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Australia v New Zealand 2nd Test, Day 2: Live scores, latest news

An Alex Carey drop late in the day boosted New Zealand’s chances of a drought-breaking Test win over Australia after the tourists opened the door for the Black Caps.

Robert Craddock and Daniel Cherny
11 min read
March 9, 2024 - 5:49PM
Marnus Labuschagne was warned by umpires for running on the pitch. Picture: Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images
Marnus Labuschagne was warned by umpires for running on the pitch. Picture: Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images

An Alex Carey drop late in the day boosted New Zealand’s chances of drought-breaking Test win over Australia after the tourists opened the door for the Black Caps on day two at Hagley Oval.

While Pat Cummins picked up the crucial wicket of Kane Williamson, NZ reached 2-134 in its second innings at stumps, leading by 40 and with an opportunity to set a sizeable target on a wicket that Black Caps star had become easier for batting.

NZ opener Tom Latham is unbeaten on 65, with Rachin Ravindra on 11.

Latham and Williamson’s century stand put NZ in front after Australia took a 94-run first innings lead.

But Latham should have fallen in the dying stages of the day after edging Josh Hazlewood on 59, only for Carey - whose job security looks increasingly precarious - to grass a diving two-handed attempt.

Alex Carey and Steve Smith react after the crucial drop on Day 2. Picture: Getty Images
Alex Carey and Steve Smith react after the crucial drop on Day 2. Picture: Getty Images

Marnus Labuschagne put his recent troubles behind him with an impressive 90, but no other Australian made it beyond 28 as the Aussies failed to take the game out of NZ’s hands on day two.

Labuschagne eventually fell to a stunning Glenn Phillips catch at gully, but it was Matt Henry who did the bulk of the damage for NZ, taking 7-67 - the second-best figures by a NZ bowler in Tests against Australia.

Mitchell Starc continued Will Young’s poor series, removing the NZ opener for one after drawing an edge, before Williamson and Latham tamed the hitherto imperious Australian attack for the best part of two hours.

The breakthrough only came when Cummins inserted himself back into the attack - striking first ball after Williamson inside-edged onto his wicket to end the ex-skipper’s innings on 51.

Australia's Alex Carey’s drop opened the door for a New Zealand fightback. Picture: AFP
Australia's Alex Carey’s drop opened the door for a New Zealand fightback. Picture: AFP

A half-century stand from Labuschagne and nightwatcher Nathan Lyon pushed Australia to the verge of parity before Henry trapped Mitch Marsh lbw for a duck before Carey paddled Phillips straight to Latham at midwicket.

Williamson said plenty of runs should be available for the Black Caps on day three.

“There’s still that bounce, a little bit of movement. Certainly the new ball (is tricky) which is natural on any surface, but you know, it is a good wicket,” Williamson said.

“So a lot of time left in the game and it’s from our perspective about applying ourselves well tomorrow and getting as many as we can.

“There was a little bit in the surface and both attacks were trying to make the most of that, and runs were quite delicate so it was nice to pick up those wickets this morning, and then put together a partnership to get us you know in the positives.

“There’s still plenty of hard work to do coming into tomorrow.

“But the wicket is good.

“And so it’d be about our boys coming out applying their plans and trying to build partnerships together.”

New Zealand's Kane Williamson and Tom Latham shared in a crucial century stand. Picture: AFP
New Zealand's Kane Williamson and Tom Latham shared in a crucial century stand. Picture: AFP

Labuschagne would not be drawn into what was a gettable fourth innings target.

“I mean as little as possible is always the starting point,” he said.

“But I think yeah, the wicket certainly looks nice.

“It looks tough, bit of seam when they’re bowling well, when we’re bowling well.

“It’s hard to put a number on it, but we’re happy to chase hopefully whatever they get.”

NZ has not won a home Test against Australia since 1993, and even though the tourists have already retained the Trans-Tasman Trophy, a win to either side has significant ramifications for the World Test Championship standings.

Relive all the action from day 2 of the Second Test in Christchurch below.

