News by “Sana Ullah”
In the inaugural day of the first Test against New Zealand at Basin Reserve, Cameron Green showcased his prowess with the bat, notching only his second Test century as Australia reached 279-9 by stumps.
Beginning on a shaky note at 89-4 after being asked to bat first, Green anchored the innings with a crucial partnership alongside Mitchell Marsh, who contributed 40 runs.
Green, aged 24, reached the three-figure mark with his 16th boundary in the final over, remaining unbeaten on 103, while Josh Hazlewood was yet to open his account.
Expressing his satisfaction, Green commented, “Obviously it feels really good, mainly with where we were as a team. It was a pretty tough wicket out there… someone just needed to bat through so glad it was me. Was nice to stick it out, and hopefully put a semi-competitive total on the board.”
Facing the challenge of a green pitch, New Zealand seamer Matt Henry emerged as a key figure, claiming the wickets of Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, and Marsh to finish with figures of 4-43.
Henry’s scalps included Smith (31) before lunch, Khawaja (33) after the break, followed by Marsh and Nathan Lyon (5).
Scott Kuggeleijn, making his return, also made an impact by dismissing Marnus Labuschagne (1) and Alex Carey (10).
Will O’Rourke, the rising star for Black Caps, continued his impressive form by taking two wickets – Travis Head (1) and Mitchell Starc (9).
Green highlighted the challenges for the Australian quick bowlers on the following day, emphasizing the importance of their performance.
Marsh and Green provided the main resistance with a 67-run partnership off 77 deliveries, steadying the Australian innings.
Despite a promising start with Smith and Khawaja’s 61-run partnership, Henry’s breakthroughs shifted the momentum in New Zealand’s favor.
Henry’s delivery induced an edge from Smith, while Labuschagne, Khawaja, and Head fell quickly thereafter.
Henry’s inswinger accounted for Khawaja’s stumps, followed by Head’s dismissal by O’Rourke, clipping the ball to the wicketkeeper.
Marsh, with aggressive strokes, contributed crucial runs before falling to Henry post-tea, attempting a pull shot.
The lower order couldn’t provide significant resistance, with Carey and Starc departing before Cummins and Lyon were dismissed, leaving Australia at 279-9.
New Zealand aims for their first Test victory over Australia since 2011, entering the series with momentum from a 2-0 sweep against South Africa earlier.
