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Australia tour of New Zealand (2024)

Yet another heavy defeat loading now. Getting all out for 162 New Zealand at their home, not encouraging at all
 
Ben Sears has his maiden test wicket and that is a of one, Smith is gone now. Australia is 1 down for 18 as Labu walks onto the crease.
 
New Zealand has their 2nd wicket as Matt henry cleans Khawaja. Need to get them out under 200 or else they are out of this game,
 
Kiwis lose against Aussies in their heads, before even stepping on the field. What ought to have been a good rivalry in the last 10 years with NZ fielding its golden generation and Aussies being a step down from their all conquering 90s and 2000s selves, has turned into Godzilla vs Bambi on repeat mode.
 
The mental level and skill level both have huge gaps. This Australia is not exactly the most inform side. Warner left. Smith is a failure as opener. Labu has been a failure for a while. Head has also hit a rough patch.
 
Williamson is bang in form, so him going missing in this series has been a bit of an embarrassment, and will fuel the minnow basher allegations.

A few wickets for NZ, maybe not out of it yet.
 
Australia has the upper hand at the end of Day 1. New Zealand might be losing this game as well.

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Black Caps v Australia: Australia in the box seat despite Matt Henry brilliance

At Hagley Oval, Christchurch, day one: New Zealand 162 from 45.2 overs (Tom Latham 38; Josh Hazlewood 5-31, Mitchell Starc 3-59) faces Australia 124-4 from 36 overs (Marnus Labuschagne 45 not out; Matt Henry 3-39

Kane Williamson knew he was cooked. But you've got to clutch at straws when the Aussies are all over you.

New Zealand’s best batter was one of seamer Josh Hazlewood’s five victims during the opening day of the second test in Christchurch on Friday, one the tourists comfortably had the better of.

Out lbw for 17 in his 100th test, nobody could fault Williamson for asking for a referral, not when New Zealand desperately needed him to come up big.

But when he trudged off Hagley Oval in front of almost 9000 hushed fans, the writing was on the walls for a team that continues to struggle with bat in hand against the world test champions.

All out for 162 inside two sessions after being sent into bat, the Black Caps did hit back with four wickets in the final session, but the tourists will head into day two in the box seat at 124-4, just 38 runs in arrears.

Indeed, just a day into the second and final test of what was a hugely anticipated series, the Black Caps are going to need their bowlers to strike early and often on Saturday if they're to wrestle back the initiative and have a realistic shot at squaring the series.

It’s sure possible the way Matt Henry is bowling. He’s already dismissed Usman Khawaja, first-test gun Cameron Green - bowled with a peach that jagged off the surface and hit the top of off-stump - and Travis Head.

Ben Sears accounted for the other scalp with just his third ball in test cricket, after opener Steve Smith inexplicably shouldered arms to a straight one.

But it was Hazlewood's day, snaring 5-31 on a surface that, believe it or not, didn’t offer the Australian seamers a heck of a lot early.

In fact, there were no signs New Zealand were going to capitulate during the first hour, as openers Tom Latham and Will Young got through to drinks relatively comfortably, and went on to put on 47 for the first wicket.

A searching Australian captain, Pat Cummins, even resorted to chucking the ball to spinner Nathan Lyon inside the first hour, and tried five different bowlers in the space of 70 minutes.

However, once Young was brilliantly caught by a diving Mitch Marsh at third slip, the Aussies’ body language perked up and they were sniffing blood.

Sure enough, one led to two and Latham, having done all the hard work on his way to 38, nicked a Hazlewood delivery he will know he could have left alone.

To be fair, it was at least probing, unlike the wide delivery Rachin Ravindra recklessly slashed to first slip a few deliveries before lunch.

At a time when New Zealand dearly needed Ravindra to dig in and withhold his attacking instincts, the talented young left-hander's lack of situational batting was the hot topic among punters lining up to grab a bite to eat.

It goes without saying the hosts would have been content at 71-2 at lunch after being put in, only for Ravindra’s rash stroke to open the door.

On the money with a probing line and length, Hazlewood needed no invitation.

He soon nicked out Daryl Mitchell and trapped Williamson in front, before receiving a healthy and deserving ovation when he made his way to fine leg with New Zealand in a 84-5 sized hole.

