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Australia tour of New Zealand (2024)

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BouncerGuy

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This is going to be an exiting series. Small grounds, 2 top teams. Lots of high-scoring matches coming up.

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Australian Men's Squad named for the T20 Series on the Qantas Tour of New Zealand

The National Selection Panel (NSP) has named the following 15-player men’s squad for the T20 Series on the Qantas Tour of New Zealand.

Australia:

Mitchell Marsh (Perth Scorchers/Fremantle Cricket Club) (c)

Pat Cummins (Sydney Thunder/Penrith Cricket Club)

Tim David (Hobart Hurricanes/Claremont-Nedlands Cricket Club)

Nathan Ellis (Hobart Hurricanes/ Lindisfarne Cricket Club)

Josh Hazlewood (NSW/St George Cricket Club)

Travis Head (Adelaide Strikers/Tea Tree Gully Cricket Club)

Josh Inglis (Perth Scorchers/Joondalup Cricket Club)

Glenn Maxwell (Melbourne Stars/Fitzroy Doncaster Cricket Club)

Matt Short (Adelaide Strikers/Northcote Cricket Club)

Steve Smith (Sydney Sixers/Sutherland Cricket Club)

Mitchell Starc (Sydney Sixers/Manly Warringah Cricket Club)

Marcus Stoinis (Melbourne Stars/Subiaco Floreat Cricket Club)

Matthew Wade (Hobart Hurricanes/Clarence Cricket Club)

David Warner (Sydney Thunder/Randwick Petersham Cricket Club)

Adam Zampa (Melbourne Renegades/Sutherland Cricket Club)

NSP Chair of Selectors George Bailey said: “Travis, Pat, Mitchell and Steve rejoin the squad following the series against the West Indies with Jason Behrendorff and Sean Abbott amongst the standby players from those playing the upcoming T20s.

“The next six games will provide us the opportunity to start shaping what we think our World Cup squad will look like and potential roles within that.

“We will also fully utilise the opportunity to monitor and watch the performances of the Australian players in the IPL immediately preceding the World Cup.”

Matt Short will be monitored over the next few weeks after suffering a low-grade hamstring injury in the second ODI match against the West Indies in Sydney. Short has been replaced by Aaron Hardie in the squad for the Dettol T20 Series against the West Indies.

Nathan Ellis is nearing a full recovery from a rib injury which is subject to further testing this week. Spencer Johnson, who has joined the ODI squad in Canberra, is on standby for the West Indies series should Ellis need more time leading into New Zealand.

CA
 
Aussies rocked by Covid again as Marsh tests positive ahead of Windies T20 opener

Australian T20 captain Mitch Marsh may have to shout instructions to his teammates in the opening T20 against the West Indies in Hobart after testing positive to Covid on the eve of Friday’s clash.

Marsh has been given the green light to take his place but will use a separate dressing room area to the side during the match and stay distanced while on the field, in keeping with Cricket Australia protocols.

It’s the third such instance in recent matches, with both Josh Inglis and Cameron Green also taking their place in Australian sides despite Covid positives.

Both were kept away from their teammates at the national anthems, and Green was even shooed away from wicket celebrations during the Test match at the Gabba against the Windies due to his Covid positive.

The match is the first of six clashes, with another three to come against New Zealand, which loom as crucial preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup, with Marsh now the most likely man to captain the team in the tournament.

Selectors have not locked in a permanent replacement for Aaron Finch, who led Australia to World Cup victory in 2019.

But Marsh has been picked as captain for the three matches against the Windies and three against the Kiwis despite the presence of Test skipper Pat Cummins and his vice-captains Steve Smith and Travis Head.

Marsh’s standing in the Australian cricket family was enhanced last week when he was crowned the Allan Border medallist for the first time after a bumper 2023 that included his Test return with a century in the Ashes and a mammoth innings of 177 against Bangladesh at the ODI World Cup in India.

Fox Cricket
 
Australia finalise 14-player squad for New Zealand Test series

The Aussies have added an extra fast bowler to their playing group as they try and re-claim top spot on the World Test Championship standings.

Australia have named a 14-player squad for their crucial two-Test series against New Zealand that commences at the end of this month.

The reigning ICC World Test Championship winners will travel to New Zealand with a similar squad that took on the West Indies on home soil last month, with experienced pacer Michael Neser added to the playing group for the two Test series that starts in Wellington On February 29.

Fast bowler Pat Cummins will once again lead the side during the series and will lead a formidable bowling line-up that includes Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon, while vice-captain Steve Smith is expected to continue in his new role as opener alongside veteran Usman Khawaja.

While Neser is likely to still be behind Cummins, Hazlewood, Starc and fellow pacer Scott Boland for a spot in the final XI, chief selector George Bailey said it was important to have another pace option on the tour should conditions suit.

"It's great to see Michael Neser get another opportunity in the squad following his ever-consistent performances over a long period of time and the conditions we expect," Bailey said.

"As we know every Test match provides vital opportunities to obtain valuable WTC points and we expect this tour will be a tough challenge against a very strong side who have been so consistent at home for a long period of time."

Australia currently sit in second place on the World Test Championship standings, with New Zealand outright leaders on the table following their 285-run thumping of South Africa at home earlier this month.

The first Test runs from February 29 to March 4 in Wellington, with the series then concluding in Christchurch from March 8.

Australia Test squad: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc

Tour schedule:

First Test: February 29 - March 4, Wellington

Second Test: March 8-12, Christchurch

ICC
 
New Zealand ready to get their usual thrashing vs australia
 
kron said:
New Zealand ready to get their usual thrashing vs australia
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it can be the other way around this time as well. New Zealand is not a team to mess with at home, even though Bangladesh gave them a tough time but that could be their taken up call as well.
 
BouncerGuy said:
it can be the other way around this time as well. New Zealand is not a team to mess with at home, even though Bangladesh gave them a tough time but that could be their taken up call as well.
Click to expand...
Not sure hey. I have never ever seen nz play well vs australia. Like ever. Barring that one series they drew vs Aussies in eary 2000 with bond and may be another one I am forgetting. I believe a draw happened in Australia around early 2010. Might be 1 - 1. But that was in Australia. In nz they get a routine thrashing. But no Warner now to bully them.

Australia I guess is there for the taking. Also hazlewood is poor in new Zealand south africa india etc.

Still back Aussies though. Nz have a major mental block vs them.
 
Let's see what is gonna happen then. This is gonna be a one hell of a series to watch.
 
Clarkson, Ravindra and Boult included for Australia T20s

Josh Clarkson and Rachin Ravindra have been selected in the BLACKCAPS T20 squad to face Austsralia next week, alongside experienced paceman Trent Boult who is set play his first T20I since November 2022.

The trio were confirmed in a 14-strong squad for the highly anticipated three-game KFC T20I series, which starts at Sky Stadium in Wellington next Wednesday (Feb 21).

A foot injury to Daryl Mitchell and Kane Williamson’s paternity leave, has elevated Clarkson - a powerful all-rounder who is uncapped in T20Is, and rising star Ravindra - fresh from his successful return to the Test arena against South Africa.

Boult has been selected for games two and three at Eden Park on Friday night (Feb 23) and Sunday afternoon (Feb 25), as Test captain Tim Southee manages his workload between the South Africa and Australia Test series.

The remainder of the T20 squad is the same as defeated Pakistan 4-1 in January, with just Ben Sears making way for Lockie Ferguson, with the latter returning for the Auckland Aces in the Ford Trophy this Sunday, before joining up with the BLACKCAPS on Monday in Wellington.

Selector Sam Wells said the unavailability of Williamson and Mitchell presented opportunities for others.

“It’s never ideal missing two of your best players for such a big series, but in saying that, we do have a lot of faith in the guys coming in,” he said.

“Both Josh and Rachin have been in our white-ball squads this summer and it’s really exciting for them to now get this opportunity.

“Josh hits the ball as long and as hard as anyone and we were encouraged by his performances with the ball in his maiden ODI series against Bangladesh before Christmas.

