NZ vs AUS First Test, Day 1 Highlights: Turning points, match analysis, stats and more

New Zealand would be extremely happy with their performance on Day 1 of the first Test against Australia at Basin Reserve in Wellington. Opting to bowl first, the Tim Southee-led side picked up four quick wickets as Australia were reduced to 89/4 at one stage. However, Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh built a crucial 67-run partnership, which brought the momentum back to Australia.

However, it lasted for a very brief time. After Matt Henry broke the partnership, wickets fell like a house of cards. Green in the meantime continued to dominate with the bat, as he hit a brilliant century under difficult circumstances. He played an aggressive brand of cricket towards the latter half of his innings but got very little support from the other batters.

Meanwhile, Steven Smith, who was promoted in the order after David Warner’s retirement, failed to convert his start. After not being able to deliver in his first three innings as an opener, Smith did a commendable job in the second innings of the last Test against West Indies. However, he failed to get the job done. In his first game away from home as an opener, Smith made 31 runs - something that the former captain won’t be happy with.

His opening partner Usman Khawaja meanwhile made 33 runs off 118 deliveries. Travis Head made just one run, while Alex Carey hit 10 runs. Notably, Green’s innings kept Australia in the hunt as the visitors posted 279/9 on Day 1 of the first Test of the series. With the ball, Matt Henry picked up four wickets, while William O'Rourke and Scott Kuggeleijn picked up two wickets each.

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New Zealand would hope to pick the final wicket early on Day 2 and put pressure on Australia with the bat. Rachin Ravindra, who was ruled out of the second and third T20I of the series, has made his return in the first Test and will be key with the bat, as he recently hit a double century against South Africa. Other than him, Kane Williamson will be key, as he is in phenomenal form at the moment.

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