Only some late hitting by Henry and Tim Southee, who opened their shoulders and put on a quick-fire 55 for the ninth wicket, ensured New Zealand weren’t dismissed for under 150 in the first innings of a home test for the first time since 1997.

SOURCE: STUFF.CO.NZ
 
Apart from Smith, Khawaja and Labu, the batting of Aus is not much different to Eng. Smith is on decline and Labu is in freefall as well. Head is a hack in tests. Just that their bowling is relentless..
 

Australia hopeful of three-figure lead on tough Hagley Oval deck​


Josh Hazlewood wants Australia to try and get a lead of over 100 runs in Christchurch after the first day saw 14 wickets fall to pace.​


Josh Hazlewood's five-wicket haul headlined the action on day one of the Christchurch Test which saw pacers take advantage of the conditions to put the game in the balance.

If it was Hazlewood in the first innings, it was Matt Henry and debutant Ben Sears who made the ball talk and reduced Australia to four down by stumps to cut down the advantage the bowlers had given them earlier.

"Josh [Hazlewood] bowled exceptionally well," Matt Henry said in the post-day press conference. "Watching him go about his work today was probably bit of a blueprint for how we wanted to bowl there as well."

"It was a matter of bowling accurately and creating pressure. He did that beautifully. Thankfully we did it too to get a few poles," Henry added.

"The key for us is the first session tomorrow."

Henry's views were mirrored by Hazlewood, who took his 12th five-wicket haul in Tests today. The tall seamer dismantled the Kiwis batting line-up with the key wickets of top and middle-order batters Tom Latham, No.1 ranked Test batter Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell.

However, Hazlewood admitted that Australia would have liked to have lost fewer wickets on day one and hoped the batters would step up in the crucial first session on day two to build a good lead.

"We would have liked to be two or three-down at the end of today, but there's still seam movement," Hazlewood said in the press conference.

"So, if we could get a triple-figure lead, that would be unreal. If it flattens out, we'll push and push for as many as we can get but if the seam movement continues, I think the 100-lead is a good position."

The Aussie was unsure how the pitch would play out later in the Test match, and recalled a similar wicket from 2016 where it flattened out as the Test went on to the latter half.

"I thought in the first hour the wicket was quite slow, with not much bounce," he said.

"But once the sun baked it for that first hour, it quickened up a bit and that's when we saw a few nicks. There was that little nip there all day, a little bit of swing, so there's plenty there for the quicks."

"It probably gets flatter as the game goes on here, certainly last time we were here (in 2016) it was similar to that. But we saw New Zealand move it around a fair bit, even this afternoon so there potentially might be enough in it for the next few days as well."

Australia trail by 38 runs at the end of day one with Marnus Labuschagne and nightwatchman Nathan Lyon, who made a sizeable contribution last Test in a similar role, in the middle.

ICC
 
James said:
Williamson is bang in form, so him going missing in this series has been a bit of an embarrassment, and will fuel the minnow basher allegations.

A few wickets for NZ, maybe not out of it yet.
Click to expand...
lol there is room for allegations. Williamson is a certified minnow basher. He is only getting away because his nice person image and being a white guy. Most Pakistani fans also want someone to be better than Kohli and they hype up Williamson. He is bang average against good bowling. There is Fab Four it’s fab three. Kohli, Smith and Root are much better than Williamson
 
This new Zealand team looks weaker each time it plays, you can see why the Aussies are bullying them.
 
India tours NZ in 2026, one country where we haven't drawn or won a series since 2009. With departure of their golden generation, we must work towards winning there.

We have won only 2 test series in NZ, won only 5 tests there, which is a crying shame. Better record in SA, Eng, Aus.

Aus is amazing in NZ, and Pak also dominated NZ in NZ till 2010.
 
Swashbuckler said:
India tours NZ in 2026, one country where we haven't drawn or won a series since 2009. With departure of their golden generation, we must work towards winning there.

We have won only 2 test series in NZ, won only 5 tests there, which is a crying shame. Better record in SA, Eng, Aus.

Aus is amazing in NZ, and Pak also dominated NZ in NZ till 2010.
Click to expand...
We have hardly played over there though and we were a terrible overseas team before 2000 while pak used to produce great pacers perfect for kiwi conditions.

I think we have played in bang more often in recent times than in nz
 
This one going to be an inning defeat for New Zealand.

