New Zealand’s batting resurgence continued on day three of the second Test against Australia at Hagley Oval, as they extended their lead to 149 runs at lunch. After being dismissed for just 162 in their first innings, the Black Caps have fought back admirably, reaching 243 for 3 at the break.
Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell were the stars of the morning session, combining for an unbroken 88-run partnership. Ravindra, who scored a half-century in the first innings, brought up his second Test fifty with a stylish straight drive off Mitchell Marsh. Mitchell, meanwhile, played aggressively, using his reverse sweep and powerful drives to keep the Australian bowlers at bay.
The partnership between Ravindra and Mitchell was built on a solid foundation laid by Tom Latham, who resumed on 73 but fell for 73 to a sharp delivery from Pat Cummins. Latham’s dismissal was a blow to New Zealand, but Ravindra and Mitchell ensured that there was no further damage before lunch.
Cummins was the standout bowler for Australia, taking the key wicket of Latham and bowling with great accuracy and intensity. However, the pitch offered little assistance to the bowlers, and New Zealand’s batsmen were able to play with relative freedom.
Australia used seven bowlers in the first session, but none could make a breakthrough after Latham’s dismissal. Nathan Lyon, who bowled just two overs in New Zealand’s first innings, was unable to conjure much turn, while the part-time spin of Travis Head proved ineffective.
New Zealand will likely need a big lead to secure a rare victory over Australia, having won just one Test against them in the past three decades. The pitch is expected to remain flat for the remainder of the match, so the Black Caps will need to continue batting aggressively and build a substantial lead.
