2nd Test, Australia vs New Zealand, Day 3 preview: New Zealand need to bat out first session as a minimum

Australia have, one again, taken a firm grip of a Test in this series against New Zealand, and once again, it came via an all-round display. They posted a sizeable 467 in their first-innings, thanks largely to Travis Head’s century, and wickets from Pat Cummins and James Pattinson meant New Zealand ended the day at 44/2.

The day began with Smith and Head resuming on an overnight 257/4. At the time, many expected it would be Smith scoring a century between the duo. However, Neil Wagner finally had the better of him after a fine battle on the first day, and did him with a bouncer when he was on 85. If New Zealand hoped that would open the floodgates, they had to think again.

Head was joined by captain Tim Paine, and their 150-run stand frustrated the Kiwis to no end. It revived the Australian innings, and while Head scored his second Test century, Paine had his seventh Test half-century. From 284/5, they took the total to 434 before Paine’s dismissal, 21 short of a maiden Test century, broke the partnership.

It didn’t take New Zealand long thereafter to wrap up the innings, with five wickets falling for 33 runs, but the damage had been done. Head walked back in to a round of applause after his dismissal for 114 by Wagner, who ended with fine figures of 4-83. New Zealand’s frustration didn’t end their though.

Once again, their batsmen let them down. Tom Blundell, who replaced Jeet Raval, didn’t fare too well, scoring a 19-ball 15 before being caught behind off Pat Cummins. Then, crucially, Kane Williams, their talismanic captain, followed suit in a similar manner, with James Pattinson doing the damage.

That was a key wicket. If there was one batsman who could offer Ross Taylor the patient support he needs, it was Williamson. Unfortunately, he’s in something of a rotten bit of form, and it’s up to the rest of team now to defy this vibrant Australia attack.

Latham has shown good signs of doing that, though. He has been patient, facing 57 deliveries for just nine runs, and despite some nervy deliveries of the 19 he faced, Taylor is still there. New Zealand’s hope will rest on the duo batting out, at the very least, the first session on day three. That’s easier said than done, though, against Mitchell Starc, Cummins and Pattinson, as well as Nathan Lyon.

Australia are firmly in front.

Key players

James Pattinson (Australia): Pattinson’s fiery bowling was a sight to behold at the end of the second day. He had the wicket of Williamson for his efforts, doing him with a short one, and if that is anything to go by, he could be lethal on the third morning. New Zealand better watch out.

Ross Taylor (New Zealand): New Zealand’s hopes rest on the veteran. He has lost the support of Williamson, who was integral to their hopes, but he can still make Australia pay if he can stay in for a while, and find some support from Latham. He is quite simply the one key wicket for Australia now.

Brief scores

Australia 467 in 155.1 overs (Travis Head 114, Steve Smith 85; Neil Wagner 4/83) lead New Zealand (Tom Blundell 15; Pat Cummins 1/8) by 423 runs.

Prediction

Australia to secure a first-innings lead of 200.