“Rachin’s talent and class has been clear to all over the past six months, and similar to Josh, it’s great to have his all-round skill-set to call on in this squad.”

Michael Bracewell (finger injury) and Jimmy Neesham (Bangladesh Premier League) were unavailable for selection.

BLACKCAPS T20I squad

Mitchell Santner (c)

Finn Allen

Trent Boult (games 2 & 3)

Mark Chapman

Josh Clarkson*

Devon Conway (wk)

Lockie Ferguson

Matt Henry

Adam Milne

Glenn Phillips

Rachin Ravindra

Tim Seifert (wk)

Ish Sodhi

Tim Southee (game 1)

*Potential T20I debut

The last time the two teams met in a T20I series was in early 2021, when the BLACKCAPS prevailed 3-2 courtesy of a victory in game five at Sky Stadium in Wellington.

With blockbuster crowds in store for all three matches, Wells said the series would provide a great occasion for the players to test themselves against a high quality side.

“Facing Australia is always special for a New Zealand side and even more so when it’s at home in front of a big Kiwi crowd,” he said.

“Australia has named a strong squad which is packed with power and match-winners, so it promises to be an entertaining series.

“With a T20 World Cup just around the corner in June, the series should provide a good gauge of where the sides are at.”

The Australia T20 squad arrives in New Zealand this Saturday to begin preparations.

The Tegel Test series follows the T20s and gets underway at the Cello Basin Reserve with the first Test starting on Thursday February 19, followed by the second Test at Hagley Oval starting on Friday March 8.

Series Overview

1st KFC T20I – 7:10pm, Wednesday February 21- Sky Stadium, Wellington

2nd KFC T20I – 7:10pm, Friday February 23 - Eden Park, Auckland

3rd KFC T20I – 1pm, Sunday February 25 - Eden Park, Auckland

Australia T20 squad:

Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Jason Behrendorff, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa
 
Will be interesting to see what NZ does with O'Rourke in the upcoming series. Looks a talented young kid. Tall, decent pace (135-142 in this test), bit of inswing. Has performed well v Australia A and now South Africa B. Still looks quite raw, has a bit of a tendency to drop short, but still reckon he has a big future for NZ. Australia would be a massive step up for him though, and not sure who they'd drop for him.
 
Tim Southee and Kane Williamson are set to become the fifth and sixth BLACKCAPS to play 100 Test matches, during the Tegel Test series against Australia starting in Wellington later this month.

The pair are on track to bring up their 100th Tests in the second Test at Hagley Oval, following in the footsteps of Stephen Fleming, Daniel Vettori, Brendon McCullum and Ross Taylor.

Captain Southee and former captain Williamson enter the series as New Zealand’s second all-time leading Test wicket-taker and all-time leading Test run scorer, respectively.

Having progressed through the Northern Districts pathway and represented New Zealand together at Under 19 level, the pair reach the milestone having also played their 50th Tests together, in 2016 against Zimbabwe.

Southee will follow Ross Taylor, Virat Kohli and David Warner as just the fourth player in history to have played 100 matches in each individual format.

BLACKCAPS head coach Gary Stead praised the pair’s ongoing contributions to the team.

“To play 100 Tests for your country is an incredible achievement,” said Stead

“It takes a huge amount of longevity and skill, and to keep improving and to manage the demands of Test cricket over a long period of time is a testament to their character.

“Tim and Kane continue to be brilliant servants of the game in New Zealand and influential figures in the BLACKCAPS environment.

“Their achievements at Test level speak for themselves and they are undoubtedly two of the greatest players to have ever worn the New Zealand Test shirt.”

Daryl Mitchell returns to the squad for the two-Test series after missing the second Test against South Africa and the upcoming Australia T20Is to allow a foot injury to heal.

Mitchell returns to a 14-strong squad which also includes Scott Kuggeleijn in place of Kyle Jamieson, who was yesterday ruled out of the rest of the home summer with a back injury.

Kuggeleijn, who made his Test debut against England at Bay Oval last summer, is selected off the back of strong performances for New Zealand A against Australia A last year, including match figures of 9-113 and an unbeaten 101 to lead the team to victory in the first four-day ‘Test’.

The Northern Districts paceman has continued his form in the Plunket Shield, leading the wicket-taking charts with 22 wickets at 16 from the first four rounds.

Selector Sam Wells said Kuggeleijn’s performances for New Zealand A warranted his place in the side.

“Scott performed admirably with both bat and ball on the recent New Zealand A tour to Australia,” said Wells.

“He will bring genuine pace with the ball and adds extra depth with the bat which is always valuable at Test level.

Wells welcomed the return of Daryl Mitchell to the squad and said the Canterbury batsman’s foot was healing well.

“Everything is tracking well with Daryl.

“The decision to give him a period of rehabilitation was necessary and will allow him to be at his best for what is an important series for the team.

“He’s a key member of the group and has proven, with his performances over the past 12 to 18 months, how much value he adds to the Test team.

“Daryl will keep focusing on his rehabilitation over the next week and will be fit and ready for the first Test in Wellington.

The remainder of the squad is the same as the group which claimed a first ever Test series victory over South Africa last week.

Will O’Rourke retains his place after a memorable Test debut against South Africa, where he claimed the best ever match figures for New Zealand in Tests (9-93), including his maiden Test five-wicket bag (5-34).

Mitchell Santner continues as the specialist spin bowling option, while recent Test double-century maker Rachin Ravindra and allrounder Glenn Phillips also add spin bowling options.

Trent Boult, who will feature in the KFC T20I series against Australia, was not considered for Test selection due to minimal recent red ball cricket – his last Test coming in June 2022 against England in Leeds.

Michael Bracewell was not considered for selection as he continues to recover from a finger injury.

BLACKCAPS v Australia Tegel Test series squad

Tim Southee (c) (Northern Districts)

Tom Blundell (wk) (Wellington)Devon Conway (Wellington)

Matt Henry (Canterbury)

Scott Kuggeleijn (Northern Districts)

Tom Latham (Canterbury)

Daryl Mitchell (Canterbury)

Will O’Rourke (Canterbury)

Glenn Phillips (Otago)

Rachin Ravindra (Wellington)

Mitchell Santner (Northern Districts)

Neil Wagner (Northern Districts)

Kane Williamson (Northern Districts)

Will Young (Central Districts)

Wells said O’Rourke impressed with his pace and bounce at Hamilton.

“Will was outstanding on Test debut and showed he has all the skills to succeed at Test level,” he said.

“He’s still a young man who’s learning his trade and the experience of bowling against a strong Australian batting line-up will only help his development.

The series is the first time the BLACKCAPS have faced Australia in Tests at home since 2016 when the visitors took a 2-0 series victory with wins in Wellington and Christchurch.

Bumper crowds are expected for both matches with the 1stTest at the Cello Basin Reserve completely sold out and the 2nd Test at Hagley Oval sold out on Day 2 with very limited tickets remaining on Days 1, 3 and 4.

Wells said the series, which pins the inaugural World Test Champions against the current Champions, would be a memorable one for all involved.

“Test series against Australia always come with plenty of excitement, even more so in front of home kiwi fans.

“Australia have named another strong squad with a host of world-class players who have plenty of experience at Test level.

“They’ve shown with their success in the last World Test Championship cycle that they’re a quality side, so this series will give us a good indication of where we’re at as a Test team.”

The squad assembles in Wellington on February 26 ahead of the first Test at a sold out Cello Basin Reserve starting on February 29.

Series overview

1st Tegel Test – 29 February-4 March – Cello Basin Reserve, Wellington

2nd Tegel Test – 8-12 March – Hagley Oval, Christchurch


Australia Test squad

Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith (vc), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Mitchell Starc

www.nzc.nz

Southee, Williamson set for 100 | Mitchell returns for Australia Tests

Tim Southee and Kane Williamson are set to become the fifth and sixth BLACKCAPS to play 100 Test matches, during the Tegel Test series against Australia starting in Wellington later this month.
www.nzc.nz www.nzc.nz
 
New Zealand are in form and both of the games are at grounds where they have a good record. It’s their best chance in a while to win at least one Test against Australia.
 
