Carey and Cummins carry Australia past New Zealand in thrilling finish
The wicketkeeper keeps his nerve while scoring an unbeaten 98 as the visitors script a threewicket win; the skipper remains unbeaten on 32; Marsh scores 80 to put the side on the road to recovery; the hosts’ wait to beat its rival at home stretches to ov
n unbeaten 98 from Alex Carey took Australia to victory over New Zealand by three wickets in a thrilling second Test on Monday to give the tourists a 20 sweep.
Carey and Mitchell Marsh have struggled for form but their formidable 140run partnership rescued Australia at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
“Something we spoke about today was keeping that scoreboard running, 200, 190, 180 (to get),” said Australia captain Pat Cummins, hailing Carey for his superb innings.
New Zealand
Acaptain
Tim Southee said that partnership was the “big moment” in the Test.
We’ve been able to make early inroads in every innings, which is pleasing, but I guess on the back of that you want to be able to nail it down,” Southee said.
“But that’s what you get when you play the top side in the world. They bat deep,” he added.
Vital partnership
Carey and Marsh produced a vital partnership when the tourists had their backs to the wall at 80 for five in its chase of 279.
At 220 for five, a nailbiting Test took another turn when Ben Sears claimed Marsh and Mitchell Starc in successive deliveries.
It left Australia needing further 59 runs with
athree wickets remaining.
Skipper Cummins joined Carey to bring the tourists home.
Australia resumed the day at 77 for four after a onehour delay because of rain, Marsh was dropped on 28 by Rachin Ravindra in the second over. Travis Head was out on the next ball from Southee.
Marsh and Carey were struggling for form, with Marsh coming off backtoback ducks.
The Australian pair found their touch when it mattered most.
The scores:
New Zealand 162 & 372 lost to Australia 256 & 281/7 in 65 overs (Alex Carey 98 n.o., Mitchell Marsh 80, Pat Cummins 32 n.o., Sears 4/90). (Australia won the two-match series 2-0).
Player-of-the-Match: Carey.
Player-of-the-Series: Henry.