New Zealand Claws Back in Christchurch, Set Australia Stiff Target after Matt Henry Rips Through Australian Batting Order
Australia must be seeing Matt Henry in their dreams. He has been simply sensational with bowl in hand in the second test match between Trans-Tasman rivals.
After getting incredible figures of 67 for 7 in the first innings, Henry continued with same momentum, taking two crucial wickets in his 9 over spell which has put Australia in a nervy position. At 77 for 4, Australia still requires 202 runs to win the second test match to whitewash the home side.
New Zealand bowlers put on a dream display late on day five, leaving Australia in a precarious position needing 249 runs to win the third Test at Hagley Oval.
Steve Smith’s struggles continued as he was trapped in front by Matt Henry for a mere nine runs. This dismissal capped off a woeful series for the former captain, who managed just 51 runs across four innings.
Debutant Ben Sears also impressed, dismissing Marnus Labuschagne cheaply after Daryl Mitchell dropped him at first slip. Sears then removed first-Test centurion Cameron Green to leave Australia reeling at 30-3.
Tim Southee’s spectacular one-handed diving catch sent Usman Khawaja packing, further diminishing Australia’s hopes. The lively Hagley crowd roared with delight as New Zealand dominated the day.
Earlier, New Zealand batted their way into a strong position after a shaky start to the series. They added a crucial 238 runs to their overnight score, finally reaching a score of over 300 against Australia in ten innings.
Ravindra (82) and Daryl Mitchell (58) were the heroes, stitching together a crucial century partnership. Mitchell fell prey to Josh Hazlewood’s brilliance after a brief fightback with consecutive boundaries.
A late wobble saw New Zealand lose three quick wickets, but a fighting 53-run stand between Scott Kuggeleijn and Glenn Phillips steadied the ship. Kuggeleijn’s two sixes, one each off Green and Starc, injected momentum into the New Zealand innings.
With New Zealand all out for 378, Australia needs a monumental effort to avoid a series defeat. The stage is set for a thrilling final day’s play.