A rare Alex Carey drop has given Tom Latham an extra life and opportunity to push for his century.

New Zealand’s run rate has slowed since the departure of Kane Williamson, with Latham (59 off 144) and Rachin Ravindra (5 off 31) battling to survive the last period of Day 2.

Australia’s bowlers have found a good length, and asked plenty of questions of the duo, but the Kiwis have managed to stay in the fight.

Just a few balls later, Latham reached 64 off 150, setting a new career high against Australia.

CUMMINS BREAKS THROUGH

Pat Cummins has broken through for the first wicket in about three hours.

The ball came back just enough to find Kane Williamson’s inside edge, sending the ball into the stumps and bringing to an end a potentially match-altering 105-run partnership.

With Williamson gone for 51 off 107 balls, Tom Latham (55 off 118) is joined in the middle by young gun Rachin Ravindra, who will be keen to atone for some cheap dismissals in this series.

That three-hour gap between wickets felt like an eternity, especially given the rapid pace in which the previous 21 scalps fell.

NEW ZEALAND HITS THE LEAD

New Zealand have finally hit the lead in this Test as Kane Williamson and Tom Latham grind their way through some tough overs.

The duo united at just 1-6 after 2.3 overs, and while they’ve scored at a snail-like pace for parts of the overs since, they have got New Zealand in front.

Their stand is the highest partnership in the series so far for New Zealand, with the Black Caps reaching 1-100 at the end of the 35th over, just in time for drinks.

Latham reached his half-century in the minutes after tea, his first 50 in his past 14 innings. Williamson brought up his 50, the 34th of his career, not long after.

New Zealand's Kane Williamson plays a shot. Picture: AFP
New Zealand's Kane Williamson plays a shot. Picture: AFP

FAMILIAR BEDFELLOWS FUEL FIGHT

It should be no surprise that Kane Williamson and Tom Latham are the men leading the New Zealand fightback, with the duo again digging the Black Caps out of a tough spot.

New Zealand still trail by 41 a few overs after tea, but the home side will welcome having two very good operators at the crease.

The fact they’re out there together is the cherry on top.

With the score at 1-53, Williams (26 off 58) and Latham (22 off 62) brought up their 3000th run scored as a partnership.

From 70 innings, they average 43.47 as a partnership, with nine 100-run stands in there for good measure.

They may very well need to add a tenth to that if Williams and captain Tim Southee are to mark their 100th Test with a long-awaited win against their Trans-Tasman rivals.

For Australia, Nathan Lyon entered the attack with the first over after tea and gave up eight runs from his first two overs.

Tom Latham has played a patient hand atop the order. Picture: Getty Images
Tom Latham has played a patient hand atop the order. Picture: Getty Images

WILLIAMSON, LATHAM, CHIP AWAY AT DEFICIT

Kane Williamson and Tom Latham are chipping away at Australia’s first innings lead, but there’s still a fair mountain to climb in this comeback.

New Zealand are 1-43 at tea on Day 2, trailing by 51 after Australia was bowled out for 256.

Will Young was knocked over early by Mitchell Starc but Williamson and Latham have held Australia’s bowlers at bay, and kept the scoreboard ticking over in their 37-run partnership.

Pat Cummins has used four seamers so far, but Nathan Lyon is expected to join the fray in the last session.

Kane Williamson is nearing a half-century in his 100th Test. Picture: Getty Images
Kane Williamson is nearing a half-century in his 100th Test. Picture: Getty Images

WILLIAMSON LEADS FIGHTBACK

Kane Williamson is leading the New Zealand fightback with more than half the Black Caps’ runs after 10 overs.

Williamson has 14 off 31 balls, alongside Tom Latham (9*), to steer the home side to 1-27 as Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood asked plenty of questions through their first five overs each.

Williamson, who survived a hearty shout for lbw, is celebrating his 100th Test, but needs a big innings here if he wants to mark the milestone with a victory.

The Kiwi is undoubtedly among cricket’s big four modern batting greats (even if he’s very clearly the No. 4 behind Steve Smith, Virat Kohli and Joe Root), and what better way to prove his place in history with a knock to set up his beloved Black Caps.

