Australia vs New Zealand 3rd Test 2020: Steve Smith vs Neil Wagner & Other Exciting Mini Battles to Watch Out for in Sydney
Kiwi opener Tom Blundell scored a century in the last match and will eye to continue his good run in the last match of the tour. Other than him, the veteran duo of Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor has to step up to make the case stronger for New Zealand’s victory.
After thrashing the Kiwis in the first two Tests of the series, Australia will seek to register a clean sweep in the third and last match of the series at Sydney Cricket Ground, starting from January 3. The upcoming clash will be the first match for both the sides in 2020 and will eye to celebrate a winning note with a victory. Well, the way Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith are batting, the hosts are firm favourites to come on top in the last match. Nevertheless, the troika of Neil Wagner, Tim Southee and Trent Boult will seek redemption and thus, taking the Black Caps lightly could well cost Tim Paine and Company. Australia Vs New Zealand, Cricket Score 3rd Test Match.
Kiwi opener Tom Blundell scored a century in the last match and will eye to continue his good run in the last match of the tour. Other than him, the veteran duo of Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor has to step up to make the case stronger for New Zealand’s victory. For the Aussies, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins will continue bowling thunderbolts in order to maintain their dominance at home. Meanwhile, let’s look at some interesting mini battles which can enhance the thrill of the encounter in the upcoming game. Australia vs New Zealand Head-to-Head Record in Tests: Ahead of 3rd Test 2020.
Steve Smith vs Neil Wagner
One paceman who troubled the Aussies with his short-pitch deliveries was Neil Wagner as the left-arm pacer brilliantly exploited the bounce of the Australian pitches and gave the hosts a taste of their own medicine. Even Steve Smith was dismissed twice the Kiwi bowler in the last match but not before scoring 85 in the first innings. The number-two ranked Test batsman will eye to reach the three-figure in the next match while Wagner will aim to dismiss as soon as possible.
David Warner vs Tim Southee
After enjoying a dream run against Pakistan, Warner hasn’t played a significant hand in the ongoing series and will eye to pile up a big score in the last match. However, he will be challenged by the veteran Tim Southee who has bowled some good spells lately and will to exploit the Sydney track too. The right-arm paceman has scalped Warner̥ once in the series and will not mind dismissing him a couple of more times.
Tom Latham vs Mitchell Starc
Starc is enjoying a phenomenal run in the ongoing series as he bowled with hostility in the first two Tests of the series. Not many Kiwi batsmen were able to settle their feet against the left-arm pacer and will vary him in the last clash of the series too. However, Tom Latham will have the onus to tackle the pacer early in the innings and pile up a mammoth score. Nevertheless, dominating Starc will not be easy and the southpaw will need to put up an extraordinary effort.
Talking about the positions of both the sides in the ICC World Test Championship points table, Australia are placed in the second position with 256 points while the Kiwis have slipped to fifth after their loss in the second Test. So, the Kiwis might not be able to win the series but they can certainly add 40 points in order to go to the third position while the hosts will eye to narrow down the margin with India who are placed at the pinnacle with 360 points.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 02, 2020 01:31 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).