Day 1 stumps:
Toss: Australia won the toss and opted to bat first.
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Australia.
Australia troubled a bit at the start of the day
Australian openers David Warner and Joe Burns started the innings. Joe Burns was caught out when the Australian scoreboard was 39 runs off de Grandhomme’s bowling. It was yet another bad day for J Burns who departed after scoring 18 runs.
Warner strives to steady Australian scoreboard
After losing Burns’s wicket, Marnus Labuschagne came to the crease. Warner with the help of Labuschagne put on a partnership of 56 runs. David Warner(45) got out of N Wagner’s bowling and missed his well-deserved half-century by 5 runs.
Steve Smith and Labuschagne steals the show
Steve Smith came to the crease when the Australian scoreboard was less than 100. Smith once again showed his class batting and troubled Kiwis bowlers. Labuschagne and Smith built a responsible partnership of 156 runs in 55 overs. Smith got out after hitting 63 runs.
Australia’s score was 251/3 after Smith’s wicket. It was a big relief for New Zealand bowlers as they finally broke this partnership.
Labuschagne hit a Ton in a pressure match
Marus Labuschagne played a top-notch innings when Australia was in deep trouble. Especially, his partnership with Smith and Warner proved his batting ability. Labuschagne hit an unbeaten 130 runs in 210 balls, which included 12 fours and 1 six.
Wade played a finisher’s role
Matthew Wade finished the Australia innings of the first day on a high with his unbeaten 22 runs which included 2 fours and 1 six.
New Zealand bowlers did not prove their worth.
Out of the 5 bowlers who were in action today, only 2 bowlers picked up wickets. It was an indication of how Kiwis bowlers struggled to pick up wickets. Colin de Grandhomme picked up 2 wickets while N Wagner chipped in with 1 wicket.
Finally, it was Australia who completely dominated the first day’s play against New Zealand on Day 1. Things could change quickly and New Zealand may strike back on Day 2.
