Australia beat New Zealand in the 2nd test by 247 runs and won the 3-match series. New Zealand had won the toss and decided to bowl first but the decision didn’t go well as their bowlers struggled to restrict Aussie side on a low score. Tavis Head’s century and Smith, Paine, Labuschagne’s half-centuries took Australia’s score to 467.
Aussie bowler bundled New Zealand batsmen at 148 runs in their first innings. Australian side chose to bat again rather than forcing follow-on the Kiwi side. Australian side had declared their second innings on 168 and gave a 488-run target to New Zealand. However, New Zealand line-up once again collapsed against Aussie speedsters. Captain Kane Williamson departed on duck after facing 9 balls.
Blundell and Southee End Up At The Same End
Only positive in 2nd innings for New Zealand was opener Tom Blundell’s century. Blundell fought hard till the end but didn’t get the support of teammates. During the innings, miscommunication between Tim Southee and Tom Blundell cause a run-out. The incident happened in 68th over of the innings when Southee played pushed a Nathan Lyon’s delivery towards the cover region.
Blundell showed interest in taking a run but Southee showed hesitation. In the end, both found themselves in the middle of the pitch and Blundell took a u-turn as it was too late to reach the batting end safely. Hilariously, Tim Southee too started running on the same end but Blundell reached their first so he was able to save his wicket.
Both batsmen ended up at the same end!
New Zealand eight down.#AUSvNZ | https://t.co/Q5Lvt45rWO pic.twitter.com/srdKNzcww0
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 29, 2019
Travis Head was named man of the match for a century in the first innings. Australia are 2-0 up vs New Zealand and the 3rd test of the series is scheduled to play at Sydney Cricket Ground from 3rd January. As we know, this series is a part of ICC World Test Championship. Currently, India and Australia are holding the top two spots at the points table with 360 and 256 points respectively. No other team has more than 80 points so far. South Africa is at the bottom spot of this 9-team tournament after 3 losses in the first 3 three tests.