NZ v AUS 1st Test Day 1: Hazlewood give Australia upper hand on first day

Published on: Feb 12, 2016

Australia's bowlers, led by Josh Hazlewood, provided crucial breakthroughs to put the visiting side on top on the first day of the first Test against New Zealand on Friday.

Australia's bowlers, led by Josh Hazlewood, provided crucial breakthroughs to put the visiting side on top on the first day of the first Test against New Zealand on Friday. Steven Smith, the Australia captain, won the toss and inserted New Zealand as Australia bundled the home team out for 183 in 48 overs. Half-centuries from Usman Khawaja (57 not out) and Smith (71) ensured Australia ended the day in a comfortable position, having made 147 for 3 when stumps was called, trailing by just 36 runs.

Hazlewood and Siddle bowled well against New Zealand’s batting order in conditions conducive to pace bowling, with the ball seaming and swinging. But the batsmen were guilty of playing less than standard shots which made the job easier for the bowlers. They didn’t trust their defence as much and kept going for the shots which kept visitor’s bowler interested all through the inning. Brendon McCullum, the captain, who walked out to a rousing ovation in his 100th Test, was dismissed for a seven-ball duck when he inside-edged an in-coming delivery from Hazlewood to his pads before the ball went to third slip where Warner held on to the catch.

At one point, New Zealand had been reduced to 97 for 7. Then Anderson and Mark Craig added 40 runs for the eighth wicket. The partnership was broken when Anderson tried to hit Lyon against the spin and was caught by Khawaja. Craig and Boult again added 46 for the last wicket which stretched the host’s score to 183. With the Australia bowlers finding the edge often, Peter Nevill, the wicketkeeper, had a productive day, taking four catches to account for Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, Henry Nicholls and BJ Watling, the wicketkeeper.

Hazlewood made the most of the green surface at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, returning figures of 4 for 42. He was ably supported by Peter Siddle, who picked up 3 for 37 and Nathan Lyon, who returned 3 for 32.

Australia’s reply began on an unsteady note, as Tim Southee dismissed Joe Burns and David Warner, the openers, early. Adam Voges was unbeaten on 7, giving Khawaja company. Openers Joe Burns and David Warner nicked off in the first and third overs respectively to leave Australia reeling at 2-5. But Smith and Khawaja steadied the ship through a third-wicket stand of 126. Smith, who was offered a reprieve by Craig at second slip when he was on 18, made it count before Craig made up for his earlier mistake by having him caught off his own bowling. Although he failed to go on with the job, Khawaja will be eyeing off a century when he resumes on 57.

Southee had figures of 2 for 22 off eight overs, while Craig had 1 for 31 after nine overs.

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