NZ vs AUS First Test, Day 4 Highlights: Turning points, match analysis, stats and more

One of the greatest bowlers of all time, Nathan Lyon, once again reigned supreme to help Australia beat New Zealand by 172 runs to win the first Test of the series at Basin Reserve in Wellington. Notably, the hosts needed 369 runs to win the match, but Lyon never gave them a chance to settle down as he picked up two wickets with the new ball on Day 3, followed by four more wickets on Day 4. 

Meanwhile, Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell stood tall for the BlackCaps, but couldn’t take their team home. The youngster, who is in remarkable form, made 59 runs off 105 deliveries, while Mitchell made 38 runs. Towards the backend, Scott Kuggeleijn made 26 runs off 28 deliveries as the hosts were bundled out for 196.

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

The Tim Southee-led side failed to step up with the bat in both innings, which ultimately cost them the match. In the first innings, Glenn Phillips got very little support from the other batters, and in the second innings, no one managed to get going barring Ravindra, who proved to be rock solid on Day 3.

On the other hand, Cameron Green (174* in first innings) was adjudged Player of the Match for his brilliant century in the first innings. Australia were reduced to 89/4 at one stage, but the all-rounder kept the scoreboard ticking and alongside Josh Hazlewood, he stitched a partnership of 116 runs, which helped Australia get a strong hold on the contest. The Kiwis would be dejected as they failed to break the partnership, which arguably played a pivotal role in their defeat in the first Test.

From the Kiwis, Matt Henry and Phillips had a terrific game. The ace pacer picked up eight wickets in the match, while Phillips, who was a part-time bowler even three months back, picked up the maiden five-for of his career. He contributed with the bat as well and thus, there were a lot of positives for the hosts as well. However, it’s the batters that let them down.

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