Black Caps’ long wait for a test win over Australia goes on A chance goes begging
The Black Caps squandered a rare chance for a trans-Tasman test win in Christchurch yesterday.
New Zealand lost the second test against Australia by three wickets as Alex Carey, Mitchell Marsh and captain Pat Cummins defied the home side, who started day four at Hagley Oval as favourites for victory. Wicketkeeper-batter Carey was unbowed on 98 at the end, Marsh added 80 and Cummins was unbeaten on 32.
Marsh, dropped in the second over of the day, put on 140 for the sixth wicket with Carey as New Zealand’s tactics and bowling weren’t up to the big occasion in the first session of day four.
Seeking their first trans-Tasman test victory since 2011 – and their first at home since 1993 – New Zealand didn’t receive much good fortune on a couple of incredibly tight umpiring decisions, from the on-field and TV officials.
But while two wickets in consecutive balls from debutant pace bowler Ben Sears hugely lifted hopes, New Zealand mostly were the victims of their own weaknesses as Australia secured a 2-0 series win after cruising to victory in the first test in Wellington last week.
Just when Marsh looked poised for a memorable match-winning ton, he was given out lbw to Sears and asked for the DRS to save him, but ball-tracking indicated the ball would clip leg stump to confirm his departure.
The next ball, Mitchell Starc clipped a delivery into Will Young’s hands at square leg and the Hagley Oval crowd erupted with joy.
However, Cummins came to the wicket with his side seven down and needing another 59 runs still needed to win, and provided Carey with the support required to claim victory.
Needing six wickets for a home win with Australia resuming their second innings at 77-4 after early rain, the home team skipper Tim Southee was aghast to see Marsh – on 28 – dropped by Rachin Ravindra at point.
But next ball, Travis Head flayed Southee to Will Young’s hands at point – a different fielder, with the left-hander facing – to instantly lift the home side.
However, that was their only success of the session as Marsh and left-hander Carey flourished
Carey was given out lbw to Matt Henry on 19 – with the score 116-5 – but opted to review after a chat with Marsh and it paid huge dividends for the visitors, with the DRS ball-tracking indicated the ball would have missed leg stump.