Wagner’s stunning catch

Cricket

Some Neil Wagner brilliance and an Australian decision review system shocker kept the Black Caps in the fight in sweltering Perth yesterday.

Wagner stuck out his right hand to snare a brilliant low return catch off dangerman David Warner just before lunch on day one of the first cricket test.

It saw momentum shift New Zealand’s way, with Warner gone for 43 to leave Australia 76-2 at the interval after they won the toss on a good surface at Optus Stadium. Visiting skipper Kane Williamson would have batted first, too, but called incorrectly.

Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith took Australia to the break when it looked as if Warner would bat through.

Coming off a triple century against Pakistan in Adelaide, Warner looked busy and ready to plunder the New Zealand bowlers.

But in the penultimate over before the interval, he poked at a low full toss from Wagner and, to everyone’s surprise, sent it back in his direction in the air.

On his follow-through Wagner stuck his hand down and plucked the pink ball in a massive boost in near 40degC temperatures.

Earlier New Zealand got the first major stroke of luck when Warner and opening partner Joe Burns blundered with the DRS.

Burns struggled with Tim Southee and debutant Lockie Ferguson at various stages against the pink ball, before de Grandhomme struck the vital blow.

Burns (9 off 42 balls) looked to turn one to leg and was trapped in front, with umpire Aleem Dar agreeing with the Black Caps’ loud appeal. Warner who didn’t appear to offer a compelling argument to challenge the decision so Burns strolled off at 40-1.

Ball tracker replays would have been greeted with horror in the Australian dressing room as it showed the ball clearly missing Burns’ leg stump.

Ferguson got the nod for his test debut at age 28 after pace spearhead Trent Boult lost the race to be fit after missing the second test against England with a muscle injury near his ribs.

Ferguson’s first ball was measured at 145.8kmh and he beat Burns once or twice but struggled for consistency in a four-over opening spell which cost 24.

Senior men Southee and Wagner were excellent in the heat to ensure Australia didn’t get away to a flier as they threatened to.

AP A great grab from New Zealand pace bowler low dopwn and with his non-preferred hand sent David Warner packing in the opening session against Ausytralia in Perth yesterday.