Australia v New Zealand 3rd Test - 5 Talking Points

Australia beat New Zealand in a rousing chase on the 3^rd day of the 3^rd and the final Test of the Test series. The Pink ball had already created enough buzz around itself. But, it was the game of cricket which won over the heart with its unpredictable and enlivening nature. New Zealand fought hard from the first day of the match. The momentum kept swinging from one team to the other as both teams competed fiercely with each other for all three days. But, in the end, the Kiwis were outplayed by the Aussies. This match holds a lot of significance in the history of cricket. And, by winning this inaugural “Pink Test” Australia have etched their name in the history books forever.

Here are the talking points of the Australia v New Zealand 3rd Test:

1. The Pink revolution:

The 3^rd Test between Australia and New Zealand was one the most anticipated Test matches in recent months. The stands were packed to witness the historic match. The reason behind this excitement was the “Pink ball”, which was introduced officially for the first time in the International arena. The first day of the Test saw 12 wickets fall for 256 runs as opposed to the first two Tests at WACA and Gabba where only two wickets fell. The ball seamed and swung nicely. Later, as the game progressed, it offered turn as the pitch began to assist the spinners. The match was a relatively low scoring game and which ended inside three days with no team scoring more than 225 runs in either of their innings. Many cricketers and experts of the game believed that the pink ball is an innovation that is here to stay. The red ball was the one of the most defining features of Test cricket. But, if the pink ball manages to stay, it will change the face of Test cricket for sure.

2. “Tough Guy” Mitchell Starc:

Mitchell Starc showcased tough sportsmanship. The Adelaide crowd looked in a feeling of great surprise and wonder when Starc came out to bat. In the first innings, he was taken off the field due to an ankle injury. It was reported that his injury would require a surgery. On day 2 in the morning, he was seen walking with the help of an ankle support. Therefore, it was thought that Australia will have only 10 wickets to bat in the first innings after his exclusion. However, Starc came out bat when Australia was reduced to the last wicket. The more amazing part was that he did not just stand there as a mere support to Peter Nevill who was going good with the bat. Starc contributed runs and hit an aggressive knock of 24 runs off just 15 deliveries. The highlight of his small knock was his 20 runs off Mark Craig’s over. The over read 4, 4, 0, 6, 0, 6. All his shots were powerful and looked very punishing for Craig. He also walked out to bat in the 2nd innings when Australia needed a couple to win, he hopped his way to the second run as Peter Siddle celebrated the famous win at the other end. The injury, however, ruled him out for 10 more weeks.

3. Josh Hazlewood’s 6 wicket haul – 6/70:

Australians were in the spot of worry due to the absence of Mitchell Starc. It was not like Siddle, Hazlewood and Lyon were incapable but his absence hurt Australia’s plans in the second innings. However, Josh Hazlewood stepped up in the absence of Mitchell Starc at Adelaide Oval, grabbing a career-best haul of 6/70 in New Zealand’s second innings. He did not let the Aussies feel the absence of Starc in any way. He has played Test cricket for less than one year but has already become one of the leading bowlers in Australia’s attack. Hazlewood finished the match with figures of 9/136. This is also his best performance in his 12-Test career.

4. Shaun Marsh rescues struggling Australia:

Australian bowlers did a great job by quickly dismissing the Kiwis at a score of 208, setting them a target of 187 runs. They had victory written everywhere when they came out to chase. David Warner, in his natural manner, began slamming the bowlers immediately. But, Australia soon lost Joe Burns. Smith and Warner continued scoring freely but, Doug Bracewell found the breakthrough by dismissing Warner. Smith also followed him to the pavilion within a space of one over. But, Shaun Marsh, who came in after Smith, batted strongly and was involved in two crucial partnerships. Firstly, Marsh and Voges formed a 49 runs partnership which denied New Zealand bowlers from gaining an upper hand over the Australian. But, soon, Voges was dismissed and the partnership was broken. Shaun Marsh then shared a 46 runs partnership with his younger brother Mitchell Marsh. The younger Marsh soon lost his patience and was caught off the bowling of Santner. However, Shaun stood his ground and played well with Peter Nevill. However, his crucial knock was put to end in the 48th over. He scored a fighting 49 runs. This inning was the backbone of the successful chase.

5. New Zealand’s inspiring bowling:

New Zealand bowlers lead by the energetic Trent Boult did not let Australia have a very easy day. Boult was mesmerizing today and turned the match into an interesting contest. They won all the respect for showing brilliant sporting spirit and fighting nature. Trent Boult (5/60) bowled like a champion. It was a joy to watch the ever-smiling left-arm pacer bowl with full heart till his last over of the match. Tim Southee was wicketless in the second innings but bowled tight and kept the pressure on the Australians intact. Doug Bracewell (1/37) and Mitchell Santner (1/8) also performed in a similar manner. The Australians were lucky on many occasions in the 4th innings as few edges flew between the slips and some catches fell short from the fielders and a few were popped out. But, the Kiwis bowled in a much-disciplined manner and made the Australian batsmen work hard for each and every run.