It was supposed to be Brendon McCullum’s day, but it was opposing captain Steve Smith who made the right moves as Australia ended day one of the first Test against New Zealand comfortably in control in Wellington yesterday.
Smith called correctly at the toss, made New Zealand bat on a green wicket and within two sessions the innings was over for 183. Australia at stumps were 147-3, 36 behind New Zealand, with Smith making 71.
Usman Khawaja was not out 57 with Adam Voges on 7.
Photo: AFP
Voges was bowled by Doug Bracewell in the final over of the day only for umpire Richard Illingworth to call it a no-ball. Replays indicated it was a legitimate delivery.
When New Zealand batted, Josh Hazlewood and Peter Siddle did the damage for Smith as they ripped through the top order in conditions ripe for seam and swing.
Their cause was helped by some injudicious shot selection, including by McCullum, who saw his 100th Test celebrations fall flat when he was out for a duck. He did not get forward far enough to a Hazlewood special that came back, took an inside edge and deflected off the pads to David Warner at third slip.
After McCullum had received a rousing ovation when he walked to the middle, there was silence when he walked off after facing seven deliveries. That the New Zealand innings lasted 48 overs was thanks to lusty tail-end hitting with the last three wickets contributing 86 after Hazlewood and Siddle had reduced the side to 97-7.
All seven dismissals came from edges to the cordon behind the wicket with wicketkeeper Peter Nevill snaring four catches including a superb one-handed diving effort to remove Kane Williamson down the leg-side. New Zealand were reeling at 51-5 in the 12th over before a determined knock by Corey Anderson, who with B.J. Watling went about stopping the tumble of wickets.
Anderson then featured in a 10-over stand with Mark Craig that produced 40 runs and Craig, who had a Mitchell Marsh delivery hit his stumps but not dislodge the bails, put on 46 with Trent Boult for the 10th wicket. Craig was unbeaten on 41 at the end with Boult out for 24.
New Zealand had a glimmer of hope that their cause was not lost at the start of the Australian innings when Tim Southee snapped up two early wickets.
Joe Burns went in the first over without scoring and David Warner followed soon after for 5, but Smith and Usman Khawaja then took control and proved the pitch was playable as they put on 126 for the third wicket. Smith offered a chance on 18, but was dropped by Craig at second slip. However, Craig made no mistake with the second offering from the Australian captain taking a return catch off his own bowling.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely