Hazlewood, Smith combine as Aussies dominate

Batting at quantity 5, McCullum scored New Zealand’s first test triple century, towards India on the Basin Reserve two years in the past, however it’s the improvement of the aspect since that match is what McCullum stated he would keep in mind probably the most.

Usman Khawaja (57) and Adam Voges (7) were not out at the close of day.

Similarly-grassed pitches in New Zealand in recent years have not helped the fast bowlers as much as expected, however, as both captains noted Thursday.

He did not bat in the drawn third test against West Indies in Sydney in January, which was badly affected by rain.

Swing and seam friendly conditions, a lack of truly scary Australian bowlers and New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum’s retirement are all themes that will resonate when the first Test gets underway in Wellington Friday.

The Black Caps have paid a huge price for umpire Richard Illingworth’s no-ball mistake. In that match, Mitchell Marsh was given not out caught and bowled on 41 with his side in charge of their run chase, only for the crowd to erupt into a chorus of boos when they saw a replay on the big screen that showed he had been dismissed.

On the other hand, the team of New Zealand will be playing with more than 100% spirit as they would be playing for their nation and for Brendon McCullum as well, who is playing his last series of global cricket and the team would be looking to pay the tribute to him with a series victory over the mighty Aussies.

He survived a confident lbw appeal against the offspinner on 104 and while New Zealand asked for a review, the ball-tracking technology suggested it would have just clipped leg stump, but not by enough to over-rule the umpire’s call.

Khawaja and Voges upped the pace after lunch but the partnership was ended on 168 after New Zealand had taken the new ball.

The moment Usman Khawaja stopped fearing for his place in Australia’s Test side doubled as the catalyst for a golden run.

A ideal delivery from Hazlewood then did for Guptill for 18, pitching on middle and straightening and the Black Caps opener could only nick it through to Smith at second slip.

The century was not just Khawaja’s fourth in all tests but his fourth in the last four tests in which he has batted. However, the Australians were quite clinical and got the results that they needed.

Corey Anderson was on 14 at the break with wicketkeeper BJ Watling on 13 as they sought to rebuild New Zealand’s innings after they had slumped to 51-5 in the 12th over.

“And obviously, many of us played in the ODI series, so we’ll be ready to go for that first Test”.

“He’s swinging the ball and swinging it late which is a great attribute to have and if he gets the ball in the right areas in this test match I think he can do a bit of damage”, Smith said.