Australia routs New Zealand by 247 runs to win the Test series
Despite Tom Blundell resistance, Australia crushed New
Zealand by 247 runs on the 4th day of 2nd Test match
played at Melbourne Cricket Ground, MCG on Sunday.
Starting on the overnight score of 137 for 4, Travis Head
and Matthew Wade played few overs. After Neil Wagner dismissed Travis Head,
Australian captain Tim Paine declared the innings on 168 for 5. Head and Waded
added 58 runs for the 5th wicket.
Chasing a massive target of 488 runs to win, New Zealand
openers Tom Latham and Tom Blundell looked positive against the Australian
bowlers. Blundell survived a close LBW shout. James Pattinson provided the
breakthrough for Australia dismissing Tom Latham for 8. Pattinson got big
wickets of Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor in quick succession to leave Kiwis
in tatters at 35 for 3. At lunch, New Zealand were in big trouble at 38 for 3.
After the lunch break, Henry Nicholls and Tom Blundell
showed some resistance against Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and James Pattinson.
Nathan Lyon bowled tight line and lengths not allowing New Zealand batsmen to
score runs. Lyon was hit for a six before he dismissed Henry Nicholls stumped
with a beauty of a delivery. Nicholls and Blundell added 54 runs for the 4th
wicket. Blundell looked solid with his defensive technique to reach his fifty
off 106 balls. After reaching his fifty, Blundell took on the Australian
bowlers and made the batting look easy. At the tea break, New Zealand were 131
for 4.
In the 3rd session, Blundell and Watling
continued to put pressure on the Australian with aggressive stroke play. Nathan
Lyon provided the breakthrough for Australia dismissing BJ Watling which turned
and hit the inside edge into hands of David Warner. Watling and Blundell added
72 runs for the 5th wicket. Lyon then got the wicket of Colin de
Grandhomme who tried to hit a big shot. Mitchell Santer came to the crease and
played some lovely strokes against Nathan Lyon which entertained the Kiwis
crowd. Blundell reached his maiden Test century off 185 balls. Lyon produced
another good delivery to get rid of Mitchell Santer for 27. Santer and Blundell
added 50 runs for the 7th wicket. Tim Southee was run out in a mix
up. Blundell enjoyed his batting with attacking stroke play and was finally
dismissed for a brilliant 121 by Marnus Labuschagne. Trent Boult did not come
to bat due to an injury. Australia won the match by 247 runs and lead the
series 2-0.
Australia 467 in 155.1 overs ( Travis Head 114, Steve Smith
85, Tim Paine 79, Neil Wagner 4/83, Tim Southee 3/103) and 168 for 5 d in 54.2
overs ( David Warner 38, Joe Burns 35, Neil Wagner 3/50) beat New Zealand 148
in 54.5 overs ( Tom Latham 50, Pat Cummins 5/28, James Pattinson 3/34) Tom
Blundell 15, Pat Cummins 1/8) and 240 in 71 overs ( Tom Blundell 121, Henry
Nicholls 33, Nathan Lyon 4/81, James Pattinson 3/35) by 247 runs.
Travis Head has been named the man of the match for his
brilliant 114. Australia takes a 2-0 lead in the series. The third and final
Test match would be played from 3rd January at Sydney.
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| Australia crush NZ by 247 runs to win the Test series 2-0 |
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