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We’re set for a fascinating final day of the first Test between Australia, who have everything to play for, and New Zealand, who need a miracle to win. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 10:15am (AEDT).
Rain on Day 4 meant only 53 of a possible 92 overs were bowled, setting up a long last day with play starting half an hour early.
Australia enter the day in the driver’s seat, but with the aggressive duo of Brendon McCullum and Ross Taylor at the crease, plus the weather expected to play a role, the Test is far from a formality.
New Zealand were put in to bat right from the start of Day 4, after Australia opted to utilise the overnight declaration tactic favoured so many times by previous captain Michael Clarke. It left the Black Caps needing to score 506 runs to win or bat out two days and draw, or for Australia to take 10 wickets.
While Day 4 was decimated by weather, Australia took overall honours, picking up the wicket of the Kiwis’ top-order batsman who is being compared to Sir Donald Bradman, Kane Williamson.
The New Zealand batting order, particularly after their first-innings capitulation, looks a lot more fragile without him at the crease.
What makes things even more grim for the Kiwis is the fact that Nathan Lyon was getting some serious turn and bounce during his overs, and the rain and moisture will only improve things for the Australian pace bowling cartel of Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
The goal for McCullum and Taylor must be to play their natural games – if they go against their instincts and try to play for the draw facing the immensely talented Australian bowling attack, it will ultimately end in wickets.
With 98 overs in the day, New Zealand must set out to win the game. Australia are too good to just try and fend off.
The key to the Australian attack though is not the fast men, it is Lyon. His ability to build pressure by not giving up runs and generally make life miserable for batsmen means he must pick up the majority of wickets.
Join The Roar from 10:15am (AEDT) for live coverage the final day’s play, and be sure to leave a comment if you’re following along.
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