Nathan Lyon Stars As Australia Dominate New Zealand In Second Test

Australia has won bragging rights from neighbours New Zealand with a resounding 247-run win on day four of the second test at the MCG. 

The win is Australia’s second 200 plus win against New Zealand this series and secures the Trans-Tasman Trophy for the 11^th time in the series history. 

Entering the day 4-137 with an already strong lead of 456, it was all laid out for Australia, and homegrown quick James Pattinson and the ‘GOAT’ Nathan Lyon did not disappoint. 

After piling on 31 quick runs in the first session, Tim Paine bought his men in after the wicket of Travis Head for 28, with a mammoth lead of 488. 

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Then in his return to the test arena in a Boxing Day Test Match, Pattinson tore through the Kiwis top order, shutting down any chance of a famous run-chase for the Black Caps. His impact was immediate, enticing Tom Latham to chase a wide delivery that was well caught by Tim Paine. 

Three overs later it was the double shot blow that all but ended New Zealand’s hopes, Pattinson claiming captain Kane Williamson LBW for a duck and veteran Ross Taylor chopping one on to his stumps for just two. 

Henry Nicholls fell next as Lyon hit the scoreboard, New Zealand falling to 4-89 and all hope seeming lost. A brave partnership from Tom Blundell and BJ Watling saw them race to 4-161 however, igniting hope a day five could be reached. 

Lyon was not interested in coming back for a final day, however, claiming Watling for 22 to break the partnership, leading to the Black Caps losing 4-79 and the Australian’s winning the Trans-Tasman trophy. 

The final days play summed up the test in its entirety. New Zealand showing fight in glimpses through a couple of individuals, but ultimately the firepower of Australia becoming too much. 

Deciding to bowl on a wicket that favoured the quicks on day one, the Kiwis looked dangerous early when Trent Boult got a superb delivery to swing back late and bowl Joe Burns for zero in his first over. 

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From there though there was no real pressure on the batsmen, the home side finishing the day 4-257. 

Day two started very similarly before a fired-up Neil Wagner showed some aggression and found bounce in a seemingly slow pitch to dismiss Steve Smith for 85. The momentum the wicket carried was just another glimpse of a New Zealand fight-back however and was lost quickly. 

Travis Head went on to claim a second test match hundred and a first-innings total of 467 was reached. 

The Australian paceman made sure the batters good work didn’t go unrewarded, each taking multiple scalps to put Australia in a commanding position. 2-30 from Mitchell Starc, 5-28 from Pat Cummins and 3-34 from Pattinson skittled New Zealand for just 148 and the Aussies never looked back. 

The victory is Australia’s sixth Boxing Day victory of the decade and carries them into the third and final test at the SCG kicking off Friday 3 January, where they will look to complete the series whitewash. 

The impending whitewash won’t be helped for New Zealand by the fractured right hand of Trent Boult. The paceman did not bat in the second innings and will miss the remainder of the series. 

Catch Ollie’s thoughts alongside Matt & Liam on their podcast – On The Pine

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