New Zealand 162

Australia (36.4 ov) 124/4

Day 2 - Session 1: Australia trail by 38 runs.
 
NZ need a special batting performance in 2nd inning to win the game.
 
New Zealand has done a good job by bowling Australia out on just 256 else it could have been a lot worse. Still trailing by 41 runs though, score is 53/1 atm.
 
It is always a one sided affair. Just when i think the NZ have done well by bowling out the Aussie for 170 they'll get bowled out for 70 themselves! :LOL:
 
Just 29 more runs and then the real game starts for the Kiwis. How much lead are they going to get here. 200?
 
Kane's wicket was a huge one for Australia. They will be looking to fold this batting line up for anything less than 100 lead.
 
Williamson is strictly average against Big 3 sides.

Absolutely bullies sides like SL/WI/PAK
 
New Zealand have at least hinted that they could be about to make this one interesting. They need another 200 (+) runs though.
 
Wickets starting out flat and then becoming bowler friendly is very good. But in NZ it almost seems the other way. Very bad
 
Black Caps vs Australia: New Zealand fight back, but Cummins delivers late blow

At Hagley Oval, Christchurch, day two: New Zealand 162 and 134-2 in 50 overs (Tom Latham 65no, Kane Williamson 51) met Australia 256 in 68 overs (Marnus Labuschagne 90, Matt Henry 7-67).

Pat Cummins’ late wicket of Kane Williamson could prove a defining moment come the final wash-up.

The Black Caps fought back valiantly on day two of the second test against Australia in Christchurch on Saturday, but the visitors still hold the upper hand.

For a large chunk of the afternoon, it looked like New Zealand were starting to cause some trepidation for Australia, courtesy of a 105-run second wicket stand from Williamson and Tom Latham.

That all changed when Williamson, in his milestone 100th test, dragged onto his stumps with the first ball in Cummins’ spell.

At stumps, New Zealand were 134-2 with Latham unbeaten on 65 and Rachin Ravindra 11 not out, giving the hosts a lead of 40 runs.

New Zealand received a lifeline late in the day with wicketkeeper Alex Carey putting down Latham on 59, diving to his left, off Josh Hazlewood.

As the batting maestro trudged back to the dressing room for 51, New Zealand’s hopes of winning their first home test against Australia since March 1993, grew tougher.

New Zealand will have the best batting conditions of the test on Sunday. With a high of 25C forecast, the sun will bake down and should be favourable for scoring runs.

They still have a stack of work to do on day three to pile the pressure back on Australia.

Latham, who has gone big previously at this ground, scoring 252 against Bangladesh in 2022, and 176 against Sri Lanka, in 2018, will be vital.

The left-hander finished the day unbeaten on 65 — registering his first test half-century in a year, which came against Sri Lanka at Hagley. It was also his highest test score against Australia, surpassing 63 at Wellington in 2016.

The Black Caps’ second day fightback was built around a Matt Henry bowling masterclass and Williamson and Latham’s century stand.

Having lost Will Young early in their second dig, New Zealand badly needed a substantial partnership.

Williamson and Latham annoyed the Australian attack, forcing them to make bowling changes and alter their plans.

They combined for a 105-run second wicket stand until Williamson departed in what could prove a pivotal moment in the test.

Kane Williamson and Tom Latham combined for a 105-run second wicket stand until Pat Cummins

At his Hagley home, Henry was tremendous again with the ball on day two.

After capturing three wickets in the final session on Friday, he added a further four to finish with 7-67 — his second best figures in test cricket.

It was the second best bowling figures by a New Zealand bowler against Australia in a test, only topped by Sir Richard Hadlee’s 9-52 in Brisbane in 1985.

Henry dragged New Zealand back into the test with the ball after their batters disappointed on the opening day, skittled for just 162.

Australia resumed at 124-4 on Saturday, trailing by 38 runs, with New Zealand needing to strike quickly with the ball.

The day got off to a poor start with nightwatchman Nathan Lyon shelled by Daryl Mitchell at first slip in Tim Southee’s first over.

Marnus Labuschagne and Lyon frustrated the New Zealand pace bowlers, kicking on and combining for a 51-run stand.

As he did in the first test where he scored 41, Lyon again frustrated, until Mitchell made amends, hanging on to a chance off Henry.