STARC CLAIMS EARLY BREAKTHROUGH

A day after passing Dennis Lillee on Australia’s wicket-taking leaderboard, Mitchell Starc has claimed the first scalp of New Zealand’s second innings.

Starc struck on just his eighth ball of the inning, producing a ball which confounded opener Will Young, who edged through to Alex Carey.

It’s not the start New Zealand want as they trail by 88.

And if New Zealand fans want someone to blame, this chap in the crowd might have given Starc that extra bit of motivation.

While fielding on the face, the cheeky chap offered Starc some sandpaper in what was clearly the gag of the day.

Starc delivered the punch line just five minutes later when he sent Young on his way.

CUMMINS LIFTS AUSTRALIA TO BIG LEAD

A late innings hurricane from Pat Cummins has given a 94 run buffer against a plucky New Zealand side powered by a fast bowler having the day of his life.

Cummins, batting well as he so often does under pressure, opened his shoulders to slog 23 off 22 balls including a towering pulled six before falling lbw to home town hero Matt Henry.

The lively right-armer delighted his home crowd in Christchurch to finish with 7-67 on day two of the second Test as Australia were bowled out for 256.

They were the best figures by a New Zealand bowler against Australia in New Zealand and only Sir Richard Hadlee (9-52 against Australia at the Gabba in 1985-86) has taken better figures for the Kiwis against Australia anywhere.

Marnus Labuschagne top scored with 90 before falling to a freakish mid-air catch by Glenn Phillips and the fact that Mitchell Starc was next best with 28 showed how poorly the top order performed.

The wicket was still yielding enough seam to think that Australia’s highly experienced pace bowlers would again be highly threatening though Henry’s fight gave New Zealand a rough chance.

SUPERMAN EFFORT ENDS CENTURY BID

Marnus Labuschagne snapped his form slump but walked off a shattered man after falling to a “Superman’’ catch which left Australia on shaky ground in the Shaky Isles.

Australia (8-221) led by 59 runs at lunch on day two of the second Test against New Zealand in Christchurch after Labuschagne fell for 90, his best score in his last 15 Test knocks, after gliding a ball to Glenn Phillips in the gully of Tim Southee.

New Zealand’s most athletic fieldsman dived spectacularly to his right to take a spectacle one-handed snare mid-air. The shot came out of the blue as Labuschagne had been playing error-free cricket for most of the morning.

Just as New Zealand were slipped out of the game they were back in it after a session which produced four wickets.

Just as batting great Matthew Hayden used to do in his prime, Labuschagne batted out of his crease to negate the swing bowlers and moved so far forward he was warned by the umpires for running into the “no go’’ zone.

Ironically when Labuschagne tried a similar tactic against the Kiwis at the SCG in 2020, umpire Aleem Dar penalised the team five runs.

Labuschagne has been working in the nets on concentrating more about threatening the field that picking his technique to pieces and that attitude has paid rewards in this Test, much to Australia’s relief.

In challenging conditions, this was Labuschagne’s best innings of the summer, containing admirable positive intent as he closed in on his first century since his 111 against England at Old Trafford in July.

Labuschagne’s Test average has dropped by 10 in recent times and he has averaged below 38 in four of his last six series.

HORROR DISMISSAL FOR HOT-AND-COLD CAREY

A horror dismissal by Alex Carey threatened to leave Australia on shaky ground in the Shaky Isles on day two of the second Test against New Zealand in Christchurch.

Carey (14), whose batting form has blown hot and cold since he was involved in the infamous stumping of Jonny Bairstow in the Ashes, fell to a mis-timed sweep shot which dollied to the infield off spinner Glenn Phillips’ second ball of the day.

Carey has just one score above 15 in his last five Test innings.

With Marnus Labuschange progressing solidly to 78 not out as Australia’s lead moved beyond 40, Carey seemingly decided to play his favourite shot before the ball left the bowler’s hand.

