NZ v Aus 1st Test, Day 1 Review: Australia pin down the Kiwis

The first of the New Zealand v Australia Test series kicked off at the iconic Westpac Stadium in Wellington. It was a special occasion for New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum, as he led his side out for the last time in front of the Wellington crowd. His swansong was however spoilt miserably as the Aussies ripped through the New Zealand batting order. Matters went from bad to worse with half-centuries from Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja. Thus, day one has indeed gone to the Aussies.

Playing on a green-top in slightly overcast conditions, Australian skipper Steve Smith had no qualms about bowling first. New ball bowlers Josh Hazelwood and Peter Siddle ran a riot as the Kiwi top order crumbled like a pack of cards. A peach of a delivery from Hazelwood saw opener Tom Latham paying the price for sticking his bat out at an out-swinger. A similar delivery from Hazelwood a few minutes later saw the dangerous Martin Guptill make his way back to the dressing room. Hazelwood, clearly the hero of the morning, bowled a magical delivery to skipper McCullum who was playing his 100th consecutive Test.

The returning Peter Siddle provided the perfect foil for Hazelwood by dismissing Kane Williamson and debutante Henry Nicholls. The New Zealand tail offered surprising resistance as Mark Craig top scored with a useful and unbeaten 41. He was well supported by last man Trent Boult. The last wicket saw the Kiwis add 45. Corey Anderson too chipped in with a useful 38.

Steve Smith couldn’t have hoped for a better performance from his bowlers as his side came out to bat shortly after lunch. However, his happiness was short-lived as his openers were about to face the music. Tim Southee, one of the best swing bowlers in the world, showed one and all the true nature of the Westpac wicket. His amazing away-swingers saw Joe Burns and David Warner sent back to the dressing room in quick succession.

Usman Khawaja came to the rescue as he exhibited some of the best strokes in his repertoire. Smith, however, stole the limelight as his fearless and aggressive approach saw him score a brilliant 71. The compilation included 10 fours and a massive six. Smith’s hard work was eventually undone by Mark Craig as the latter dismissed him with a few overs left in the day’s play. Adam Voges kept Khawaja company till the end of play with the Aussies finishing off on 147/3 in 40 overs.

Brief Scores:

New Zealand – 183 all out in 48 overs (Craig 41*; Hazelwood 4/42)

Australia – 147/3 in 40 overs (Smith 71; Southee 2/22)

Australia trail by 36 runs