Australia v New Zealand: Perth defeat continues miserable record for Black Caps against Aussies

Just as the All Blacks own Australia so do the Aussie cricket team just find a way of beating New Zealand. You just sense no matter what the Black Caps throw at them the home side will have the answers.

New Zealand's Ross Taylor walks off after he is dismissed during play in their cricket test against Australia in Perth, Australia, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Trevor Collens)

• Play SuperCoach BBL! Pick your team now
• Every SuperCoach squad named

Australia versus New Zealand in cricket has become the upside version of Australia versus New Zealand in rugby union.

You just sort of know that no matter how the sides seem to be travelling at the time that one team owns the other where it matters most … in the head.

Just as the All Blacks own the Australian rugby team so do the Australian cricket team just find a way of beating New Zealand.

Stream the Australia v New Zealand Domain Test Series Live & Ad-Break Free During Play with KAYO SPORTS. Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly>

Ross Taylor tried hard but couldn’t spark the Kiwis into action.

You hear all the positive chat but at the end of the day you ask, do the underdogs really, really – really – think they can win?

You just sense no matter what the Black Caps throw at Australia this summer the home side will have the answers.

The first Test in Perth extends New Zealand’s miserable run to one win from their last 29 matches against Australia stretching back to 1993.

For the Kiwis that statistic is as unsavoury as the undercooked chicken that forced Optus Stadium officials to issue an urgent food recall on Sunday.

The current side is too young to have lived through the stirring deeds of Richard Hadlee in the 1980s. In their lifetimes they have no meaningful reference points to think they can topple Australia is the lion’s den.

It was a tough four days at the office for Kane Williamson.

For all the clout of the world rankings and the powerful individual records of the Kiwi batsmen and bowlers, they seem to lack the killer punch to knock out Australia.

Kane Williamson is down and surely he will be back. Tim Southee will be energised by his nine-wicket haul. Trent Boult could be back in the side. Ross Taylor looks dangerous.

But, as Michael Vaughan points out, if Australia play to their ability, the only team who should threaten them in Australia is India.

Next summer’s four Test series will be a box office smash no matter what happens.

Australia’s team for the Boxing Day Test will be interesting with Australia considering the prospect of playing Michael Neser in the top six.

Michael Neser could get the call up for the MCG Test.

Though he is averaging just 25 at first-class level – normally too low to bat in the top six for Australia – Neser has improved as a batsman in the last few years though he is yet to strike a first-class century.

If Neser is selected it will be a victory for doing little things right on tour from throw downs in the nets to giving moral support to other players.

Neser did not play a Test in the Ashes but he received a gold star for his commitment to the team from coach Justin Langer.

James Pattinson remains a worthy option but it was a surprise that Australia are considering Peter Siddle because the time seems right to look forward rather than back.

Originally published as Australia v New Zealand: Perth defeat continues miserable record for Black Caps against Aussies