New Zealand will take on Australia in the first Test of the two-match series in Wellington. Asked to bat first, Australia posted a whopping 383 despite struggling at 89/4. All-rounder Cameron Green was the key architect of the Australian innings, remaining unbeaten on 174. For the Kiwis, Matt Henry registered an impressive five-wicket haul. In addition to all this action, this match also caught everyone's attention due to Kane Williamson's bizarre dismissal on Day 2.
New Zealand were tottering at 12/1 when Williamson came to bat in Mitchell Starc's fifth over. The star hitter played a shot to center and singled. However, Will Young, who was on the non-striker's end, continued to watch the ball and eventually collided with Williamson as he ran for the single.
KANE WILLIAMSON HAS PERFORMED IN TEST CRICKET FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 12 YEARS…!!!pic.twitter.com/KRheTm61sg
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 1, 2024
Marnus Labuschagne, who received the ball, made no mistake and threw it towards the non-striker's end to dismiss Williamson for duck. It was the first time in twelve years that the former New Zealand skipper has gone missing.
Getting back to the match, Australia took five quick wickets to leave New Zealand in deep trouble at tea on day two of the first Test on Friday after Green smashed an unbeaten 174 to steer the tourists to an imposing 383.
At the break the hosts were 42-5 at Wellington's Basin Reserve after Josh Hazlewood was the last man out for Australia following a 116-run last wicket stand with Green.
Tom Blundell was not out on five at tea, while Glenn Phillips was unbeaten on eight.
New Zealand made a horror start when opener Tom Latham (five) played on in the fourth over and could not cope with Mitchell Starc's pace.
Things got worse when Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra fell for ducks within five balls.
Green earlier picked up where he left off by crossing the Basin Reserve boundary, adding to his overnight 103 by hitting a six to push the visitors past 300 after starting the day on 279-2.
(With AFP inputs)
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