James said:
New Zealand are in form and both of the games are at grounds where they have a good record. It’s their best chance in a while to win at least one Test against Australia.
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I think Australia are too good for New Zealand.
Aussies have an edge in the bowling and after that shocking defeat against the West Indies, they will be eager to dominate.
 
Henry, Seifert ruled out of Australia T20Is | Sears and Young called in

Matt Henry and Tim Seifert have been ruled out of the upcoming KFC T20I series against Australia and will be replaced by Ben Sears and Will Young.

Henry suffered some hip soreness following the 2nd Test against South Africa in Hamilton and will require a short period of rest and strengthening to ensure he is fit for the Tegel Test series against Australia later in the month.

Seifert has been withdrawn from the squad due to a torn abductor suffered while training for Northern Districts earlier in the week.

BLACKCAPS head coach Gary Stead said he was confident both players would make swift recoveries ahead of important upcoming series and events.

“Matt’s understandably disappointed, but a break for the T20s will ensure he’s fully fit and ready to go for the Tests against Australia later this month,” said Stead.

“We’re gutted for Tim who has been a strong performer over recent series and is an important part of the squad. “We’re hopeful he’ll make a swift recovery ahead of an important period of T20I cricket for the team.”

Stead said Sears and Young were strong replacements.

“Ben showed in his recent performances against Pakistan that he is a talented T20 bowler capable of influencing games of cricket for New Zealand,” he said.

“Will has been a regular in the environment across formats for some time now and his recent performances for the Central Stags in the Super Smash show he his more than capable to contribute at this level.”

The T20I squad assembles in Wellington today and tomorrow, ahead of the first KFC T20I against Australia at Sky Stadium on Wednesday evening, live on TVNZ and SENZ in New Zealand.

Revised BLACKCAPS T20I squad | KFC T20I series v Australia

Mitchell Santner (c)

Finn Allen

Trent Boult (games 2 & 3)

Mark Chapman

Josh Clarkson*

Devon Conway (wk)

Lockie Ferguson

Adam Milne

Glenn Phillips

Rachin Ravindra

Ben Sears

Ish Sodhi

Tim Southee (game 1)

Will Young

*Potential T20I debut

Series Overview

1st KFC T20I – 7:10pm, Wednesday February 21- Sky Stadium, Wellington

2nd KFC T20I – 7:10pm, Friday February 23 - Eden Park, Auckland

3rd KFC T20I – 1pm, Sunday February 25 - Eden Park, Auckland

Australia T20 squad:

Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Jason Behrendorff, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa
 
This Australian batting line up is rubbish and the bowling aside from
Cummins is on a downward spiral. NZ should be able to at the very least clinch a game.
 
Chip32 said:
This Australian batting line up is rubbish and the bowling aside from
Cummins is on a downward spiral. NZ should be able to at the very least clinch a game.
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New Zealand are not in the best of form. They beat an average Pakistan side and were not at their best against Bangladesh.
 
The T20 series is going to be a banger one. One of the 2 top teams for me including atm in all formats. Let's see if Australia can breach the Kiwi fortress.
 
Australia all-rounder Aaron Hardie is set to miss the upcoming three-match T20I series against New Zealand as he has suffered a calf injury. Hardie was not initially chosen for the three-match series, which begins in Wellington on Wednesday, but was added to the side on Friday after Marcus Stoinis was ruled out with a back injury. Before joining the team, the all-rounder was playing for Western Australia in a Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania in Hobart.

NDTV
 
Australia make squad adjustments for Chappell-Hadlee Trophy

T20 World Cup 2021 winners Australia have been forced into late squad changes ahead of their away T20I series with New Zealand.
With the likes of Marcus Stoinis and Aaron Hardie ruled out of the series, fast bowler Spencer Johnson has been raced into the squad late ahead of the first match on 21 February.

Adam Zampa should be available for the series despite a delay in reaching New Zealand due to a logistical issue, while Matthew Wade will link up with the squad in Auckland for matches two and three.

Stoinis injured his back in the recently concluded T20I series against West Indies, with Hardie missing out on pressing for a spot in the upcoming T20 World Cup squad after complaining of a calf issue.

The Chappell-Hadlee Trophy is named in honour of Australia's cricketing brothers Ian, Greg and Trevor Chappell and the New Zealand cricket dynasty of Walter Hadlee and sons Barry, Dayle and Sir Richard.

The teams will compete for the trophy across both white-ball formats, with the endorsement of both the Chappell and Hadlee families, and given the significance of the series with a T20 World Cup in June.

Former New Zealand great Sir Richard Hadlee said the changes will enhance future series.

"It's great that the trophy will have more visibility and profile. I like the new conditions too - especially in the event of back-to-back 20-over and 50-over series," Hadlee said.

"It means all games will continue to be relevant, and that the trophy will remain on the line for a longer period - plenty to play for."

Australia T20 squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa

New Zealand T20 Squad: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young

T20I series schedule:

1st T20I, February 21, Sky Stadium, Wellington

2nd T20I, February 23, Eden Park, Auckland

3rd T20I, February 25, Eden Park, Auckland
 
New Zealand vs Australia, 1st T20I:

New Zealand have won the toss and have opted to bat

Teams:

Australia (Playing XI): Travis Head, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh(c), Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis(w), Tim David, Matthew Short, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

New Zealand (Playing XI): Finn Allen, Devon Conway(w), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Mitchell Santner(c), Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson
 
Josh Clarkson is another one to look out for. Very destructive.

They need to find a way to fit Mitchell, Chapman, Allen, Ravindra and maybe Clarkson(if he performs)

They should bat until 7 and play 4 bowlers only with Rachin and Phillips finishing 5th bowler's quota.

KW is not required in this format.
 
Finn Allen is pure entertainment. Wanted him to carry on but he perished too soon.
 
Both Conway and Rachin are back in the pavilion now as KIWIS have scored 174/3 in 16.1 overs
 
Australia's batting is more sorted than any other team's going into the World T20. They have a clear idea who's going to be their Top 7 and , yes, they will bat until 7 unlike most teams . Only other team looking to do that is West Indies
 
SKY Stadium is generally a tough stadium to bat 2nd . This is already the highest score here and Australia are not even at full strength in terms of batting. Stoinis and Wade will replace Inglis and Short.
 
Nikhil_cric said:
SKY Stadium is generally a tough stadium to bat 2nd . This is already the highest score here and Australia are not even at full strength in terms of batting. Stoinis and Wade will replace Inglis and Short.
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Inglis is far better than rubbish Wade
 
Tim David you beauty. What a finish by this guy. 6 needed of the last 2 balls, 2 and a four to seal it for his team. Brilliant.

V0otk7h.png
 
volcyz said:
Inglis is far better than rubbish Wade
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Based on what? Wade has actually performed against strong opponents in T20I's since the last World T20. Inglis hasn't done jack in this period. Also #5 is where Stoinis bats. Wade is a #7
 
BouncerGuy said:
Tim David you beauty. What a finish by this guy. 6 needed of the last 2 balls, 2 and a four to seal it for his team. Brilliant.

V0otk7h.png
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A heroic knock from captain Mitchell Marsh and a late assault from Tim David have steered Australia towards a thrilling six-wicket victory over New Zealand in Wellington.

The Australians, who at one stage required 32 runs from nine balls for an unlikely win, reeled in the 216-run target on the final delivery to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

The tourists needed four runs from the last ball for victory, but David held his nerve by picking out a gap at deep mid-wicket to seal a remarkable win for Australia. It was the team’s third-highest successful run chase in T20Is.

"That was incredible,” Marsh said during the post-match presentation.

“That’s exactly why he’s in this team. He’s been incredible over the last two years in all T20 tournaments around the world.

“It was a pleasure to watch.”

During the tense final over, delivered by Black Caps veteran Tim Southee, one of David’s sixes landed on the boundary rope, which proved a decisive moment in the series opener.

Marsh, later named player of the match, was the anchor of Australia’s innings with 72 not out from 44 balls, while David finished unbeaten on 31 (10), which included three sixes.

