The last time an opponent made a big first innings total against New Zealand, the Black Caps had the game abandoned on day two due to an unfit pitch.
How the Kiwis must wish they had that option during the first Test against Australia in Brisbane after slumping to 5-157 on day two in reply to Australia’s 4(dec)-556.
The Kiwis were denied what seemed to be much needed batting practice when they made the controversial request to have last week’s tour match in Blacktown abandoned due to a deteriorating pitch – after a Cricket Australia XI had amassed 1(dec)-503.
But New Zealand batting coach Craig McMillan said the bouncy Gabba deck had no gremlins despite the Kiwis losing 4-16 at one stage.
Mitchell Johnson (2-52) and fellow left-arm speedster Mitchell Starc (2-30) were the main destroyers.
“We made a good start with a couple of good partnerships, but they came hard for a 20 minute period and we made mistakes,” McMillan said.
“And if you make mistakes at this level quite often it’s costly.
“You have to give them credit the way they bowled.”
McMillan said New Zealand weren’t wondering “what if” after missing out on quality batting practice time at Blacktown.
“You’re up against a couple of world-class bowlers who asked some serious questions at times,” he said of Starc and Johnson.
“I thought by and large our blokes did a pretty good job, but those three or four wickets hurt us come the end of the day.”
No.1 New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson again looms as the key for the Black Caps.
The classy batsman was not out 55 at stumps in an unbeaten 39-run sixth wicket stand with gritty keeper BJ Watling (14 not out).
In his last 10 Test innings, Williamson has notched three tons including his highest score of 242 not out plus three 50s.
“He’s a quality player and he’s excellent in any conditions and his record says that, he’s scored runs all around the world,” McMillan said of No.3 Williamson.
“I thought the way he played today was exceptional, so it’s what we expect.
“He’s one of the best batsmen in the world and he looked in good nick.
“We have two fighters at the crease who’ve had a lot of success together over the last 18 months.
“That partnership with Watling will be key tomorrow.”
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