprieve early on day four when Rachin Ravindra spilled a straightforward catch at point. Carey himself survived two reviews – one for lbw and another for caught behind – before reaching a well-deserved fifty.

A controversial review decision just before lunch saw Glenn Phillips’ lbw appeal against Marsh overturned due to a faint inside edge, sparking debate and raising New Zealand’s frustrations. The aggressive batting duo continued their momentum after the break, putting Australia in sight of victory.

Debutant Ben Sears provided a late twist, dismissing Marsh and Mitchell Starc in quick succession, igniting hope for the home side.

Australia still needed 59 runs to win at the point. However, Carey’s counter-attacking knock and a composed 32 not out from captain Pat Cummins ensured Australia crossed the finish line.

Carey’s fighting innings silenced any remaining doubts about his place in the Test team, according to former Australian captain Mark Taylor. “It was an important one for him,” Taylor said. “He’s shown this summer what he can do with both bat and gloves.”

For New Zealand, seamer Matt Henry impressed with a match haul of nine wickets, while contributions from Ravindra (82) and Tom Latham (73) with the bat had put them in a strong position. However, their second-innings bowling and fielding faltered, allowing Australia to capitalize on missed opportunities.

“It was a great Test match,” admitted New Zealand captain Tim Southee. “Australia batted superbly, and when you’re playing the number one team in the world, you have to be flawless. We let a few chances slip through the fingers.”

With the series win, Australia cap off a successful Test summer, losing only one red-ball match against the West Indies. Both sides now set their sights on the upcoming T20 World Cup in June, where they are considered frontrunners for the title.

Australia’s next Test assignment comes in December against India in a much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.