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

The second Test between New Zealand and Australia got underway on Friday, March 8 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch. Pat Cummins won the toss and opted to field first. New Zealand got off to a sedate start as openers, Tom Latham and Will Young, stitched a 57-run partnership before the latter was dismissed in the 19th over. Wickets kept falling at regular intervals after this as New Zealand's batting woes, which was one of the main reasons behind their crushing defeat in the first Test, came back to haunt them.

The home side slipped to 107/8 and were staring down the barrel. However, Matt Henry and skipper Tim Southee threw their bats around and stitched a much-needed 55-run partnership off just 46 balls. The Blackcaps were eventually bowled out for 162.

Josh Hazlewood was the wrecker-in-chief as he finished with excellent figures of 5/31 in 13.2 overs. Mitchell Starc was also among the wickets as he bagged a three-for. Meanwhile, Cummins and Cameron Green chipped in with one wicket apiece.

The Australian openers were watchful at the start of their innings. Steve Smith was dismissed in the ninth over as Ben Sears gave first blood to the hosts. Usman Khawaja also departed after a few overs. Marnus Labuschagne and Green added 49 runs for the third wicket before the all-rounder was dismissed for 25. Travis Head came out to the crease and played his strokes. However, in the 33rd over, the southpaw was dismissed for 21 off 19 balls.

Australia finished the day on 124/4, 38 runs adrift of New Zealand's first-innings total. Labuschagne remained unbeaten on 45, while nightwatchman Nathan Lyon finished on 1. Henry was the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand as he bagged three wickets.

Kane Williamson and Tim Southee received their 100th Test cap on Friday. The star batter was dismissed for 17, while Southee made a crucial 26 off 20 balls.

Also Read: 'Have been torchbearers of New Zealand' - Sachin Tendulkar lauds Kane Williamson, Tim Southee for playing 100 Tests

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