“It was a hell of a game of cricket,” New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said after the match.

“We’ve just got to reflect and move on.”

Earlier, New Zealand posted 3-215 after a ruthless 113-run partnership between Black Caps opener Devon Conway and rising star Rachin Ravindra, who each scored fifties. It was the seventh-highest score Australia has ever conceded in the format, with the innings featuring 13 sixes.

After a slow start, Ravindra feasted on Australia’s world-class bowling attack following the drinks break, clobbering a trio of sixes against leg-spinner Adam Zampa in the 15th over. The 24-year-old fell victim to Pat Cummins a few minutes later, picking out the square leg boundary rider for 68 (35).

Conway departed the next delivery for 63 (46) after top-edging a slower ball from Marsh, caught at short third man by Mitchell Starc.

New Zealand’s seamers were hooping the ball around corners early in the run chase, with Australian opener Travis Head trudging off for 24 (15) after a scratchy start, caught at mid-on by Southee.

David Warner was handed a massive reprieve during the Powerplay, dropped by Ravindra on 18, but the missed chance didn’t prove too costly, departing the following over for 32 after holing out towards deep-mid wicket. The Wellington crowd booed the 37-year-old opener as he walked off.

Black Caps speedster Lockie Ferguson produced an absolute seed to knock over Glenn Maxwell after the drinks break, bowled for 25 (11) before Marsh and wicketkeeper Josh Inglis combined for a 61-run partnership, which set up the thrilling finale.

Earlier, Santner won the toss and elected to bat first, with all-rounder Josh Clarkson making his T20I debut. Black Caps opener Finn Allen got the hosts off to a flying start, blasting three sixes during the Powerplay before chipping towards mid-wicket in the sixth over for 32 (17).

www.foxsports.com.au

‘Hell of a game’: Tim David’s late onslaught steers Australia towards miracle final-ball victory

‘Hell of a game’: Pinch-hitter’s epic assault steers Aussies towards miracle final-ball win
www.foxsports.com.au www.foxsports.com.au
 
Australia's highest successful T20I run chases:

244 v New Zealand Auckland 2018
223 v India Guwahati 2023
216 v New Zealand Wellington 2024
209 v India Mohali 2022
205 v South Africa Johannesburg 2016
192 v Pakistan St Lucia 2010
 
New Zealand vs Australia, 2nd T20I, Updates:

New Zealand won the toss and opted to field first

Teams:

Australia (Playing XI): Travis Head, Steven Smith, Mitchell Marsh(c), Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis, Tim David, Matthew Wade(w), Pat Cummins, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

New Zealand (Playing XI): Finn Allen, Devon Conway(w), Will Young, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Mitchell Santner(c), Adam Milne, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult, Ben Sears

---------------------------

Australia is off to a flyer here. lost 1 wicket early but this guy Travis head is smashing the Kiwi bowlers now. 65/1 after 5.2 overs so far.
 
Australia has been going downhill since Travis's head got out. They were 85 for 1 and now the score is 117/5. Only Tim David and wade can take it to 200 from here.
 
Chasing a score of 175. Kiwi batters are doing nothing but to get out. 4 down now for 59 at the half way mark. still, 116 runs needed. looks like Australia's game from here.
 
New Zealand is going down quickly. 7 down now. Australia will be leading the series 2-0 for sure.
 
Australia win by 72 runs. Absolute domination but the Aussies at the Home of Kiwis.

1708680474722.png
 
Black Caps hurt by Devon Conway blow as Australia win T20 series

At Eden Park, Auckland: Australia 174 all out in 19.5 overs (Travis Head 45 off 22; Lockie Ferguson 4-12, Ben Sears 2-29) beat the Black Caps 102 all out in 17 overs (Glenn Phillips 42 off 35; Adam Zampa 4-34) by 72 runs.

The fastest Black Caps bowling attack ever assembled almost did more harm than good at Eden Park on Friday night.

Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne and Ben Sears were all clocked in excess of 140kph and combined to take eight Australian wickets in the second Twenty international.

But while that meant New Zealand bowled Australia out for 174 after winning the toss, that total proved well beyond the hosts, in part because of some friendly fire.

Milne’s fourth delivery of the evening wobbled as it went into wicketkeeper Devon Conway’s gloves, hitting his left thumb and forcing him from the field.

The left-hander went for scans instead of opening the batting and while he returned to the ground after X-rays cleared him of an obvious fracture and was seen padded up, there was no point in him batting.

After exerting himself more than he had probably planned in the field, as he took over behind the stumps, Finn Allen chopped on off the bowling off Josh Hazlewood at the end of the first over, having made six off six.

The Black Caps scratched their way to 27-3 at the end of the power play from there and were eventually dismissed for 102 in the 17th over.

There was already worrying news on the injury front before play, when Rachin Ravindra was ruled out after feeling pain in his left knee following Australia’s first-up win in Wellington on Wednesday.

Fuelled by opener Travis Head’s knock of 45 off 22, Australia raced away at the start of their innings in Auckland, reaching 74-1 at the end of the power play and 104-2 with two balls left in the ninth over.

Steve Smith replaced David Warner at the top of the order but only made 11 off seven before Ferguson trapped him LBW, while Head played on off the bowling of Sears.

Then came a nine-ball stretch where the Black Caps picked up three wickets. First Glenn Maxwell, then Mitch Marsh – for 26 off 21 – then Josh Inglis. All of a sudden it was Tim David – Australia’s late-innings

Neither was able to get going and it ultimately fell to Pat Cummins, who made 28 off 22, to lift Australia to a total that still looked extremely competitive, once Conway’s absence was accounted for.

Ferguson picked up the last two wickets in the last two over to finish with 4-12 from 3.5, while not conceding a boundary, while Sears took 2-29 and Milne took 2-40, on a pitch that offered seamers plenty.

Allen’s early dismissal put the Black Caps on the back foot and they never regained their poise, as Australia’s seam quartet of Hazlewood, Cummins, Marsh and Nathan Ellis made the most of the helpful conditions.

Will Young had come in in place of Ravindra, but was sent on his way for five off seven, courtesy of a long run and a diving catch by Wade.

Captain Mitchell Santner promoted himself up the order to No 3, but never looked comfortable before he played on off Hazlewood for seven off 13.

Mark Chapman only contributed two off three, while Glenn Phillips played out a maiden over by Hazlewood early on in his stay and even as he got going, the Black Caps were only 59-4 at the halfway stage, needing 115 off 60.

Leg-spinner Adam Zampa removed Josh Clarkson and Adam Milne in consecutive balls before also picking up Phillips, whose 42 off 35 was the only New Zealand innings of note.

The Black Caps will now look to pick themselves up and chase a consolation win in Sunday’s third match at the same venue.

SOURCE: https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/350185378/black-caps-hurt-devon-conway-blow-australia-win-t20-series
 
BouncerGuy said:
UPDATE | Devon Conway has left the field with a left thumb injury.
Click to expand...
An X-ray has cleared Devon Conway of an obvious fracture to his left thumb and he has returned to the ground. He will be further reviewed tomorrow.

He did not came to bat in today's game which New Zealand lost by 72 runs.
 
Black Caps v Australia: Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner claps back to claims his stadium is too small for cricket

Eden Park chief executive Nick Sautner says his stadium is ideal for cricket, despite receiving backlash for being too small for the sport.

Australian journalist Adam Hawse yesterday said the Australians will have a field day with the Auckland ground’s short boundaries in their second T20 match against New Zealand tonight.

“I’ve played in backyards with bigger boundaries than 55 metres,” Hawse said on 2GB Radio in Sydney.

“This is kiddies’ cricket!

"It’s the home of rugby union, the spiritual home, but it’s not really a cricket oval.

“I’ve done some research, I’ve had a look at the smallest boundaries - two boundaries at Eden Park are in the top five in world cricket.”

The square boundary at Eden Park is 68 metres, and the straight is 55 which is officially the smallest in the world.

