The Australian Cricket Team registered a thumping 172-run victory in the first Test match played at Basin Reserve, Wellington on 3rd March 2024. After being asked to bat first, the visitors looked in trouble before Cameron Green played a superb knock and added 116 runs for the final wicket that helped Australia post 383.
Australian bowled looked impressive bundling New Zealand for 179 taking a lead of 204 runs in the first innings. Despite their collapse in the 2nd innings, they set a target of 369 runs in the 2nd innings. It was another superb bowling performance as Australia bowled out New Zealand again for 196 to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Here we look at the 3 Australian Players Who Played A Key Role in the First Test Victory Over New Zealand:
- Cameron Green
Cameron Green registered his best test score of unbeaten 174 runs in the first innings. After being asked to bat first by New Zealand, he came to the crease after the loss of Marnus Labuschagne’s wicket. Â He looked impressive playing with intent as Australia kept losing wickets at regular intervals.
Green showed his class completing a century helping Australia end day 1 on 279 for 9. He made the batting look easy with some classy batting, putting enough pressure and added 116 runs for the final wicket. Green remained not out on 174 with 23 fours and 5 sixes that helped Australia post 383.
He again showed his batting skills in the 2nd innings scoring 34 off 80 deliveries that helped Australia increase the lead. During his bowling stint, Cameron Green took the wicket of Scott Kugglein in the 2nd innings. For his all-around efforts, Green was named the Player of the Match award.
- Nathan Lyon
The veteran off-spinner, Nathan Lyon produced a magical effort in the first test match at Wellington. He was lethal with his bowling, grabbing 4 wickets during the first innings. He was brought late into the attack and got wickets of Blundell and Kugglein in the same over.
Lyon struck to dismiss New Zealand captain Tim Southee. He finished off the innings by dismissing Matt Henry, caught at deep midwicket finishing with figures of 4 for 43 in 8.1 overs.
Defending 369 runs, the pitch had some turn and bounce. Lyon was brought early into the attack, striking early and dismissing Latham. He then got rid of Kane Williamson with a good catch by Smith at leg slip. On day 4, Lyon struck the first breakthrough getting rid of Rachin Ravindra. He then dismissed Tom Blundell and Glenn Phillips in quick succession. Lyon got the wicket of Tim Southee to finish with figures of 6 for 65 in 27 overs helping Australia register a comfortable win.
Lyon contributed valuable runs in the 2nd innings coming as night-watchman scoring 41 runs helping Australia put enough pressure on the NZ team.
- Josh Hazlewood
Josh Hazlewood also played a key role in helping Australia register a win. He scored valuable 22 runs during the first innings and put on 116 runs for the final wicket that helped Australia post 383.
While bowling, Josh Hazlewood took the wicket of dangerous Rachin Ravindra putting New Zealand under immense pressure. He then got rid of well-set Glenn Phillips with a sharp bouncer caught at fine leg. Hazlewood ended with figures of 2 for 55 that helped Australia bowl out NZ for 179 in the first innings.
Hazlewood came to the fore in the 2nd inning, also taking 2 for 20. He got rid of Matt Henry before ending the game by dismissing Daryl Mitchell to bowl out NZ for 196 and win the match by 172 runs.
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