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Australia claimed the wickets of Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell but failed to stem the flow of New Zealand runs in Sunday’s middle session on the third day of the second Test. Hosts New Zealand were 345-6 at tea to lead by 251 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch after being 94 runs behind in the first innings.
Ravindra and Mitchell put on 123 for the fourth wicket before falling in quick succession after the new ball was taken. Tom Blundell followed shortly after. Glenn Phillips and Scott Kuggeleijn then took over, with Phillips not out for 16 and Kuggeleijn unbeaten on 38 off 36 deliveries.
The pitch has been flattened to make batting easier than on the first two days, but still provided enough movement and bounce to accommodate Australia’s aggressive attack.
Following the dismissal of Tom Latham earlier in the day, Mitchell was the first to go after lunch for 58. He hit Josh Hazlewood for successive fours but then played a good length delivery to wicketkeeper Alex Carey.
Three overs later, Pat Cummins came into the attack and Ravindra with 82 scored off the first ball to give Carey his ninth catch in the Test. The ball was moving away and it was an unusual shot from Ravindra, who had shown considerable patience till then in his 153-ball innings.
Blundell had a brief stay of 11 balls for nine runs but was caught by Marnus Labuschagne off the first ball of Cameron Green’s spell with the new ball. New Zealand resumed the day at 134-2, but Latham could only add eight to his overnight 65 before being trapped behind Cummins, who is 3-49. The referee’s original decision was not overturned and the Australians debated the decision for some time before seeking a review, which revealed a slight inside advantage.