1st Test, Australia vs New Zealand, Day 4 preview: Taylor, Watling key as Australia tighten noose

Australia were bowled out for 416 at the stroke of tea on Day 2 at Perth, leaving New Zealand a session to bat under lights. Some incisive, quick pace bowling, especially from Mitchell Starc (4/31) left them reeling at 109/5 before play was called off. Ross Taylor will resume batting on 66 alongside a scoreless BJ Watling.

It is an uphill task for New Zealand from here, but there are several things they can draw inspiration from. First, Taylor had scored 290 and 36* in his only Test at Perth so far, albeit on a different venue; secondly, Watling has scored 77, 105*, 205, and 55 in his last four Test innings; and finally, Josh Hazlewood (1/0) left the ground with a hamstring injury after sending down just 10 balls (even Matthew Wade had to bowl!).

Starc had Tom Latham (0) caught and bowled off his fifth ball, while Hazlewood bowled Jeet Raval (1) through the gate with his fourth. Kane Williamson (34) then batted grittily as Taylor opened up at the other end, especially against Nathan Lyon (0/35), whom he dispatched for 3 fours in the 4 balls before drinks.

The partnership eventually broke when Steven Smith flew to his right, from second slip, to catch Williamson spectacularly off Starc. Starc then had Henry Nicholls (7) caught down the leg and yorked night-watchman Neil Wagner (0) first ball.

Earlier, Australia, resuming on 248/5, reached 301 when Wagner (4/92) hit the leg-stump of Marnus Labuschagne (143). Travis Head (56) resisted for a while, but from Wagner and Tim Southee (4/93) took the last 3 wickets in 4 balls after Australia had reached 408/7.

Key players

Mitchell Starc (Australia): With 4 wickets already under his belt, Starc will take field after a night’s rest. The pink ball may not do as much during the day, but Starc’s extra pace may do the difference.

Ross Taylor (New Zealand): Twelve years, almost a hundred Tests, and over seven thousand runs later after his debut, even in the presence of Williamson, Taylor continues to remain New Zealand’s crisis man. A long day lies ahead of him here.

Brief scores

Australia 416 (Marnus Labuschagne 143, Travis Head 56; Neil Wagner 4/92, Tim Southee 4/93) lead New Zealand 109/5 (Ross Taylor 66*; Mitchell Starc 4/31) by 307 runs.

Prediction

Australia to bowl New Zealand out and bat again.