Australia v New Zealand, 1st Test, Day 2 - The Australians are on a high!

Considering the availability of the time and scoring rate of the batsman, Adam Voges might have been given another 30 minutes or so to complete his hundred, but there is no place for sentimentality in Australia and strategies are preferred more. Steve Smith means business and more than personal landmarks, he prefers botching the opposition as early as possible – aggression has always been the trademark of the Australian captains.

Steve Smith was out early in the morning, but there was no stopping of the Australian batting juggernaut. At first, it was Joe Burns and David Warner and then it was Warner and Usman Khawaj and then it was Khawaja and Adam Voges. For the first time in 85 years, Australia’s batsmen combined for three 150-run partnerships in a Test innings. Stands of 161, 150 and 157 for the first, second and fourth wickets respectively downed the New Zealand morale heavily.

The New Zealand morale took a heavy blow when Tim Southee was seen to leave the field pulling up clutching his left thigh. Whether he will be bale to continue further remains a moot question.

Australia declared at 556 for 4 and the Australian pacers pitched the ball up, delivered on the right line and left the Kiwis reeling at 157 for 5 at stumps. The dismissals of Ross Taylor and Brendon McCullum were vital, but New Zealand can be hopeful as Kane Williamson and BJ Watling are out there. We all know how their 365-run partnership for the sixth wicket dashed Sri Lanka in Wellington this year.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar