Cricket: Australia out to spoil New Zealand's milestone party
Cricket: Australia out to spoil New Zealand's milestone party
Cricket - ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 - Semi-Final - India v New Zealand - Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India - November 15, 2023 New Zealand's Kane Williamson in action REUTERS/Adnan Abidi/File Photo
When Kane Williamson and captain Tim Southee play their 100th test in Christchurch, New Zealand will commemorate two of its great servants, but Australia is ready to spoil the festivities by winning the series.
In an attempt to level the two-match series, the Black Caps will be driven to give Williamson and Southee a victory eight years after Australia ruined Brendon McCullum's final test at Hagley Oval.
In an attempt to level the two-match series, the Black Caps will be driven to give Williamson and Southee a victory eight years after Australia ruined Brendon McCullum's final test at Hagley Oval.
On the other hand, Australia is commemorating a milestone of their own that will probably have a bigger impact on the outcome.
Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon, their bowling "fab four," will combine for a historic seventh consecutive test, a remarkable stretch of injury-free play for one of the country's greatest attacks.
Captain Cummins told reporters on Thursday, "I think I said at the start of the summer I'd be surprised if we played all seven because it's rare that something doesn't pop up."
Fortunately, though, we've all handled the minor annoyances really effectively.
"We're not limping over the line, and we feel like we're in a greater position than I thought we'd be in a couple of months ago."
Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon, their bowling "fab four," will combine for a historic seventh consecutive test, a remarkable stretch of injury-free play for one of the country's greatest attacks.
Captain Cummins told reporters on Thursday, "I think I said at the start of the summer I'd be surprised if we played all seven because it's rare that something doesn't pop up."
Fortunately, though, we've all handled the minor annoyances really effectively.
"We're not limping over the line, and we feel like we're in a greater position than I thought we'd be in a couple of months ago."
What New Zealand would do to secure such a steady supply of labor.
After Will O'Rourke suffered a hamstring injury in Wellington's loss, New Zealand was forced to use uncapped quick Ben Sears in Christchurch after losing Kyle Jamieson to a back fracture in a devastating blow prior to the series.
After paying a heavy price for not having a specialist spinner at the Basin Reserve, where Nathan Lyon claimed ten wickets, the hosts are still in the hunt for a fourth bowler.
The decision over whether to stick with Scott Kuggeleijn as a fourth quick or bring back spin-bowling all-rounder Mitch Santner has not yet been made by the selectors.
Conversely, Southee has not been contributing much to the bowling attack, taking only four wickets in his previous three assessments.
After Will O'Rourke suffered a hamstring injury in Wellington's loss, New Zealand was forced to use uncapped quick Ben Sears in Christchurch after losing Kyle Jamieson to a back fracture in a devastating blow prior to the series.
After paying a heavy price for not having a specialist spinner at the Basin Reserve, where Nathan Lyon claimed ten wickets, the hosts are still in the hunt for a fourth bowler.
The decision over whether to stick with Scott Kuggeleijn as a fourth quick or bring back spin-bowling all-rounder Mitch Santner has not yet been made by the selectors.
Conversely, Southee has not been contributing much to the bowling attack, taking only four wickets in his previous three assessments.
Southee remarked on Thursday, "Every week you're trying to go out and put your best foot forward."
"However, the reality that the last several test matches have been unsatisfactory cannot be ignored. I am aware of that. Always, I would prefer more wickets. And maybe more will follow."
ESSENTIAL PRESSURE
"However, the reality that the last several test matches have been unsatisfactory cannot be ignored. I am aware of that. Always, I would prefer more wickets. And maybe more will follow."
ESSENTIAL PRESSURE
Williamson, who was dismissed cheaply by Lyon after being run out for a duck in Wellington, is also motivated to bounce back and help New Zealand end a 31-year losing streak against Australia at home.
Anything less than a win will be remembered as just another chance lost by the Black Caps to overcome one of the sport's most tenacious psychological barriers.
Despite all of that, there is still hope in New Zealand.
In Wellington, Australia's four-day victory of 172 runs flattered them a little, and early in the second day, the hosts were the architects of their own downfall.
The tourists' hitters were restrained, despite Cameron Green's undefeated 174 and his outstanding 10th wicket partnership with Josh Hazlewood.
Several are under a lot of strain, especially the hopeless number three Marnus Labuschagne and the wicketkeeper Alex Carey.
If Williamson returns to form and New Zealand makes the proper bowling selection, Christchurch's match might look quite different from Wellington's opening one.
In Wellington, Australia's four-day victory of 172 runs flattered them a little, and early in the second day, the hosts were the architects of their own downfall.
The tourists' hitters were restrained, despite Cameron Green's undefeated 174 and his outstanding 10th wicket partnership with Josh Hazlewood.
Several are under a lot of strain, especially the hopeless number three Marnus Labuschagne and the wicketkeeper Alex Carey.
If Williamson returns to form and New Zealand makes the proper bowling selection, Christchurch's match might look quite different from Wellington's opening one.
The spectators should be in for a treat as both teams go all out with the favorable weather forecast at a venue that has generated results in 11 of the last 12 games.
Any side that wins will be able to maintain their position close to the top of the World Test Championship rankings, but New Zealand would be happy to win just for pride's sake and get the Australian monkey off their back.
Any side that wins will be able to maintain their position close to the top of the World Test Championship rankings, but New Zealand would be happy to win just for pride's sake and get the Australian monkey off their back.
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