Tom Blundell Century in Vain As Australia Beat New Zealand by 247 Runs to Win the Boxing Day Test
Despite having an overnight lead of 456 runs, Australia continued to bat on the day four morning as well. However, the hosts added just 31 runs and declared soon after Travis Head’s dismissal.
Opening batsman Tom Blundell’s century was the lone highlight of New Zealand’s second innings in the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The right-handed batsman showed resistance and scored 121 runs off 210 balls. The next top-score for Kiwis was Henry Nicholls’ 33. Set a mammoth target of 488 runs to win, the Blackcaps were bowled out 240. Trent Boult, who has been ruled out of the series due to a hand injury, was unavailable to bat. With this win, Australia take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Australia vs New Zealand 2nd Test Full Scorecard.
Despite having an overnight lead of 456 runs, Australia continued to bat on the day four morning as well. However, the hosts added just 31 runs and declared soon after Travis Head’s dismissal.
Facing an uphill task, New Zealand were left tottering at 33 for three in 12 overs. Opener Tom Latham (8) was the first Kiwi batsman to be dismissed, followed by captain Kane Williamson (0) and seasoned Ross Taylor (2). All three batsmen were James Pattinson’s victims. Going into the lunch break, New Zealand were 38 for three. Peter Siddle Retires From International Cricket, Australian Pacer Announced His Retirement at MCG.
In the post-lunch session, Kiwis lost the wicket of Henry Nicholls as Blundell completed his half-century. However, in the last session of the day, spinner Nathan Lyon made things worse for the visitors as he added three more wickets to his tally. With wickets falling at one end, Blundell reached his three-figure mark.
WATCH: Tom Blundell Score his 100th Run
The right-hander was last Kiwi batsman to be dismissed as he fell to part-timer Marnus Labuschagne. Travis Head was named as Player of the Match for his brilliant century in the first innings. The third and last Test will take place in Sydney from January 03 onwards.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 29, 2019 12:52 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).