Henry went bang-bang removing Mitchell Marsh in his next over, who was struck in front, giving New Zealand further confidence.

With Tim Southee and Scott Kuggeleijn both struggling to make an impact, Henry needed some help.

Glenn Phillips as he so often does was the one to make something happen.

Phillips has a reputation as a golden arm and again delivered.

Fresh off a maiden five wicket haul in the first test, the offspinner worked his magic with his second ball, forcing a mistake from Carey.

Phillips was able to gain turn and bounce from the surface with Carey sweeping straight to Latham at midwicket.

New Zealand were desperate for one more wicket before lunch. Labuschagne looked set and was eyeing a 12th test ton, until Phillips produced a moment of brilliance.

He pulled off a stunning full stretch diving catch at gully, reeling the ball in one-handed with his right mitt to end Labuschagne’s 147-ball stay at the crease.

It was only fitting Henry returned to mop up the tail, taking the final two wickets to capture seven in an innings for the second time in a test.

SOURCE: STUFF.CO.NZ
 
Courtesy of superb innings from Latham and Rachin, New Zealand managed to set up a target of 279 runs for Australia to chase down. This game has got interesting now. Can go in any team's favor.
 
SMith is still lucky to be there. Was all at sea against Henry. He may tough it out and score runs. In the long run opening is definitely not a position for him. Recently he failed even in the middle order. If anything he should come at 5 or something.
 
So far Smith is somehow surviving edging, missing in between scoring of loose balls. May be it is his day. But he looks ridiculous as an opener.
 
Smith done in by seam movement from Henry. It seemed like a matter of time. He also wasted a review.
 
I am surprised. Don't Australia have even one specialist oepner? While talking Labu was lucky not to edge a peach from Henry first ball.
 
Smith Fails yet again. Australia 1 down. Smith should come back to his original number, opening is not his cup of tea.
 
Shaping to be a good test so far. One more wicket AUstralia will be under massive pressure with ball hoopng around.
 
BouncerGuy said:
Smith Fails yet again. Australia 1 down. Smith should come back to his original number, opening is not his cup of tea.
Click to expand...
May be his time is up , Opponents are not giving him easy scoring options . Piling pressure on him with dot ball after dot ball.
 
Henry is all over Australia like a cheap suit. 279 now seems a long way away. They have to counter punch otherwise it will be difficult. Stunning catch though. Low to his left by southee
 
They should get rid of Head below 20, he can take the game away with his Headball approach.
 
NZ has not beaten Australia in 13 years in a test match home or away. So no need of extra motivation for them.
 
What happened to smith ? Is he past his prime or Australia did mistake to open with him
 
2 more quick wickets to win a test against Aus. NZ has been waiting for a long time.
 
New Zealand is on top now. 3 down Australia and things are not looking good for them atm.
 
This Australian batting line up is atrocious. As I said before, I can genuinely see this team being whitewashed by India at home.
 
Australia already lost a test against Westindies now on the brink of losing another test match .
They were very lucky against Pakistan to not lose a test match.
 
Marsh and travis head will be the key here if aussie want to win this game.
 
Head and Marsh are capable of winning this for Australia.

Carey not much.
 
SOuthee is a poor captain. They should have brought Philips immediately on. Both have weakness against spin
 
I will have to say that Kiwis are on top for now. 1 or 2 wickets in tomorrow's morning session will seal the deal for them. Marsh's wicket is needed early tomorrow, he is looking dangerous.

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MCmillan constantly brought up the point about running Henry to the ground. 9 overs on the trot. I understand kuggelign has a foot injury and can't bowl. They should have tried Philips immediately after head was in
 
Such is the mental block that even now I will put Australia as favorites.
 
Black Caps sniffing rare test win over Australia after late bowling blitz

At Hagley Oval, Christchurch, day three: New Zealand 162 and 372 in 108.2 overs (Rachin Ravindra 82, Tom Latham 73, Daryl Mitchell 58, Kane Williamson 51, Scott Kuggeleijn 44; Pat Cummins 4-62, Nathan Lyon 3-49) met Australia 256 and 77-4 in 24 overs.

The Black Caps have given themselves a royal chance to end 31 years of test hurt at home to Australia.

New Zealand enjoyed a day three for the ages at Hagley Oval on Sunday to put them in a commanding position for a rare test win over Australia.