In 2015, before the Cricket World Cup final between the Black Caps and Australia, Aussie great Matthew Hayden predicted the Black Caps would struggle with the size of the Melbourne Cricket Ground after playing their pool games and knockout matches at home.

"Let’s be honest, the size of Eden Park is ridiculous. It shouldn’t be a cricket ground. If you can half throw it from the long-off boundary to the opposite end it’s too small,” Hayden said at the time.

Sautner defends the size of the ground, telling the Herald it makes for an entertaining game.

“Eden Park’s intimate setting and fan-friendly boundaries make for one of the world’s best cricket grounds and atmospheres.

“The design guarantees an unmatched live cricket experience for fans at the ground or for those watching at home.”

www.nzherald.co.nz

'It's kiddies' cricket': Eden Park CEO hits back at small boundaries claim

An Australian journalist says he's played cricket in bigger backyards than Eden Park.
www.nzherald.co.nz www.nzherald.co.nz
 
Conway ruled out of third KFC T20I | Seifert & Duffy called in

Devon Conway has been withdrawn from the BLACKCAPS T20I series against Australia and will be replaced by Tim Seifert.

Conway will return home to Wellington to see a hand specialist to ascertain the extent of the injury to his left thumb, sustained while wicket-keeping in Friday’s night’s second KFC T20I.

Seifert, who was ruled out pre-series with a torn-abductor, passed a fitness test in Hamilton this morning and will link up with the BLACKCAPS squad in Auckland ahead of Sunday’s third and final T20I at Eden Park.

Coach Gary Stead confirmed Otago pace-bowler Jacob Duffy would also join the T20 squad as cover for the bowling group due to the tight turn around between matches.

Stead said Rachin Ravindra’s left knee injury, which ruled him out of game two, would be monitored over the next 24 hours before a decision was made on his availability for game three.

As a precaution, an additional batting cover would be added to the squad and announced later today.

The third and final match of the KFC T20I series gets underway at 1pm on Sunday at Eden Park, live in New Zealand on TVNZ and SENZ.

NZC
 
Last edited:
David Warner was in some form...His injury is not that serious though. Hoping to see him in the IPL and the T20 World Cup

---------------------

Australia have their own share of troubles with veteran opening batter David Warner set to miss the final T20I due to groin soreness.

Warner was not a part of the Playing XI for the second T20I as well and his absence means that Steve Smith will get another crack at the top of the order in the next T20I.

However, Cricket Australia believe he is expected to be fit for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The third and final T20I will be played at Eden Park on Sunday, 23 February. Australia have clinched the series 2-0.​

ICC
 
New Zealand vs Australia, 3rd T20I:

New Zealand needs 123 runs in 58 balls atm as the 2nd innings is reduced to 10 overs due to rain, DLS target for Black Caps to chase down is 126.
 
This is Australia's game to win as well. A 3-0 whitewash is coming for Kiwis. need 55 off 14 now.
 
126 runs proved too many for the Black Caps to chase as Australia has completed the Clean Sweep in the 3-match T20I series. Complete domination by the Aussie team at New Zealand's home soil.

PMZPCmg.png
 
No consolation for Black Caps as Australia win rain-hit third T20

At Eden Park, Auckland: Australia 118-4 in 10.4 overs (Travis Head 33 off 30) beat the Black Caps 98-3 in 10 overs (Glenn Phillips 40no off 24) by 27 runs (DLS method)

For those that persisted through three rain delays, there was plenty of entertainment to be had at Eden Park in Auckland on Sunday.

Perhaps not for the Black Caps however, after they fell to a third defeat in as many Twenty20 internationals against Australia.

The longest stretch of play was the fourth one, where New Zealand were set a target of 126 in 10 overs, thanks to the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.

It was always going to be a tough ask and so it proved, with the Black Caps falling 28 runs short of their target, despite an unbeaten innings of 40 off 24 by Glenn Phillips.

Rain had been around in Auckland since early on Sunday morning and was forecast to get heavier as the day progressed.

The weather cleared enough for there to be a toss as scheduled at 12.30pm and a start on time at 1pm, with Black Caps captain Mitchell Santner electing to bowl in anticipation of a messy afternoon.

In the first period of play, which lasted 6.2 overs, Australia raced out to 72-2, with Travis Head making the most of lives afforded to him by dropped catches from Josh Clarkson, at backward point, and Ish Sodhi, at short fine leg.

Steve Smith was caught behind off Adam Milne, with Tim Seifert taking control of a high ball to then dismiss Matt Short for 27 off 11.

Glenn Maxwell had been given a life by Mark Chapman, who couldn’t take a diving catch racing around the boundary from long-off, just before the first rain break.

When play resumed, 23 runs were added in 13 balls, but Maxwell holed out to Will Young at deep backward square leg for 29 off nine to give Clarkson his first T20 international wicket.

After the second break, the match was reduced to 15 overs a side, but only 13 more balls were bowled by the Black Caps. They did get Head, caught by Sodhi at short third off newly-minted T20 centurion Santner, for 33 off 30, but conceded another 23 runs.

Australia had 118-4 of 10.4 overs at that stage, but never resumed their innings, so the Black Caps’ target was adjusted upwards

They had no choice but to attack, needing more than 12 runs per over. Will Young made 14 off seven, but Tim Seifert managed just two off five.

When Finn Allen was caught by Mitchell Starc at point off the bowling of Adam Zampa for 13 off nine, their chances looked over, with 75 still needed off 29 balls.

Australia’s 27-run win meant they completed a 3-0 clean sweep, after they got up by 72 runs on Friday at the same venue and by six wickets on Wednesday in Wellington.

The two nations now begin a two-match test series on Thursday at the Basin Reserve, back in the capital.

SOURCE: STUFF.CO.NZ
 
New Zealand are hoping to defeat Australia at home for the first time in 31 years

The richly-anticipated Test series between the Black Caps and Australia arrives on Thursday, with much hope from the hosts they can snap one of their worst runs in cricket.

Not in 31 years have New Zealand beaten Australia in a Test on home soil, demonstrating the stranglehold Australia enjoy in trans-Tasman cricket.

While Australia might look to England or India as their primary rivals, for Kiwis, a series against Australia is the one: a chance to beat big brother.

This is the series the Black Caps have long craved: a crack at their arch-rivals on their home decks.

It's been eight years since Australia undertook a Test tour of Aotearoa, a quirk of the schedule that has only served to elevate this contest - particularly given New Zealand's current riches in talent.

Daryl Mitchell, a veteran of 123 outings for New Zealand across the three formats, has never played Australia at home.

He's also never beaten Australia in any format.

That's right: one of the Black Caps' mainstays of recent years has never tasted victory over Australia, be it T20, ODI or Test.

Given the opportunity that arises for New Zealand over the next fortnight, Mitchell said his side had to actively downplay the tour's significance.

"For us, it's not making that bigger than what it is," he said.

"It's cool to take on the Aussies ... it's going to be pretty special in front of a packed Basin and Aussie are a world-class team.

"It's obviously a special series for everyone but at the same time, it's just another ball coming down at you and trying to find a way to negate it."

Australia's dominance is so strong that only three of the traveling squad know what it's like to lose a Test to the Black Caps.

In the 31 years since New Zealand's last home win, there have been 31 Tests between the two, with Australia losing just once: at Hobart's Bellerive Oval in 2011.

The survivors from that Test - Mitchell Starc, 34, Usman Khawaja, 37, and Nathan Lyon, 36 - were in their second, sixth and seventh Tests respectively.

In a low-scoring classic, New Zealand set Australia a second-innings chase of 240 to win.

While David Warner carried his bat with 123 not out, he ran out of partners as Doug Bracewell took 6-40 to gave New Zealand a seven-run win.

"I've still got that in my head," Lyon said at the Basin Reserve on Monday.

"All I remember is Davey batting at the end there with me ... we have 30 runs (to get) and he goes, 'if we chase down this total it'll be one hell of a party'.

"Then I got bowled with about 11 runs to get so we've missed out on the hell of a party."

On their last visit to the Basin, Australia put New Zealand to the sword with an innings and 52-run victory in 2016.

