Image Credit- CA
Alex Carey was Australia’s hero as he produced a match-winning
knock of 98* to steer the reigning WTC champions over the line with a tense
3-wicket win at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch, thereby winning the series
2-0.
This series victory against the New Zealand was Australia’s
first away series win since their last New Zealand tour way back in 2016. For
New Zealand, this was a golden chance to square the series against their
Trans-Tasman rivals, but as is the case since their only series win in the last
3 decades, they once again fall short. With the two teams slated to play each
other directly in 2026/27, several senior players in the team might never again
have a chance to beat their neighbours.
Australia started the day at 77/4 in their pursuit of
279, but slumped to further misery as Travis Head was dismissed early to leave
the Aussies reeling at 80/5. It also ended Head’s miserable Test summer. After
the high of the World Cup final, the southpaw has managed a paltry 150 runs in
11 innings, with 119 of those coming in one innings against the West Indies in
Adelaide.
Out strode Alex Carey, who himself was under a
whirlpool of scrutiny with a string of low scores under his belt as well. With
his place in the side under genuine threat, he needed an innings of genuine
volume, and so did his side at that stage of the game. However, his exploits
with the gloves on the field gave him some confidence and he began playing his
shots with the calm and poise that are well-known traits of his.
On the other hand, Mitch Marsh continued his power-hitting
exploits and went on a counter-attacking spree himself. With the ball getting
older and easy to hit, both the batsmen reached their respective fifties and continued
taking the attack to the Kiwis, who began to run out of ideas and ways to stop
this partnership.
However, there was one last throw of the dice. Southee
bought in Ben Sears back into the attack, and he immediately turned the game on
its head. He first dismissed Marsh by trapping him lbw on 80, before accounting
for Mitch Starc of the very next ball.
However, creative batting from Carey and an unfazed
Cummins, who maintained his talent for cool-headed batting in run chases,
subsequently frustrated Sears. There were nervous moments for both batters as
Southee went back to Henry for a final, fruitless push. Carey was denied a well-earned century as Cummins, letting out a yell in
celebration, secured the match with a punch through point.
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