On the third day of the opening test between hosts New Zealand and Australia at Wellington’s Basin Reserve, New Zealand ended the day at 111 for three, still requiring 258 runs for victory.
New Zealand’s batting all-rounder Glenn Phillips showcased his skills with the ball, taking 5-45 to claim his maiden five-wicket haul in tests. This effort helped New Zealand dismiss Australia’s last six wickets for just 37 runs, limiting their second innings total to 164.
However, New Zealand’s batting struggles continued as openers Tom Latham and Will Young were dismissed cheaply. Additionally, Kane Williamson, a key player for New Zealand, managed only nine runs before being dismissed by spinner Nathan Lyon.
Rachin Ravindra, who reached the half century mark for the second time in his short test career and was 56 not out at stumps, will resume on day four alongside Daryl Mitchell, who was unbeaten on 12, in a partnership worth 52 runs.
New Zealand’s highest successful fourth-innings run chase was the 324 they scored against Pakistan at Christchurch in 1994. Their highest at Basin Reserve was the 285 they scored to beat Sri Lanka last year.
Australia will be looking to off spinner Lyon to play a key role in putting the tourists 1-0 up in the two-match series that concludes with the second test in Christchurch starting on Friday.
“Credit where credit’s due, (Rachin) played very well there,” said Lyon.
“But I know if we can come out here and just do our job, and put the pressure on and challenge their defence for long periods of time, hopefully we’ll crack them.”