Jackson Bird’s early strikes goes in vain as Matt Henry, BJ Watling frustrate Australia at Tea on Day 4

Australia came in after lunch with much zest knowing that the new ball is due in a few overs as Kane Williamson and Corey Anderson looked to mount on runs for New Zealand. But was not the case to as Jackson Bird’s mini barrage allowed the visitor’s to make a substantial comeback. Bird first picked up the wicket of Anderson who an an attempt to drive him only ended up knocking his own wickets down, making a valiant 40. New Zealand’s main man Williamson looked for another century but was only denied by 3 runs as Bird cleaned him up of 97. Next to go was Tim Southee who made a 2 ball duck. With only a lead of 81 BJ Watling and Matt Henry came together in a bid to save the hosts off any embarrassment. Going into Tea both Watling 46*and Henry 45* had made 113* quick runs for the eight wicket with New Zealand at 311 for 7.  LIVE CRICKET SCORECARD: New Zealand vs Australia, 2nd Test at Christchurch

Watling and Henry looked both lucky and brave in the kind of shots they played. With nothing to lose Henry started hitting Josh Hazlewood and James Pattinson apart picking them both for as many as 51 runs in as many balls. While Watling looked more aggressive towards the danger looking Bird, taking off 22 runs in 21 balls.

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Henry is looking for his maiden half-century while Watling will look to go for yet another half-ton after his successive stint in first innings of New Zealand of 2nd Test. Australia are looking for an early finish in here to start with their second innings. Australian Adam Voges had said before the resumption of play that Williamson’s wicket was “huge” in the game and it was the second lbw appeal they had turned down against New Zealand’s leading batsman as he neared his 14th Test century.

Brief Scores:

New Zealand 370 (Brendon McCullum 145; Nathan Lyon 3 for 61) and 311 for 7  ( Kane Williamson 97, Corey Anderson 40, BJ Watling 46*, Matt Henry 45*; James Pattinson 3 for 46) lead Australia 505 (Joe Burns 170, Steven Smith 138;  Neil Wagner 6 for 106) by 176 runs.

FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: New Zealand vs Australia, 2nd Test at Christchurch

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