Lyon took 7-123 across the two innings, recalling howling winds common in the capital.

"Fond memories," he said.

"A few of the big quicks didn't want to run into it ... so that's where I get my overs."

New Zealand often line up without a dedicated spinner for home Tests, with Mitchell Santner missing out in the second Test against South Africa.

Santner may do again given a likely green pitch in Wellington, but Lyon was adamant of the need for spin.

"If it seams, it spins ... spin to win in my eyes," he said.

"I'm excited to see what pitches are produced. But I dare say there'll be some spin in there.

February 29 – March 4: First Test, Wellington, 9am AEDT

March 8-12: Second Test, Christchurch, 9am AEDT

Australia Test squad:

Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc

New Zealand Test squad:

Tim Southee (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Scott Kuggeleijn, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Neil Wagner, Kane Williamson, Will Young.

www.cricket.com.au

Neighbours ready to reignite all-too-rare rivalry | cricket.com.au

New Zealand are hoping to defeat Australia at home for the first time in 31 years
www.cricket.com.au www.cricket.com.au
 
BLACKCAPS opener Devon Conway will miss the first Tegel Test against Australia, starting at the Cello Basin Reserve in Wellington on Thursday.

The decision to rule Conway out was made following additional scans in Wellington yesterday which revealed damage to his left thumb.

Another update will be provided later in the week following further medical consultation to ascertain the extent of the injury and the final diagnosis.

Conway sustained the injury while wicket-keeping in the second KFC T20I at Eden Park on Friday night.

Canterbury batter Henry Nicholls has been called into the squad as batting cover and will join the team in Wellington for training this morning.

Coach Gary Stead said the team was feeling for Conway.

“It’s disappointing for Devon to be ruled out on the eve of an important match,” he said.

“He’s a class player batting at the top of the order for us and I know he was really looking forward to this series.”

Stead also welcomed Nicholls back to the squad.

“It’s nice to have a player of Henry’s calibre to call on.

“He has plenty of Test experience and covers a number of positions in our batting order.”
 
Tireless attack fronts up again as Aussies name XI

Pat Cummins has revealed his playing XI for the first Test against New Zealand but the Kiwis have been a little more coy.

Confirmation of Australia’s starting XI means they will take the same bowling unit for the sixth consecutive Test stretching back to the home summer opener against Pakistan at Perth.

The only change to the line-up since then is the recall of allrounder Cameron Green for the two-Test NRMA Insurance series against West Indies following David Warner’s retirement from the five-day format, with Steve Smith elevated to the opening role and Green slotted into Smith’s previous position at four.

Australia XI: Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

Possible New Zealand XI: Tom Latham, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Tim Southee (c), Will O'Rourke

The last time Australia fielded a different attack was the final Test of the Ashes campaign at The Oval, when Todd Murphy was filling in for injured spinner Nathan Lyon.

New Zealand have been forced to make at least three changes from the outfits that defeated South Africa in their two-match series at Mount Maunganui and Hamilton.

Opener Devon Conway has been ruled out with a damaged left thumb sustained in the recent T20I campaign against Australia, while fast bowler Kyle Jamieson is set for an extended period in the sidelines having been diagnosed with more stress fractures in his back.

In addition, veteran seamer Neil Wagner has announced his retirement from international cricket having been told he would not feature in the Australia series despite being named in the initial 14-man Black Caps squad.

Allrounder Daryl Mitchell (foot) returns having missed the second Test against the Proteas, while fast bowler Matt Henry rejoins the national squad after missing the T20 matches due to hip soreness.

Top-order batter Henry Nicholls, who was initially overlooked for the Australia Tests was recalled to the squad earlier today when Conway was ruled out.

In Conway’s absence, Will Young will partner Tom Latham at the top of the order having batted at number three at Hamilton, but New Zealand captain Tim Southee stopped short of revealing the rest of his playing XI.

Young has played most of his 14 Tests to date as an opener.

Southee said today’s rain in Wellington that ensured the pitch remained under covers on match eve meant the Black Caps were undecided on whether to play additional pace bowler Scott Kuggeleijn or left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner tomorrow.

"We'll have one final look, obviously with the weather around, so one final decision on whether an extra seamer or a spinner will play,” Southee said.

By contrast, Australia skipper Pat Cummins confirmed it was a straightforward call to retain the same starting XI as the team’s mot recent outing, a shock loss to West Indies at the Gabba, given all members of the touring party are fit and available.

"We've had a good run so same eleven as the Gabba,” Cummins said today.

"It's always nice to have a full contingent to pick from."

SOURCE: https://www.cricket.com.au/news/3914617
 
‘Best ever’ Kiwi coming for Smith in Test cricket’s thrilling ‘Fab Four’ race

A humble Kiwi is flying up the record books and primed to surpass Steve Smith in the pecking order of Test cricket’s ‘Fab Four’ when Australia take on New Zealand this week.

After sweeping the T20 series 3-0, Australia enter the two-Test series across the ditch as favourites, in the first match-up between the Trans-Tasman rivals since the Aussies won 3-0 at home in 2019-2020.

It’s the last international cricket Australia will play before the T20 World Cup mid-year and a blockbuster five-match Test series against India next summer.

Fresh off a 2-0 series win over a second string South African side, the Kiwis have shown at their best, they have the batting firepower to go with Australia.

The key man is New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, who has quietly racked up centuries galore to put himself firmly in the conversation for the title of the world’s best batsman.

Williamson, Steve Smith, Joe Root and Virat Kohli were all born within 25 months of each other between 1988 to 1990 and their careers have followed eerily similar paths over the past decade or so.

Test cricket’s so-called ‘Fab Four’, aka the ‘big boys’ of batting, are now in their mid-thirties and looking to bolster their CVs with as many centuries as they can before they eventually retire.

The entire quartet have also played the best cricket of their careers batting at No. 4 in their respective sides.

Steve Smith carried his bat for 91 not out against the West Indies and a century in his new role as opener would cement his status as one of the greatest Australian batters ever.

Smith is tied with Williamson on 32 Test centuries after the Kiwi skipper scored three tons in New Zealand’s two Tests against South Africa.

The Proteas sent a weak bowling attack, but you can only score runs against the opposition you come up against.

Also very much in the equation is Joe Root, who finally abandoned his Bazball approach to score one of the finest hundreds of his career against India.

Root has an astonishing 60 half centuries but has improved his conversion rate in recent years, reaching triple figures six times in 2021 and five times in 2022.

He now has 31 Test tons and the most half centuries by an England player.

Kohli has missed the current series due to personal reasons and is the one member of the Fab Four who might have left his best Test form behind him.

Kohli was the dominant player of the 2010s and has scored six centuries in Australia among

his 15 tons scored away from home.

Williamson is in the best form of the group and a 33rd century against Australia’s all-conquering bowling triumvirate of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc would make the cricket world sit up and take notice of the Kiwi.

The race will be on for Williamson or Smith to score a century that would see them move clear of Test cricket’s big boys with 33 tons.

Williamson is currently ranked No. 1 in the ICC’s Test batting rankings, one spot ahead of Steve Smith.

Fox Cricket’s Ian Smith told news.com.au the match-up between Williamson and Australia’s bowling attack looms as the key battle of the series.

“Kane Williamson’s in great touch,” the Kiwi commentator said.

“It’s hard to judge. This South African bowling attack was way below their best but he’s been good enough to score hundreds. He’s just that kind of player.

“When he gets in that mood, he can accumulate runs and not get out.

“Looking forward to that contest — Kane Williamson against Australia’s world class attack being one of the features of the series.”

Williamson has converted 11 out of his last 12 fifties into centuries. The only fifty that didn’t turn into a hundred was an unbeaten 52 to seal victory in the 2021 World Test Championship final.

So where does the 33-year-old rank among the likes of Smith, Root and Kohli?

“I think he belongs in that bracket,” Ian Smith said.

“I really think he deserves that now. Anyone that goes past Sir Donald Bradman (29 Test centuries) is worthy of praise of the highest order.

