Notably, New Zealand have already lost the series after losing the first two matches by 296 and 247 runs to Australia.
New Zealands Tom Blundell (L) runs between wickets during the second day of the third cricket Test match between Australia and New Zealand at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on January 4, 2020. (Photo by JEREMY NG / AFP)
In return to Australia’s 454 in the first innings, New Zealand have stood firm so far as they ended Day 2 of the third and final Test match with 63 runs on the board without losing any wicket. Skipper Tom Latham and Tom Blundell were batting on 26 and 34, respectively, when the umpires called for stumps.
The second day belonged to Marnus Labuschagne, who continued his stellar show with the bat scoring maiden double century as the Aussies posted a mammoth 454 in the first innings after opting to bat.
Labuschagne made 215 off 363 deliveries before his marathon knock was ended caught and bowled by spinner Todd Astle, but not before strengthening Australia’s grip in the match.
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The second day’s play at the Sydney Cricket Ground started with Australia 283 for 3. Australia lost two wickets in their way to adding 72 runs before lunch in what has been the most even session in the match as the hosts had dominated the entire first day’s play.
Skipper Tim Paine hanged around for his 35 before some hard-hitting by Mitchell Starc (22) at the end helped Australia cross the 450 mark. Grandhomme and Neil Wagner were the most successful Kiwi bowlers for their figures of 3 for 78 and 3 for 66, respectively.
Notably, New Zealand have already lost the series after losing the first two matches by 296 and 247 runs to Australia.
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