In a captivating turn of events on the third day of the Christchurch Test, which played out on the 10th Match 2024, the Black Caps are poised to secure their first home Test victory over trans-Tasman rivals Australia in nearly three decades. After a commanding display by pacemen Matt Henry and debutant Ben Sears, Australia struggled at 4-77, chasing a 279-run target at Hagley Oval.
Australia vs New Zealand-Struggles of Australian Batting Order
New Zealand has not clinched a home Test against Australia since 1993, making this a crucial moment for the Kiwis to break an 11-match drought. Australian opener Steve Smith’s departure in the eighth over, falling for 9, compounded their challenges. The Kiwis have a firm grip on the match, and the last time they defeated Australia on home soil was in 1993, a historic feat they aim to replicate. With Australia at 4-77, requiring 202 more runs for victory, the Black Caps have a golden opportunity to end the series on a high note.
While Australia has already secured the Trans-Tasman Trophy, a win for New Zealand in this Test could have significant implications for the next World Test Championship decider at The Oval in June 2025.
Former New Zealand all-rounder Brendon Julian praised the bowling prowess of Matt Henry, who has amassed 17 wickets in the series, highlighting New Zealand’s favorable position in the match. In a surprising turn of events, star Australian batsman Steve Smith faced a significant setback, being dismissed LBW in both innings of the Test. His struggles at the top of the order raise questions about the sustainability of the current batting order, particularly with the upcoming series against India.
Despite Smith’s move to the top, the jury is still out on its success, with the batsman averaging 28.5 in eight innings. Concerns mount as the Australian top order, aside from Cameron Green’s century, has faced difficulties in New Zealand.
Rachin Ravindra: Backbone of New Zealand Cricket
On the other hand, New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra showcased his batting prowess, becoming a vital asset for the team. With a half-century in Christchurch, Ravindra’s potential was praised by Brendon Julian, who sees him as the future backbone of New Zealand cricket.
Captain Cummins’ Outstanding Performance
Australian captain Pat Cummins demonstrated excellence in bowling, taking crucial wickets, including that of Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson. Cummins’ captaincy and bowling performance stood out, despite Australia’s challenges in the match.
Alex Carey’s Catching Record and Redemption
Alex Carey’s Test match has been a mix of redemption and pressure. While facing criticism for a lean run with the bat, Carey equaled a longstanding Australian record for the number of catches in a match, sharing the feat with Adam Gilchrist.
Marnus Labuschagne’s Bowling Surprise
In a somewhat surreal moment, Marnus Labuschagne’s bowling of bouncers added an element of absurdity to the day. Former Australian fast bowler Brendon Julian questioned why Steve Smith, a proven bowler in the past, wasn’t considered an option.
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