(Reuters) – Spinner Nathan Lyon was the hero for Australia as they dismissed New Zealand for 196 on the fourth day of the first test at Wellington’s Basin Reserve. Lyon’s six wickets played a crucial role in Australia’s emphatic 172-run victory, giving them a 1-0 lead in the series.
Starting the day at 111-3, New Zealand faced a daunting target of 369. Lyon quickly made his mark by taking the important wickets of Rachin Ravindra, Tom Blundell, and Glenn Phillips, achieving his 24th test five-wicket haul.
While Daryl Mitchell and Scott Kuggeleijn provided some resistance, all-rounder Cameron Green, who scored 174 not out in the first innings, dismissed Kuggeleijn to further tighten Australia’s grip on the match.
Mitchell showed determination by batting on after being hit on the helmet, but he ran out of partners as Lyon and the Australian bowlers wrapped up the New Zealand innings.
Australia captain Pat Cummins expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, acknowledging Lyon’s impact on the match. “Thankfully it spun which, with Nathan in our side, is always a pretty good thing,” Cummins said.
New Zealand captain Tim Southee acknowledged the need for improvement ahead of the second test in Christchurch. “Like every game, we’ll reflect and look at ways that we can be better in the next one,” Southee said.
In addition to Lyon’s stellar bowling, Cameron Green’s exceptional batting was praised as the key difference in the match. Green’s 10th-wicket partnership with Josh Hazlewood set up Australia’s victory, with Green’s performance earning him the Player of the Match award.
Green’s innings allowed Australia to post a total of 383 in the first innings, giving them a substantial lead that proved crucial on a challenging batting surface. Despite a low score in their first innings, New Zealand fought back on day three with Glenn Phillips taking 5-45 to dismiss Australia for 164.
Lyon’s experience and skill as a spinner came to the forefront on day four, as he dismantled the New Zealand batting lineup. Hazlewood delivered the final blow, dismissing Mitchell to seal Australia’s convincing victory.
The defeat leaves New Zealand with a poor record against Australia in recent tests, setting the stage for an exciting second match in the series. Both teams will regroup and prepare for the upcoming test match in Christchurch.
(Reporting by Nick Mulvenney; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
