Australian left-arm paceman Mitchell Starc achieved an impressive double breakthrough against New Zealand in Christchurch on Friday. Dismissing Glenn Phillips as his first wicket elevated him to the fourth-highest wicket-taker for Australia.
The subsequent dismissal of Scott Kuggeleijn added to Australia’s extensive list of impactful yorkers, causing trouble for the batsmen. Phillips entered the scene with the score at 5-84 after Kane Williamson’s dismissal in his 100th Test.
Despite a brief partnership with Tom Blundell, Starc, in his second spell, had Phillips attempting to step out of the crease to counter and generate boundaries.
Starc immediately responded with bouncers, delivering one on the fifth ball of the 37th over that landed perfectly, restricting Phillips’ space. As Phillips attempted to fend it away to deep fine leg, the ball struck the glove and went straight into Alex Carey’s hands.
You can watch the video here:
https://x.com/hello332700/status/1765933161639506114?s=46
Kuggeleijn, already facing pressure entering the Test, especially for being selected ahead of the popular Neil Wagner in this series, found no relief as Starc delivered an impeccable in-swinging yorker on the leg stump.
Failing to get his bat down in time, Kuggeleijn was struck in front, and the on-field umpire’s decision to raise the finger preceded the completion of Starc and the Australians’ appeal. Despite Kuggeleijn’s review showing ‘Umpire’s Call’ regarding hitting the leg stump, he had to depart.
You can watch the video below:
https://x.com/hello332700/status/1765933147651510312?s=46
Starc’s hat-trick ball was a well-pitched good-length delivery, skillfully avoided by Matt Henry.
Australia takes control following Starc’s impactful breakthroughs
Starc dismissed Will Young for the first wicket, Hazlewood secured an impressive four-wicket haul, and Starc returned to claim two more wickets. Blundell edged one behind off Cameron Green in the subsequent over.
Despite a solid partnership between Henry and Tim Southee, New Zealand was eventually all out for 162.
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