Nathan Lyon and Cameron Green were the stars of the first Test for Australia as they secured a 172-run win on Sunday, March 3.
Lyon’s exceptional spin bowling was the main attraction on Sunday as the hosts crumbled in front of his magical spell, with him picking up figures of 6 for 65 in 26 overs.
The match, which concluded on Sunday, saw New Zealand resume their second innings at 111-3, only to succumb to Lyon’s mastery, ending their innings at 196 shortly after lunch.
Lyon’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, as he claimed ten wickets in the match, marking his fifth instance of taking ten or more scalps in a Test.
AUS vs NZ 1st Test, Day 4: Highlights
His efforts were instrumental in halting New Zealand’s comeback, which had shown signs of life on the third day. Despite a challenging target of 368 set by Australia, New Zealand’s hopes were briefly buoyed by Glenn Phillips’ impressive 5-43, limiting Australia’s second innings to 164, and Rachin Ravindra’s resilient 56 not out at the close of day three.
However, the final day belonged to Lyon. He quickly dismissed Ravindra for 59, initiating a collapse from which New Zealand never recovered.
The spinner’s knack for extracting extra bounce proved too much for New Zealand’s batsmen, with Tom Blundell and Glenn Phillips among his notable victims. Lyon’s dominance was further highlighted by his strategic move to bowl from the southern end, exploiting the conditions to become virtually unplayable at times.
Australia’s triumph was not solely due to Lyon’s brilliance with the ball. The team’s first innings total of 383, bolstered by Cameron Green’s magnificent unbeaten 174, laid the foundation for their victory.
Green’s last-wicket stand with Josh Hazlewood was particularly crucial, extending Australia’s score and setting a challenging target for New Zealand.
For his all-round brilliance, Green was adjudged as the Player Of The Match.
Despite a valiant effort from New Zealand, including a fighting 71 from Phillips in their first innings, they were unable to mount a successful chase on the final day.
Australia’s comprehensive win sets the stage for an exciting continuation of the series, with the second Test scheduled to begin in Christchurch on Friday.
