Almanac Cricket: NZ v Aust – Second Test, Day 2: Aotearoa Dispatches

 

Rising on day two the weather was perfect and Australia in a strong position. Kieks, one of the touring party, was still mentally processing the lions’ capitulation the night before and Coleman ACL injury. The Cricket Gold channel on the TV could only soothe him so much.

 

Another stroll along the Avon with gondolas full of tourists and kayaks drifted past. Being dress up day there were life guards, bananas, top guns and Baa-ney the sheep not helping with the Kiwi stereotype at the oval. I decided on a green and gold onesey I found in an op shop with stains that pose more questions than answers a few years ago.

 

Marnus and Lyon continued to push the ball around putting on a 50 run partnership before Lyon chipped to Mitchell off another fantastic delivery from Henry. Marnus had his 50 clawing back form and respect before Carey again put up an easy catch and was cheaply removed. Starc supported Marnus well as the number three inched towards a much needed century.

 

In what could be the huge turning point the test a savage edge through covers was spectacularly caught by Phillips with one hand. A catch and wicket for the ages. From here Starc and Cummins wagged a little before we were all out with an important lead on an elusive pitch for batters. Henry again the destroyer.

 

After lunch Latham looked settled but Young did not and was removed by Starc very quickly. Williamson had been a big nothing so far in the series but now was the time for him to shine. As the Aussie bowlers blustered Williamson pulled out a host of shots that had the more boyseterous part of the crowd on their feet.

 

At tea I decided to go for a wander over to that more boyseterous part of the ground for a visit in the onesey. Boon and Lehmann were two words thrown my way. A roll of sandpaper thrown at me. Comments were made on my camel toe (I had to correct them it was a prominent public mound) and the beer flew my way.

 

The bar on this side of the ground was down to one beer each and was more akinened to 9pm at a music festival as opposed to tea and day two. Returning to the more accepting part of the ground another possible turning point came in the match. Cummins reintroduced himself and had Williamson after only one ball for 51, a bowl that smashed the kiwi legend’s stumps.

 

From here Ravindra and Latham batted out the day making the bowlers look as limp as the lions in the second half the night before. Was the pitch turning good for the batters? A day of twists and clutch moments. The hosts are very much back in the game.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More from Denis Gedling can be read Here.

 

 

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