I'll never criticise our batters because they've been exceptional for a number of years now: Nathan Lyon

In the ongoing first Test between Australia and New Zealand at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, Australian veteran spinner Nathan Lyon not only showcased his exceptional bowling skills. He also registered his name in the record books with a unique batting feat. Lyon became the player with the most Test runs without scoring a single half-century.

Australia, who were in a commanding position, suffered a dramatic collapse in their second innings, being bowled out for a mere 164 runs. New Zealand's part-time spinner Glenn Phillips was the architect of Australia's downfall, claiming five wickets, including those of Travis Head, Cameron Green, Usman Khawaja, Mitchell Marsh, and Alex Carey. Phillips became the first New Zealand spinner to take a five-wicket haul at home in 16 years.

Also read: Nathan Lyon breaks a unique batting record in Wellington

'That's the second time I've done it in my career' - Nathan Lyon

Lyon, who top-scored for Australia with 41 runs, expressed his disappointment with the team's batting performance but refrained from criticising his teammates.

"No. That's the second time I've done it in my career, And let's hope it's the last," Lyon was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. 

He acknowledged that the batters would be frustrated with their dismissals but also gave credit to the bowlers for executing their plans well. Lyon emphasised that bowlers are there to bowl good balls and take wickets, and it's not always the batters' fault for getting out.

"I dare say so, But I'll never criticize our batters the way they go about it because they've been exceptional for a number of years now. But then you've got to give credit to the bowlers and this is my big thing. Bowlers are actually there to bowl good balls. And it's not always the batters' fault getting out and bowlers are allowed to come up with plans and execute and take wickets. No doubt there will be some frustration in there," he added.

While Phillips bowled some exceptional deliveries, including a beauty to dismiss Cameron Green. Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Alex Carey all succumbed to well-planned strategies, raising concerns about the team's approach under pressure.

Despite the batting collapse, Lyon remains confident in his bowling abilities and believes that if the Australian bowlers can put pressure on the New Zealand batters for extended periods, they can create more than seven chances.

"If we do our job and put pressure on the guys for long periods, I'm confident that the bowlers in that change room will create more than seven chances," Lyon added.

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New Zealand faced a target of 369 runs to win the Test match. Having lost three wickets, the side scored 111 runs before the umpires called stumps on Day 3, leaving them needing 258 runs to win the game.