Australia has taken a commanding position in the second Test against New Zealand at Hagley Oval, thanks to a brilliant performance by off-spinner Nathan Lyon. Lyon took six wickets for 43 runs, his best figures in Tests outside Australia, to help dismiss the hosts for 144 in their first innings. Australia then reached 221 for 2 at stumps on day one, leading by 77 runs.
Lyon spins a web around Kiwi batsmen
New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat first on a green-tinged pitch, hoping to replicate their success in the first Test at Basin Reserve, where they won by 10 wickets. However, they soon found themselves in trouble as Lyon exploited the bounce and turn on offer. He struck in his first over, removing opener Tom Latham for a duck with a sharp catch by Steve Smith at slip. He then dismissed Kane Williamson for 4, caught behind by Tim Paine, and Ross Taylor for 9, caught by Marnus Labuschagne at short leg.
Lyon continued his rampage after lunch, trapping Henry Nicholls lbw for 7 and bowling BJ Watling for 8. He completed his sixth five-wicket haul in Tests when he had Colin de Grandhomme caught by Labuschagne for 23. He also had a hand in the run out of Mitchell Santner for 9, throwing the ball to Paine who broke the stumps. Lyon’s six wickets were the most by an Australian spinner in New Zealand since Shane Warne’s 6 for 31 in 2000.
Warner and Labuschagne pile on the runs
Australia’s openers David Warner and Marcus Harris gave their team a solid start, adding 69 runs for the first wicket. Warner was the more aggressive of the two, hitting nine fours and a six in his 44-ball 46. He was dismissed by Neil Wagner, who had him caught by Latham at second slip. Harris followed soon after, caught by Watling off Trent Boult for 22.
However, Labuschagne and Smith then took charge, putting on an unbeaten 152-run stand for the third wicket. Labuschagne was in sublime form, scoring his fifth Test century and his fourth in a row. He hit 14 fours and a six in his 149-ball 108 not out. Smith was more circumspect, but still reached his 29th Test fifty. He was unbeaten on 63 off 138 balls, with seven fours. The pair batted through the final session, extending Australia’s lead and putting them in a dominant position.
New Zealand faces uphill task to save the Test
New Zealand will need a miraculous turnaround to salvage the Test and the series, which they trail 0-1. They will have to bowl out Australia cheaply on day two and then bat much better in their second innings. They will also have to contend with Lyon, who will be a major threat on a deteriorating pitch. New Zealand’s bowlers tried hard, but could not make enough breakthroughs. Wagner was the most successful, taking 1 for 40 in 11 overs. Boult, Tim Southee, and Santner took one wicket each, but were expensive.
New Zealand will also miss the services of their captain Williamson, who suffered a shoulder injury while fielding. He did not take the field in the second session and was taken for scans. His availability for the rest of the match is uncertain.
