Kiwis 140-2 in second Australia Test

A triple-century? An Australian record? Already in two days of the second test the ball has been changed five times, and in New Zealand’s innings of 140-2 off 42 overs there were four different Kookaburras used. “There wasn’t much talking going on in that last hour, we were just walking to each other and staring at each other and then walking back”.

“Quite extraordinary”, was Sutherland’s response when asked on ABC Radio this morning about his response to Warner’s innings that ultimately ended on 253.

New Zealand’s Kane Williamson tries to hit a bouncer from Australia’s Mitchell Johnson at the WACA. Warner cashed in to notch his 15th Test century in 45 matches and went on to post his highest score. And with Doug Bracewell at No.7, this is a team short a batsman.

Williamson negotiated what remained of an awkward 10 overs before tea. Probably because he doesn’t seem to have one. He had started to look something like the confident Taylor of old.

But Australia had struck twice. Mitchell Starc was especially risky early, accurate and finding swing at high speed.

The Black Caps’ run chase got off to a bad start in the afternoon session when Martin Guptil was given out LBW off the bowling of Mitchell Starc for just one run. Latham was the second wicket to fall, caught by Smith off Nathan Lyon for 36.

One significant setback for Australia during the second day was an apparent hamstring injury suffered by first innings centurion Usman Khawaja.

The Baggy Greens began the day on 416-2 with David Warner unbeaten on 244, and although he was able to pass the 250-mark, he was to fall for 253 when he was dismissed by Trent Boult.

Before his 163 on the Test summer’s opening day in Brisbane, Warner had not managed an innings that extended beyond 174 balls faced. But the pressure they built was nominal only, given Australia’s hefty total.

With the pitch offering more bounce and pace notably contrasting from its blandness on the day one, New Zealand’s top order was under searing pressure to curtail a high-octane Australian attack.

Australia was 512 for 4, but lost quick wickets while trying to up the ante, and Craig benefited the most, finishing with figures of 3 for 123.