Australia v New Zealand 2nd Test Day 2 Review: Williamson leads New Zealand's fightback

Australia v New Zealand 2nd Test Day 2 Review: Williamson leads New Zealand’s fightback: In what can be considered as the first day of the tour wherein both the teams shared even honors, New Zealand recovered well enough to stage a remarkable fight-back in the second day. After the hammering they received in the first day, they did well to restrict Australia to 559/9, which was still a huge total but a decent recovery keeping yesterday’s situation in mind. The New Zealand batsmen, meanwhile, batted remarkably well to reach to 140 at the end of the day, with the loss of just 2 wickets. More importantly, the man with the golden bat, Kane Williamson looked sublimely well for his 70, and is well on course for yet another blazing century.

Earlier, Warner just survived 6 overs before edging one to the slips. But he did complete his 250, and registered the second highest individual score at the venue – 253. The runs dried up after the wicket of Warner, with the captain and Voges opting to play patiently. But even Smith perished to Boult, after trying to accelerate to pre-pone the declaration. New Zealand went to lunch as a much happier side, having restricted the flow of runs and picked up two crucial wickets.

The post Lunch session was divided into two sections. The first involved the Aussies accelerating the scoring rate. Voges and Marsh were clinical in hitting the ball, but both perished trying to accelerate. Same was the case with Phil Nevill, who was finally given an opportunity to bat at the middle. He looked solid during his brief stay. His dismissal caused an almighty tail collapse, wherein off spinner Mark Craig picked up 3 wickets in one over. All the batsmen perished trying to hit the bowler out of the park, only to be dismissed cheaply. An over after the collapse, Smith characteristically whistled to his tailenders, and called them back to the pavilion. Australia ended with 559/9, a scorecard similar to the one witnessed at the Gabba. The Black Caps’ better day at the middle was mainly thanks to Boult’s better form, along with Henry and Bracewell chipping in as well.

A much better show was expected from the New Zealand openers this time around, but unfortunately, it was not to be. Guptill was struck plumb in front of stumps by a Starc’s 148 kmph bullet. But with the exception of that delivery, there was not much of a support for the bowlers from the pitch or the conditions. Latham and Williamson weathered the storm, and went for tea with the scorecard reading 30 for the loss of 1 wicket. The session, without considering the context of the match, entirely belonged to the visitors.

A long partnership was required from the duo in the final session, and they were well set in providing one. Williamson was sublime against the Aussie pacers, and was specially severe against Johnson. Both Johnson and Hazelwood were pretty expensive in a pitch which were definitely favoring the batsmen. But Australia struck in the form of Lyon, who removed Latham for 36. Latham gave away yet another start without converting it into a big one. It was a crucial juncture of the match, and Australia had every opportunity to squeeze the visitors.

But Kane Williamson, and the out of form Ross Taylor denied the home team any advantage. Both of them combined well to notch up an unbeaten 53 run stand, ending the day with 140 on board. Williamson got past a well deserved 50, and ended the day with 70 to his name. Meanwhile, Taylor gave Williamson some good company, adding 26 to his name at the end of the day.

Summary

An inspired performance from the visitors ensured that they could have a blissful sleep, after the horrors of the first Test and David Warner. Not only did they manage to give away just under 150 runs today, the batsmen also batted well to ensure that the visitors were in a respectable position. As far as the Aussie bowling was concerned, they were well negotiated by the visitors in a pitch which had little for the bowlers. With the possibility of cracks widening up, New Zealand can expect a tougher day on cards tomorrow.

Scorecard

Australia 559/9 decl (Warner 253, Khawaja 121; Mark Craig 3/123)

New Zealand 140/2 (Williamson 70*, Latham 36; Starc 1/17)