Australia vs New Zealand 2nd Test, Day 2 preview: Smith threat loom large as Australia finish on top

Australia vs New Zealand 2nd Test, Day 2 preview: Smith threat loom large as Australia finish on top

New Zealand Bangladesh Neil Wagner 2nd Test Trent Boult

Australia were the dominant side on Day 1 at the Boxing Day Test against New Zealand at Melbourne. Already 1-0 up in the Trans-Tasman Series, Australia finished the day on 257/4. At the crease are Steven Smith, on 77, and Travis Head, on 25.

Australia look set for a total in excess of 400. If that happens, New Zealand will have their task cut out against Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, and a 20,000-strong crowd. This, after Kane Williamson had opted to bowl.

The New Zealand bowlers bowled accurately, bothering the batsmen (barring Smith) throughout the day. With exemplary footwork and control of wrists, Smith handled everything that came his way, and seems set for another big score.

The day began in spectacular fashion, with Trent Boult (1/60) – returning after missing the first Test with an injury – taking out Joe Burns for a golden duck with the fourth ball of the day. The yorker curled into Burns, leaving him no chance.

David Warner (41) and Marnus Labuschagne (63) settled down, adding 60 for the second wicket. Boult and Tim Southee (0/63) bowled to an excellent line, beating the bat at times but without success. Eventually Neil Wagner (1/40) broke through, having Warner caught behind when the latter went after a ball outside off.

New Zealand had successfully bounced Smith in the first Test. They (especially Wagner) tried that again, but Smith had prepared better, his footwork looking more assured. He managed to get on top of the ball every time, eliminating all chance of a catch.

Labuschagne went just after tea, trying to leave a ball from Colin de Grandhomme (2/63) that hit him on the elbow and ricocheted on to the stumps. De Grandhomme also had Matthew Wade (38) caught behind.

Key players

Steven Smith (Australia): Smith has looked “human” this Australian summer. He seems set to get his first hundred of the season; and as it often happens with Smith, a hundred is barely enough.

Neil Wagner (New Zealand): Of all New Zealand bowlers, Wagner has looked the best-equipped to get Smith. He may open up the match (and series) for New Zealand if he gets Smith with his extra pace and bounce early in the morning.

Brief scores

Australia 257/4 (Steven Smith 77*, Marnus Labuschagne 63; Colin de Grandhomme 2/48) vs New Zealand.

Prediction

Australia to score in excess of 400 and take out a couple of wickets before stumps.