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Australia are in a good position heading into Day 5, needing 131 runs with nine wickets in hand to claim victory. But some serious resistance from New Zealand’s tail saw the Black Caps put up a much more competitive total than many thought possible.
Australia were expected to wrap up the Kiwi innings quickly, with the hosts entering the day’s play at 4/121. But Kane Williamson and Corey Anderson batted very well in the first session, surviving several LBW appeals, to see the team through to lunch with no loss.
But once the second session resumed Australia made the breakthrough, with Jackson Bird removing Anderson, Williamson and Tim Southee in quick succession. With just three wickets in hand and a mere lead of 75, it looked as if New Zealand were doomed to have the series lost before stumps.
But BJ Watling and Mark Henry were having none of it, putting together a 108-run eighth-wicket partnership to steer the Kiwis to a competitive total.
In reply, Australia started off solidly, surviving an onslaught of bouncers from Neil Wagner although losing David Warner for 22.
They’ll resume tomorrow with Joe Burns and Usman Khawaja at the crease.
It’s Day 4 of the second Trans Tasman Test, and this match is very much in the balance – New Zealand need runs, Australia need quick wickets. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 8:30am (AEDT).
On Day 1 it looked as if New Zealand’s batting woes would continue, with the hosts spluttering to 3/32 early on. But a record-breaking innings from captain Brendon McCullum in his last Test saw the Black Caps post an ODI-like 370 off 394 deliveries.
Australian captain Steve Smith had some heroic ambitions of his own, occupying the crease alongside Joe Burns for nearly all of Day 2. Centuries from both batsmen put Australia in a commanding position, before the two fell late to make things interesting heading into Day 3.
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» Australia’s Test batting lineup is becoming dominant
» Scorecard: New Zealand vs Australia second Test
Yesterday the Kiwis were able to remove the visitors for a manageable 505, although they lost four wickets before play concluded themselves, to be trailing by 14 runs.
With six wickets in hand, but a thin tail, it will be up to Kane Williamson and Corey Anderson to put some serious scoreboard pressure on the Aussies if the Black Caps are to send off McCullum with a win.
If Australia can remove both batsmen early however, they’ll fancy their chances of having this Test – and the series – wrapped up before stumps.
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage of Day 4 of this second Test from 8:30am (AEDT).
If you are following the action live, be sure to share your thoughts on the match in the comments below.