12:58pm Seven wickets in the session was a likely outcome but it came with a few surprises. Ravindra and Mitchell started well today. That was until Lyon changed ends, shifted to the RA Vance end, and all hell broke loose. He put out three point fielders and had Ravindra cut it to one of them. Blundell was out bat-pad thanks to the extra turn and bounce. Phillips was stuck in the crease a couple of overs later. Mitchell batted with the tail but couldn't get much done and NZ succumbed to a loss.
Cameron Green is named player of the match
Tim Southee: "Like every game we'll reflect and look at ways we can better. We didn't think it would turn as much as it did. We saw the ability for Glenn to come into the game. Those two [Phillips and Henry] had great weeks and contributed with the bat. Glenn is still new to Test cricket and he's doing a great job. Always nice to play in front of good crowds and has been as good as I remember at the Basin Reserve."
Pat Cummins: "We had our moments. A really good game overall and never felt too far in front on that wicket. A little bit [surprised at the spin and bounce], first of all seeing how green it is. Was really bouncy and had some pace. As much bounce as any wicket I've seen for a long time. [Cameron Green] He was amazing, really the difference in the end. Thought the way he went about it, that intent, but pressure back on the bowlers. Pretty quick turnaround, enjoy this win but pretty chilled."
So, Australia have taken out this opening contest in ultimately convincing fashion. Once again, their bowling attack coming to the fore. We may also look back on this game as being very significant for Cameron Green. Plenty for the home side to ponder. They need much more from their top order and also have questions over the balance of their side. Alex will have all the reaction from Wellington over the next few hours. We'll be back on March 8 for the second Test from Christchurch but until then, from Gnasher, Ekanth and Chandan, it's goodbye and thanks for joining us.
DJ Mitchell c & b Hazlewood 38 (207m 130b 2x4 0x6) SR: 29.23
Brad: "From the look of the pitch before the game started no one would predict Lyon gets majority of the wickets. Can't really blame NZ for not picking Santner."
Jeffo: "@Timmy - I don't agree with the Santner call. NZ's problem is their batsman haven't scored any runs. Top five contributed 25 in first dig. "
END OF OVER:64 | 1 Run | NZ: 196/9
- William OâRourke0 (5b)
- Daryl Mitchell38 (126b)
- Nathan Lyon27-8-65-6
- Josh Hazlewood9-2-20-1
Hayes: "Imagine taking 10 (11?) wicket in a match and being told it's basically a fluke."
Helmet and pad brought in for bat-pad. Marnus there. Lot of close-in fielders on the legside. Slip in too
Jeet: "Daryl Mitchell looks absolutely determined to run out of partners today" That's one way to frame it
Richard : "Spot on Neil. Nz again (like 2019) find themselves playing aus with half the team out of form to the extent you could argue they need dropping. Never going to compete when that is the case."
Wide gully in to keep the reverses in check
Timmy: "Too much of a deal has been made of Lyons efforts. Surely if a part time spinner like Glen Phillips can take five wickets then surely a frontline spinner should be able to take heaps more. NZ only find themselves in this predicament because they couldn't bring themselves to picking Mitch Santner" Santner point seems fair but Lyon has got ten for the match, so there is some underselling here
END OF OVER:63 | 1 Run | NZ: 195/9
- William OâRourke0 (3b)
- Daryl Mitchell37 (122b)
- Josh Hazlewood9-2-20-1
- Nathan Lyon26-8-64-6
Minnie D: "NZ need a lower order batsman who can apply themself and not just slog. Like Neil Wagner."
Mitchell has a word with O'Rourke as Australia bring the field in. Four slips, short leg in
neil1 doesn't hold back - "clueless performance from kiwis. At least 5 changes required for next test"