“If you speak to cricket commentators and pundits around the world, they don’t underestimate Kane Williamson and what he does.

“He doesn’t sometimes get the publicity the other guys do because they play in a much bigger cricketing market, where there are a lot of stories written, more exposure and of course those guys play more Test cricket than Kane Williamson does.

“Those opportunities have been less but his conversion rate has been absolutely excellent.

“He’s now quite clearly New Zealand’s best ever batsman. When all is said and done, he may well be regarded as New Zealand’s best ever cricketer.

“At this point, I still think all-round wise Richard Hadlee but Kane Williamson’s doing enough with the bat, his contribution as a leader is also quite worthy.”

Williamson was a key part of New Zealand’s World Test Championship win in 2021. Further trophies have eluded the Kiwis, who fell just short of glory at the 2015 and 2019 ODI World Cup finals, and lost to Australia in the 2021 T20 World decider.

A Test series win against Australia might be the next best thing.

Test cricket’s Fab Four compared

Kane Williamson: 32 centuries, 33 half centuries, 55.9 average, 97 Tests

Steve Smith: 32 centuries, 41 half centuries, 58.03 average, 107 Tests

Joe Root: 31 centuries, 60 half centuries, 49.84 average, 139 Tests

Virat Kohli: 29 centuries, 30 half centuries, 49.15 average, 113 Tests

Fox Cricket
 
Australia's last 31 Tests v New Zealand:

The record is 23 wins, 7 draws, and 1 loss.

- Southee averages 282 v. Khawaja, Smith and Labuschagne

- Conway averages 21 across his last 16 Test innings

- Cummins to Latham in Tests: 2-18 from 18.3 overs
 
Not sure about this call by Australia to continue with Smith as opener. That middle order looks weak especially with Marnus out of form.

Imo you don't need both Marsh and Green in that lineup.

Give that opening spot to a young Shield opener (Bancroft?) . Drop one of Marsh/Green and let Smith back into the middle order ?
 
For a third time this summer, a largely unheralded bowler has got the better of Australia's batters

Asked prior to the start of the current Test against New Zealand whether there had been opportunity to examine causes of Australia's shock loss in their previous outing to an unheralded West Indies line-up, Josh Hazlewood was typically pragmatic.

While acknowledging some recurring shortfalls from the team's top-order batting might have eventually proved too much to overcome with some late-innings rallying, he also cited the spectacular single efforts of rookie fast bowler Shamar Joseph.

Fast forward to Australia's next Test encounter and it was a similarly greenhorn opponent, albeit one with a vastly different skill set, who caused issues for a batting group that's found its hands full from little-known rivals in the recent past.

Against Pakistan it was fast bowler Aamir Jamal playing in his maiden Test series who performed with ball and bat, then Joseph announced himself to the world with stunning bowling efforts, and today it was former wicketkeeper Glenn Phillips who proved a thorn.

Phillips is playing just his sixth Test and although his debut came against Australia at the SCG four years ago, he was not considered a bowling option in that game and did not take the ball in the five-day format until NZ's recent tour to Bangladesh.

But the 27-year-old, who is so keen to learn about the spin-bowling art he has been seeking any tips he can glean from record-breaking rival Nathan Lyon when their paths cross, proved the latest scourge for Australia batters with 5-45 as NZ skittled their foes for 164 today.

It has set up a daunting if not totally distant chase of 369 for a drought-breaking trans-Tasman Test win, with that target reduced by 111 for the loss of three wickets, in what has become a familiar scenario for the reigning World Test Champions.

"We've had chats since (Brisbane), and I think we've probably been a few too many wickets down for under 200 quite a number of times and it probably caught up with us in that Test," Hazlewood told cricket.com.au before this game began.

"It was one of those things that a remarkable performance from one person really set up the win for the West Indies, so sometimes you just got to weigh those things up."

In that game, Australia finished nine runs shy of their modest victory target of 216 after stumbling to 6-136 in the face of Joseph's probing pace, the third time in as many completed innings they had failed to reach 200 for loss of their first six wickets.

That pattern repeated in both outings in this current game, although Hazlewood's exceptional last-wicket stand of 116 with Cameron Green (174no) lifted their final tally to 383 before the Black Caps in turn crumbled on the bowler-friendly Basin pitch.

Such was the struggle for Australia's top-order batters in the face of Phillips' maiden first-class five-for, Lyon ended the innings as top scorer having contributed a feisty 41 from 46 balls faced in the unfamiliar role of number four having been deployed as night watch on Friday evening.

Despite claiming he has no intention of completing a hat-trick of innings-high scores for the Test team – his other such feat came in his fourth match at Cape Town in 2012, when the 14 runs he found lifted Australia from 9-21 to 47 all out – Lyon wasn't about to cast aspersions on the current batting group.

"I'll never criticise our batters, the way they go about it because they've been exceptional for a number of years now," Lyon said this evening, while acknowledging some wickets may have been lost to unforced errors.

"Then you've got to give credit to the bowlers.

"My big thing is bowlers are actually allowed to bowl good balls, and it's not always the batter's fault to get out.

''Bowlers are allowed to come up with plans and execute and take wickets.

"No doubt there will be some frustration in there (the Australia dressing room), but the best thing about this changeroom is the amount of support and care.

"I've never felt it before in Australian cricket teams, so very good vibes and a pretty good place."

It was Lyon's capacity to concoct and execute a bowling plan that brought him the key wicket of New Zealand's foremost batting threat Kane Williamson for just nine this evening, thereby knocking a large dent in the Black Caps hopes of their first Test win over Australia since 2010.

Several deliveries after moving Steve Smith from a regulation slips position to leg slip to the right-handed Williamson, Lyon began bowling around the wicket and got a ball to spin and bounce sharply at the former NZ skipper who fended it directly into Smith's safe hands.

"That was a plan, and it's nice when plans come off pretty well straight away," Lyon said at day's end.

"I've noticed something in Kane's batting against my bowling, so I tried to exploit that."

But while Australia's bowling unit will turn up tomorrow armed with their calculated strategies to prevent NZ's remaining batters getting the 258 runs they require, the Black Caps will bring a quiet belief founded on recent results at Basin Reserve.

Last summer they pulled off one of their most famous wins against another Test heavyweight, Ben Stokes's England, having been forced to follow-on 226 runs in arrears on the first innings before snatching a one-run victory.

And a matter of weeks later, they piled on 4(dec)-580 after being sent into bat by Sri Lanka on a typically green-tinged Basin pitch which paved the way for a thumping triumph by an innings and 58 runs.

The fact NZ's current highest successful fourth innings run chase of 230 against Australia came 50 years ago at Christchurch – a moment that will be celebrated with a reunion of the class of 1974 at Hagley Oval during next week's second Test – might suggest 369 is but a pipe dream.

But former Australia keeper-batter turned Black Caps representative now-assistant coach, Luke Ronchi, believes changes to the pitches on which Tests are played since that era - and the belief modern players now carry on to them - means nothing is beyond pursuit.

"Surfaces have changed over time," Ronchi said today.

"They don't deteriorate quite the same way they used to, so now those 180-200 chases that were so hard, now it's actually a completely different style of game.

"And I think as well, the batting mindset of players around the world now, they don't fear having to chase 300-plus totals on the last couple of days.

"That's the nature of cricket now, not just internationally but domestically so those younger guys coming into the game are a lot more confident they can chase down any total."

www.cricket.com.au

Batting belief remains despite collapse against unlikely source | cricket.com.au

For a third time this summer, a largely unheralded bowler has got the better of Australia's batters
www.cricket.com.au www.cricket.com.au
 
Looks like Nz's Sachin-Dravid has edged his way through the slip cordon to a risky 50. Let's see if he can convert to a 100 tommorow.
 
BLACKCAPS pace-bowler Will O’Rourke has been ruled out of this week’s second Tegel Test against Australia in Christchurch, after scans revealed a left-hamstring strain.

O’Rourke sustained the injury while bowling on day three of the first Test in Wellington and will require at least two weeks of rest and rehabilitation.

