New Zealand fall behind powerful Australia
Sunday, 21 March 2010
After being overwhelmed by Michael Clarke and Marcus North in the field, New Zealand watched their top order fail to leave them facing a massive task to save the Test. Clarke's outstanding 168, his highest score, and a career-saving century from North allowed Australia to declare at 459 for 5 and the hosts limped to 108 for 4 at stumps on the second day, according to website cricinfo.
Doug Bollinger struck in the first over of New Zealand's reply and they were 43 for 4 when the left-armer removed Ross Taylor, the side's main batsman. Daniel Vettori, the No.6, scrambled an entertaining 42 to stop the damage in combination with the more subdued Martin Guptill, who had 19.
New Zealand were relieved the declaration came so soon - it arrived less than an hour after lunch - but their cheer was brief. BJ Watling was lbw first ball to Bollinger, who got one to swing back, and Peter Ingram (5) was run out by Mitchell Johnson's stunning kick on to the stumps in his follow-through. Tim McIntosh wanted a quick single but it was a horrible call and Johnson saved himself some crucial time by not bothering to bend over for the pick-up. Everything was going Australia's way.
McIntosh lasted to tea but soon became Ryan Harris' first wicket on debut - replays showed a tight no-ball - when he followed some short deliveries with a full one that was squirted to Michael Hussey in the gully. Twelve runs later Taylor was forced into an edge to Clarke, who dived to his right to collect another memorable moment from an unforgettable game.
New Zealand were so disciplined for the opening two sessions on day one, but were unable to recapture the line. Martin and Tim Southee could not contain while Vettori and Daryl Tuffey were able to slow things down at times. What they really missed was a fast bowler like Shane Bond who could ruffle the batsmen and take wickets. Brent Arnel, the debutant, was the most successful with 2 for 89, but the best moment for the attack came when Ponting called his batsmen in.
New Zealand 108 for 4 (Vettori 42*) trail Australia 459 for 5 dec (Clarke 168, North 112*, Katich 79) by 351 runs.
Doug Bollinger struck in the first over of New Zealand's reply and they were 43 for 4 when the left-armer removed Ross Taylor, the side's main batsman. Daniel Vettori, the No.6, scrambled an entertaining 42 to stop the damage in combination with the more subdued Martin Guptill, who had 19.
New Zealand were relieved the declaration came so soon - it arrived less than an hour after lunch - but their cheer was brief. BJ Watling was lbw first ball to Bollinger, who got one to swing back, and Peter Ingram (5) was run out by Mitchell Johnson's stunning kick on to the stumps in his follow-through. Tim McIntosh wanted a quick single but it was a horrible call and Johnson saved himself some crucial time by not bothering to bend over for the pick-up. Everything was going Australia's way.
McIntosh lasted to tea but soon became Ryan Harris' first wicket on debut - replays showed a tight no-ball - when he followed some short deliveries with a full one that was squirted to Michael Hussey in the gully. Twelve runs later Taylor was forced into an edge to Clarke, who dived to his right to collect another memorable moment from an unforgettable game.
New Zealand were so disciplined for the opening two sessions on day one, but were unable to recapture the line. Martin and Tim Southee could not contain while Vettori and Daryl Tuffey were able to slow things down at times. What they really missed was a fast bowler like Shane Bond who could ruffle the batsmen and take wickets. Brent Arnel, the debutant, was the most successful with 2 for 89, but the best moment for the attack came when Ponting called his batsmen in.
New Zealand 108 for 4 (Vettori 42*) trail Australia 459 for 5 dec (Clarke 168, North 112*, Katich 79) by 351 runs.