Australia smell victory as McCullum bids adieu to Test cricket
Australia were firmly in command of the second Test against New Zealand after they reduced the hosts to 121 for 4 at the end of the third day in Christchurch on Monday. Fast bowler James Pattison put the visitors in the driving seat after claiming three New Zealand wickets for 29 runs.
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The spotlight of the second innings was yet again on New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum who is playing his last Test match.
The crowd was expecting yet another McCullum miracle in the second innings following his record-breaking century in the first innings. However, it was not to be a dream farewell as the hard-hitting middle order batsman fell for just 25 runs in his final innings.
Pattinson produced a much more disciplined effort in the second innings following the disappointment in the first innings when he had McCullum caught for 39 only for the delivery to be ruled a no ball. McCullum ended up with the fastest Test 100 eventually getting out on 145.
“To come back from the disappointment of the no ball in the first innings and to produce that today is a terrific effort,” teammate Adam Voges said referring to Pattinson’s performance. “Full credit to Patto with the way he has bounced back, he was excellent today."
Earlier Australian batsmen put up yet another impressive batting display by scoring 505 runs in their first innings.
Opening batsman Joe Burns and Steve Smith scored 170 and 138 runs respectively while the ever consistent Adam Voges chipped in with 60 runs, giving Australia a crucial 135 run lead in the first innings.
Australia lead the two match series 1-0.
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