Uncapped Wellington Firebirds pace-bowler Ben Sears will replace O’Rourke in the 13-man squad and will join the team in Christchurch on Tuesday.

The 26-year-old has 58 First-Class wickets from his 19 appearances at an average of 27.

BLACKCAPS coach Gary Stead said Sears was ready for Test cricket.

“Ben’s a young bowler with a quality skill set,” he said.

“He bowls with genuine pace and gets good bounce which is always a great asset in red ball cricket.

“We’ve been really impressed by his performances for the BLACKCAPS in white ball cricket this summer and believe he can make the step up to the Test arena if called upon.

“It’s disappointing for Will to be ruled out, especially after making such a strong start to his international career.

“He’s shown he’s a player with huge potential and at 22-years-old we’re hopeful we will see a lot more of him in the Black Cap.”

Neil Wagner has been released from the squad as planned, ahead of the team reassembling in Christchurch on Tuesday.

The second Tegel Test against Australia starts on Thursday at Hagley Oval.

Conway set for surgery | Nicholls to stay on for second Test

BLACKCAPS opener Devon Conway will this week undergo surgery on the left thumb he damaged during the KFC T20I series against Australia.

Following several scans and specialist advice, the decision was made to operate on Conway with a likely recovery period of at least eight weeks.

Canterbury batter Henry Nicholls who was called in as cover for the first Tegel Test will stay with the squad for the second Test.

BLACKCAPS coach Gary Stead wished Conway a speedy recovery.

“We’re all feeling for Devon,” he said.

“He’s a massive part of the BLACKCAPS and we’re going to miss his presence both on and off the field.

“We wish him all the best for his surgery and we will be there to support him as he begins his recovery.”
 
Australia have retained the Trans-Tasman Trophy for the 12th successive series since regaining it with a series win at home in 1993-94. The last instance of New Zealand holding the Trans-Tasman Trophy was in 1992-93 when they retained it following a drawn series at home.
 
Cricket Warrior said:
Australia have retained the Trans-Tasman Trophy for the 12th successive series since regaining it with a series win at home in 1993-94. The last instance of New Zealand holding the Trans-Tasman Trophy was in 1992-93 when they retained it following a drawn series at home.
Click to expand...

Quite a dominance.

I think last time Kiwis beat Aussies in a Test was in 2011.
 

Labuschagne having a free run at the moment.​

=====

Misfiring Labuschagne little concern for Australia coach​

The form of the Australia No.3 is not causing too much worry for head coach Andrew McDonald.​


Australia coach Andrew McDonald is unperturbed by some indifferent recent form from key batter Marnus Labuschagne as the reigning ICC World Test Championship winners get set to name an unchanged XI for the second Test against New Zealand.

Labuschagne managed contributions of just one and two during Australia's emphatic 172-run triumph in the first Test against New Zealand in Wellington and the right-hander has now failed to score more than 10 in his past three Test appearances.

While McDonald acknowledged Labuschagne was not scoring as well as he would like, the Australian coach is happy to back his No.3 to turn his form around starting with the second Test against the Kiwis that commences in Christchurch on Friday, 8 March.

"I don't think there's any great concern from our point of view, in terms of we want the top six or seven batters to be performing as a collective," McDonald said.

"So while the rest are performing around that and you're winning games of cricket, the concern levels are fractionally lower.

"Over time there's going to be some ebbs and flows in your career and I thought in the second innings … the intent and the energy he (Labuschagne) brought to the crease – and it was only two runs, so I don't want to get carried away – but that's what we see when he's at his best."

Source: ICC
 
Lyon vs Kane Williamson fight will be something to watch out in the 2nd test match of the series.

--------------------------------------------

Lyon keen to exploit a chink in Williamson’s armour in milestone Test

With Kane Williamson all set for his 100th Test appearance in Christchurch, rival Nathan Lyon is ready with a plan to curb the prolific batter.

When he walks out on the field at Hagley Oval on Friday, Williamson will add yet another feat to his rich cricketing career.

Along with long-time teammate Tim Southee, the former New Zealand captain will join Ross Taylor, Daniel Vettori, Stephen Fleming, and Brendon McCullum in having played 100 Tests for the side.

On the way to this special century, Williamson has already broken several records.

He has the most Test runs for a Kiwi batter, with the next best Taylor almost 1000 runs behind him and has a stranglehold on the No.1 ranking for Test batters.

His Test average is also the best for New Zealand, with a stipulation of a minimum of 10 Tests.

Besides, the batter also won the World Test Championship Final 2021 as a captain. However, a Test series win over neighbouring rivals Australia continues to evade Williamson.

And with a loss in the first Test in the ongoing trans-Tasman Trophy in Wellington, New Zealand can at best share the honours in the two-game series.

Despite averaging 55.25 in his career, Williamson’s form takes a dip against Australia. The prolific batter averages 37.26 in 10 games against them.

In his most recent outing, he fell for a duck after falling short of the crease while going for a poorly judged run in the first innings. In the second assay, Australia’s off-spinner Lyon came around the wicket and had the batter caught at leg slip by Steve Smith for nine.

Speaking later, Lyon let out that Williamson’s dismissal, which came three deliveries after he’d switched around the wicket, was part of a plan.

“That was a plan, and it's nice when plans come off pretty well straight away. I've noticed something in Kane's batting against my bowling, so I tried to exploit that," Lyon said.

However, the experienced spinner refused to divulge any further details about his “plan” for Williamson.

“There's one Test to come, mate,” Lyon let out cheekily.

Australia’s third-most successful Test bowler in terms of wickets, Lyon picked his fifth 10-wicket haul in the first Test of the series, securing a solid 172-run win.

For his part, Williamson praised Lyon’s effort on a wicket that gave some help to the spinners. Speaking ahead of his momentous 100th Test, Williamson said, “(Lyon is) an incredible bowler and the surface in Wellington certainly was a competitive surface. It brought the spinners into play more than we thought going into it.

“And the quality he has, he certainly made the most of that and was quite a handful. As a player, you're always trying to improve, get better, adapt quickly.”

The second Test begins on Friday (8 March).

ICC
 
Australia unchanged as New Zealand confirm pacer will debut in Christchurch

The Aussies will take the same XI into the crucial contest, while New Zealand will make at least one change to their side.

Australia have confirmed they will take an unchanged XI into the second and final Test against New Zealand that commences on Friday, while the Kiwis have revealed an uncapped pace bowler will make his debut.

The reigning ICC World Test Championship winners have resisted the urge to change a winning formula and will use the same XI in Christchurch that clinched a commanding 172-run victory over New Zealand in the opening Test in Wellington.

That means No.3 batter Marnus Labuschagne will remain in the side despite a recent stretch of poor form, while the experienced quartet of skipper Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon will once again spearhead Australia's bowling attack during the Hagley Oval contest.

While hosts New Zealand didn't divulge their final XI for the second Test, skipper Tim Southee did announce that right-arm quick Ben Sears will debut in place of injured pacer Will O'Rourke.

Sears has played 13 T20I for his country and impressed recently with three wickets from two matches against Australia last month.

The last spot in New Zealand's XI looks like it is down to a race between pacer Scott Kuggeleijn and left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, with Southee to reveal his decision at the toss on Friday morning.

New Zealand (likely): Tom Latham, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Tim Southee (c), Ben Sears

Australia: Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

ICC
 
Tim Southee is excited to see what debutant Ben Sears can bring at Test level against Australia.


1709845518759.png
 
Day 1 - Session 2: Australia chose to field.

New Zealand (28.3 ov) 75/3

Kane Williamson - 13*
Daryl Miitchell - 0*
 
107/8 and another pitiful performance from NZ.

India and Australia blowing everyone else away at the moment.
 
Australia continue their dominance in NZ.

NZ should feel disappointed because this performance raises legitimate questions on whether they are worth mentioning among the top sides or not. They lose away from home everywhere except Pakistan/UAE and Windies and at home, they can't beat a good Australia, South Africa or England team.
 
Shocking cricket by NZ. Williamson has disappeared against the number one test side.
 
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