AUS vs NZ: 1st Test – Key talking points as hosts continue winning streak
Australia continued their hot winning streak, decimating New Zealand in Perth by 296 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the series. It was the same old story again, as batting first, Australia piled on the runs. Their fearsome bowling attack then put them firmly in command, intimidating the opposition with their sheer class. Once on top, the Australians were relentless and finished the job in 4 days itself.
Here we take a look at some of the key talking points in the match:
Marnus Labuschagne – The most in-form batsman in Test cricket
Marnus Labuschagne makes it three from three with his first six of the year!
Australia's No.3 is untouchable at the minute 🔥 #OhWhatAFeeling @toyota_aus | #AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/TpcSSethum
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 12, 2019
Australia’s No.3 is simply scoring runs for fun. He is eating up the opposition for breakfast. With three consecutive tons in three innings, Labuschagne became the first player to breach the 1000-run mark in Test cricket in the 2019 calendar year. It was again a trademark Labuschagne innings – maximum solidity, minimum flashiness. Who would have thought that a concussion substitute during the Ashes would emerge as the cornerstone of the Australian batting lineup in less than six months?
Also read: Has KL Rahul edged out Shikhar Dhawan as India’s T20I opener?
The old dog still has fight left in him
Ross Taylor at the age of 35 is no spring chicken. He is approaching the twilight of his career. But in Perth, he again served a reminder what a gaping hole he will leave behind for the Kiwis when he is done with international cricket. His knock of 80 was the key reason why the visitors were not bundled out for under 100 in the first innings. When the chips were down, he brilliantly counterattacked against the swinging ball under the lights on day 2. 2019 has again served a reminder of Taylor’s brilliance. In 7 Test matches, he has scored 601 runs at an average of 66.77 with two centuries. Along with Williamson, he still remains the backbone of New Zealand’s batting order.
Southee emerges from the shadow
Tim Southee has often had to live under the shadows of his bowling partner, Trent Boult. Despite being a consistent wicket-taker in international cricket, Southee’s name is hardly mentioned. But with Boult still not fit enough to play, Southee had a game to remember. He broke his back, bowling economical long spells, with Ferguson suffering an early injury in the match. Picking up 9 wickets in the contest, including a 5-fer in the second innings, Southee again reaffirmed his value for the Kiwis, while cementing his status as an underrated warrior in international cricket.
Welcome back, Mitchell Starc!
After not being picked for 4 out of the 5 matches during the Ashes, Mitchell Starc’s Test career for Australia was staring into the abyss. He was only handed a chance in the playing XI during the home summer due to James Pattinson’s disciplinary issues. But he has grasped that with both hands, serving a timely reminder to everyone on how lethal he could be when completely fit and firing. Picking up 9 wickets in the match, Starc served up hot fire, with the Kiwis finding him simply unplayable. The summer of 2019 has been the second coming of Starc in Test cricket. And it certainly feels good to have him back!