DOUBLE DUCKS FOR MARSH AFTER LAST SECOND REVIEW

Mitchell Marsh recorded his second successive duck but rejuvenated Marnus Labuschange has rescued Australia from mediocrity on day two of the second Test against New Zealand in Christchurch.

Labuschagne was left to steady the ship as he broke free of a lengthy form slump to be 73 not out not out nearing the end of the first hour as Australia limped past New Zealand’s modest 162.

Laubschange’s Test average has dropped by 10 runs in recent times and he was desperate to finish a modest summer in style.

Marsh was trapped lbw by pacy Matt Henry who was jubilant to record a five wicket haul in front of his home crowd on a wicket “I won’t hear a bad word about.’’ Kiwi captain Tim Southee waited until the last second to review a not out verdict.

Earlier, nightwatchman Nathan Lyon was caught at first slip for a lively, important 20.

Australia were 6-179, a lead of 17, in the 18th over with Labuschagne 73 and Alex Carey six.

Matt Henry of New Zealand (C) is congratulated by his teammates after dismissing Mitchell Marsh for a duck. Picture: Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images
Matt Henry of New Zealand (C) is congratulated by his teammates after dismissing Mitchell Marsh for a duck. Picture: Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images

DON’T RUN ON THE PITCH, MARNUS

Adventurous Marnus Labuschagne took Test cricket where it has rarely been before when he was warned about running on the pitch while batting in the second Test.

Previously out of form Labuschagne raised a welcome half century on day two of the second Test against New Zealand in Christchurch as Australia closed in on New Zealand’s modest first innings total of 162.

Labuschagne has refined a new technique to combat New Zealand swingman Tim Southee and Matt Henry where he bats half a metre out of his crease to nullify the movement then moves further forward while the ball is in the air.

But in doing so occasionally ran on the “no go’’ area on the pitch which is two feet wide and beginning five feet from the popping crease.

Umpires Marais Erasmus and Nitin Menon spoke to Labuschagne after 10 minutes play and urged him to watch where he tread.

“I think that is far enough because it has be the same for batsmen and bowlers,’’ said commentator and former New Zealand Test batsman Craig McMillan.

Labuschagne knows this rule well after umpire Aleem Dar penalised Australia five runs at the SCG in 2020 after accusing Labuschagne of running on the wicket.

Australia were 4-153, with Labuschagne 58 and Nathan Lyon 16, after 25 minutes play on day two, just nine behind the Kiwis total.

HAZLEWOOD PUTS KIWI TEST ROOKIE IN THE CROSSHAIRS

Josh Hazlewood has laid down the gauntlet to Rachin Ravindra after the emerging New Zealand star once more fell trying to flash outside the off-stump on day one of the second Test.

Ravindra nicked off to Hazlewood for four just before lunch on day one as NZ capitulated to be bowled out for 162.

The 24-year-old made three centuries during last year’s World Cup and showed glimpses of his talent last week in Wellington, but has fallen similarly across all three innings thus far in the series.

Aussie paceman Hazlewood said the greatest test of a promising newcomer was the ability to combat plans after having some form exposed.

Josh Hazlewood has dismissed Rachin Ravindra twice in his past three innings. Picture: Getty Images
Josh Hazlewood has dismissed Rachin Ravindra twice in his past three innings. Picture: Getty Images

“I think any new player, the new really exciting good player that comes in, I think they’re going to score runs early and then teams will certainly find a way to try and expose their weaknesses,” Hazlewood said.

“It’s not one-day cricket anymore or T20.

“I guess that’s what makes a great player if they can work through that and combat that and come out the other side and build on their average or build on whatever it is that they’re trying to do and fight their way through it, I guess and then they became the Steve Smiths or Kane Williamsons of the world.”

Follow the biggest moments from Day 2 of the second Test below.

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Originally published as Australia v New Zealand 2nd Test, Day 2: Live scores, latest news

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/cricket/australia-v-new-zealand-2nd-test-day-2-live-scores-latest-news/news-story/b41271617ac13451f64dae1aa404510f