Australia receives opening day honors from Labuschagne

On the first day of the second Test match between Australia and New Zealand in Christchurch, Australia emerged victorious as their pacers reduced the hosts to just 162 runs in their opening innings. Australia’s response saw them tentative at the bat, but Marnus Labuschagne valiant 45-run innings meant they were only 38 runs behind.

 

With two boundaries off Mitchell Starc’s opening over of the Test match, New Zealand got off to a good start thanks to Tom Latham. While Josh Hazlewood raised some initial concerns, Latham persisted in setting boundaries on a regular basis to keep New Zealand moving forward. After the first drinks break. Will Young finally hit his first boundary, but Starc eventually took the first wicket for Australia in his second stint when the batter got a leading edge to third slip.

Latham stayed upbeat and seemed to be the main batsman. But his removal set off a chain reaction that gave the visitors total command. The keeper caught the left-hander as he edged one behind, leaving New Zealand reeling at 84/5 after they had led at 61/1. Just before the lunch break, Rachin Ravindra chased a wide delivery and was caught at first slip. After play resumed, Hazlewood removed Daryl Mitchell and Kane Williamson in consecutive overs.

After that, Starc struck again in two deliveries to severely restrict New Zealand. They would never have reached 150 if it weren’t for some smart runs from Tim Southee and Matt Henry. He is  an outstanding game, Hazlewood took the last wicket to end.

In response, Australia got off to a cautious start thanks to Matt Henry’s tough opening spell. But Ben Sears, making his debut. The one who provided the hosts the initial breakthrough when he grabbed Steve Smith.The big fish, in his opening over. Smith made a clear mistake in his delivery judgment and gave no chance to get trapped LBW. Usman Khawaja, who was gradually settling into his routine. The next to go as Henry eventually got some satisfaction by benching him.

After that, Marnus Labuschagne teamed up with Cameron Green to stabilize Australia for a while. Before Green faced Sears and Southee, the two hit three boundaries in their first three overs together.After making a match-winning hundred in the first Test, Green seemed poised for another big score. But Henry came to dismiss the No. 4 batsman. In an attempt to reduce the lead, Travis Head quickly threatened by reaching 21 off just 18 balls. But Henry withdrew him as well, much to the relief of New Zealand. On the other hand, Australia will enjoy their prospects of consolidating their lead on the second day. They trailing by just 38 runs.