As Semisonic’s hit tune Closing Time blasted out over the ground speakers with 40 minutes left in the day’s play, it felt apt with Australia 38-4.

The last time New Zealand beat Australia in a test at home (March 1993 at Eden Park) most of this playing XI were either in nappies or not born. New Zealand have won just eight of the 62 tests in history against their trans-Tasman rival.

At stumps, Australia were 77-4, needing a further 202 runs to pull off victory and a 2-0 series sweep. New Zealand will likely have to do it a bowler down too with Scott Kuggeleijn not bowling in the second innings with a foot issue.

With Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head at the crease, Australia will still fancy their chances of a fightback win. New Zealand cricket fans will know they’ve been burned too many times to remember in powerful positions against the old foe over the years.

Set 279 to win, New Zealand made a dream start with the ball late in the day with Steve Smith’s horrible series continuing and Marnus Labuschagne also falling cheaply.

Henry picked up his eighth wicket for the test, trapping Smith in front for nine.

Smith will be eager to jump on the plane and head home after a woeful series, contributing just 51 runs from four innings at an average of 12.75 and a highest score of 31.

Debutant Ben Sears thought he had Labuschagne with his second ball, but he was shelled at first slip by Daryl Mitchell, his second drop of the test.

Sears was elated when two balls later he held onto a leading edge from Labuschagne on his follow through. He had another when first test century-maker Cameron Green dragged onto his stumps.

Australia were in strife at 30-3 after Henry struck again with Tim Southee pulling in a ripper, one-handed diving to his left at third slip, to send Usman Khawaja on his way.

Late in the day, the Hagley faithful were clapping and cheering loudly while a couple of loud mouths bellowed “You’re so quiet” at the Australian batters. New Zealand were well on top and sticking it to big brother from across the ditch.

New Zealand enjoyed a pleasing day with the bat, adding a further 238 runs after starting the day at 134-2.

Having fallen to 296-6 (a lead of 202), New Zealand’s lower order could have easily crumbled.

New Zealand needed to stand up with the bat in their second dig after being rolled for under 200 in all three previous innings in the series.

With the test effectively on the line, they did just that, reaching the 300 mark for the first time in 10 innings against Australia.

Ravindra (82) and Mitchell (58) anchored New Zealand’s batting on Sunday with the pair teaming up for the second century stand of the innings.

It was some partnership from the duo, who played positively and were able to score freely.

They refused to let offspinner Nathan Lyon settle, while also frustrating the Australian quicks.

Ravindra and Mitchell added 88 runs together before lunch from just 137 balls, ticking over the runs.

The second new ball was always going to be pivotal for Australia and that’s how it played out.

With Ravindra and Mitchell established and seeking to further extend New Zealand’s lead, Australia struck back.

Josh Hazlewood has been on another level for Australia in this test with the ball and again made something happen. Mitchell hit Hazlewood for back-to-back fours, but the bowler won the battle drawing an edge through to Alex Carey.

Australia had two wickets in 16 balls, removing the other set batter, Ravindra.

Pat Cummins brought himself back into the attack and for the second time in the innings struck with the first ball of his spell.

As he did on day two, dismissing Kane Williamson, Cummins had an instant impact, attracting a faint edge from Ravindra into Carey’s gloves.

When Tom Blundell fell to a diving Labuschagne at cover, New Zealand had slumped from 278-3 to 296-6, losing 3-18.

Australia were suddenly smelling blood with the lead at 202 and four wickets to go.

Kuggeleijn and Glenn Phillips teamed up a critical 53-run seventh wicket stand from just 72 balls.

Kuggeleijn clubbed two sixes, smacking Green over cow corner, then deposited Mitchell Starc into the crowd.

He was the last wicket to fall, held at deep midwicket, with New Zealand losing their last three wickets for one run.

Tom Latham’s impressive 73 ended six overs into the day’s play with Australia producing a cracking review after he was given not out on field.

Ultra edge showed a tiny spike and he was sent on his way with Hazlewood again producing the big breakthrough.

Australia were sitting pretty when Blundell departed, leaving New Zealand 296-6 with the lead at 202.

Kuggeleijn and Phillips put the pressure back on with their destructive hitting.

Their 53-run partnership could prove a key chapter in the tale come the test’s conclusion.

SOURCE: STUFF.CO.NZ
 
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