Australia and New Zealand have played a recently concluded test series in NZ as part of World Test Championship. Australia won the first test at Wellington and the second Test at Christchurch concluded on 11th March, 2024. Aus have won the toss and elected to ball first on a seaming pitch. New Zealand got bowled out for 162 in the first innings.
Australia got restricted to 256 runs in the first innings due to Matt Henry’s, 7/67, brilliance. In response, Tom Latham(73), Kane Williamson(51) gave a good platform for New Zealand to put up a lead. Rachin Ravindra(82) and Daryl Mitchell(58) have put on a 123-run partnership for the 4th wicket. This has put NZ in a driving position.
Scott Kuggeleijn has scored 44 runs and have helped New Zealand to score 372 runs in their second innings. They have given Australia 279 runs target to win the match, in the chase. Pat Cummins(4/62) and Nathan Lyon(3/49) helped Australia to restrict NZ score. In the chase, Australia lost Steven Smith(9), Usman Khawaja(11), Marnus Labuschagne(6), Cameron Green(5) and Travis Head(18) wickets, early.
When they looked like losing at 80/5, Mitchell Marsh and Alex Carey have taken an aggressive approach. They have put on 140-run partnership and Marsh(80) got out. Immediately, New Zealand dismissed Mitchell Starc. Pat Cummins joined Alex Carey and scored necessary 32 runs of 44 balls. Alex Carey missed century at 98 but he did not mind it.
Ben Sears(4/90) has been pick of the bowlers for New Zealand in the second innings. Australia managed to score 281/7 and won the match by 3 wickets. Alex Carey for his 10 catches as a wicketkeeper and 98 runs with the bat, won the Player of the Match award. Matt Henry for his 101 runs and 17 wickets has been adjudged as Player of the Series.
Australia has whitewashed New Zealand with 2-0 scoreline and they have showcased that their players would never like to give up under any circumstances. But the all-time great, Steven Smith struggling as a Test opener has become a major issue for them. They would be looking to address when India flies to Australia for 5-Test series in November.