NEW ZEALAND v AUSTRALIA, First Trans-Tasman Trophy Test
Basin Reserve, Wellington, Day Two
SCORE: Australia, 383 and 2-13, lead by 204 over New Zealand 179
SUMMARY: With Australia starting the day 9-279, the match was a near line-ball affair. But the 10th-wicket stand from Cam Green and Josh Hazlewood upended affairs, denying the Black Caps bats a quick entry with a century-partnership. Eventually at the crease after lunch and chasing 383, New Zealand's top order floundered. Kane Williamson was denied an opportunity by a shocking run-out when Will Young clattered into the master batsman in the middle of the pitch. The Kiwis slumped to 3-12 and then 5-29 only for Glenn Phillips (71 off 70) and Matt Henry (42 off 34) to blast their way out of a non-competitive total. Still, after only putting 179 on the board, New Zealand are a long way from in the contest. They can at least start day three only needing to take eight wickets, after Tim Southee removed Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne in the half-hour before stumps.
PLAYER OF THE MOMENT: Cam Green, again. The youngest man in the Australian side played a mature hand with tailender Hazlewood, striking 23 fours and five sixes on his way to a massive total that defied those who doubt him as Australia's Test No.4.
STAT OF THE DAY: Green and Hazlewood's 116-run partnership was the best 10th-wicket stand against New Zealand in its 469-Test history.
