In the first Test of the two-match series between New Zealand and Australia, part of Australia’s tour of New Zealand 2024, action kicks off on February 29 in Wellington at 3:30 am IST. Following Australia’s victory in the three-match T20I series that ended on February 25, both teams are set to battle it out in the longer format of the game.
2 min read 2024-02-29, 11:50 PM IST
Summary⇒ Toss and Decision: New Zealand won the toss and elected to bowl first, showing confidence in their bowling attack and the conditions. ⇒ Opening Partnership: Australia’s openers, Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith, provided a solid start, with Smith showing his class with the bat. ⇒ Matt Henry’s Impact: New Zealand’s Matt Henry proved to be the key bowler, breaking through Australia’s top order and picking up crucial wickets. ⇒ Cameron Green’s Century: A standout performance from Australia’s Cameron Green, who scored a brilliant century, showcasing his talent and composure under pressure. ⇒ Partnerships and Middle Order Contribution: Mitch Marsh and Cameron Green stabilized Australia’s innings with a valuable partnership, followed by contributions from the middle and lower order batsmen. ⇒ New Zealand’s Bowling Depth: Despite Australia’s strong batting, New Zealand’s bowling attack displayed depth and resilience, keeping the pressure on throughout the innings. ⇒ Late Wickets and Bowling Discipline: New Zealand’s bowlers continued to take wickets at crucial moments, maintaining discipline and preventing Australia from running away with the game. ⇒ Overall Competitive Spirit: The match displayed a competitive spirit from both teams, with moments of brilliance from players on both sides, setting the stage for an intriguing test match series. |
Welcome to the Basin Reserve in Wellington for the eagerly anticipated first test match between New Zealand and Australia. It has been eight years since Australia last played a test match in New Zealand, adding to the excitement surrounding this series. The home side, led by Tim Southee, won the toss and elected to bowl first without any hesitation, citing favorable conditions. (also read: Bangladesh, New Zealand Eye World Test Championship Points sans Shakib Al Hasan).
- The Basin Reserve stands as one of New Zealand’s most picturesque and traditional cricket grounds, attracting a packed crowd for the first four days of the match. Fans from across both countries are eagerly awaiting the clash between these two long-standing rivals.
- Australia’s opening pair, Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith, took to the crease with Smith recently promoted to the top of the order. Despite some early challenges, Smith managed to find the boundary, displaying his exceptional batting skills. However, New Zealand’s Matt Henry managed to break through, dismissing Smith after a patient 31 runs.
- Khawaja continued to hold the innings together alongside Marnus Labuschagne until lunch, reaching a respectable score. However, shortly after the break, Labuschagne fell victim to Henry’s bowling prowess, departing for just one run. Khawaja persisted but eventually fell for 33, leaving Australia at 89 for four. (also read: Australia vs. Pakistan Semi-final 2 ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 Highlights).
- Mitch Marsh and Cameron Green then steadied the ship with a valuable partnership, guiding Australia through the middle overs. Green, in particular, impressed with his composed batting, eventually reaching a well-deserved half-century. However, wickets kept falling at the other end, with Marsh departing for 40 and Alex Carey for 10.
Good work
what a match