AUS vs NZ: 3rd Test – Key talking points as hosts complete series whitewash
Australia continued their blistering form at home, thrashing New Zealand by 279 runs in Sydney. With the result, Australia completed a 3-0 whitewash against the hapless visitors, who again came up with a disappointing showing. The hosts with 5 wins during the home summer have solidified themselves on the second spot in the ICC World Test Championship standings behind India. With 7 victories in 10 matches, they now have 296 points on the table.
Here we take a look at a few talking points from the Sydney Test:
Three-nil.#AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/LkfIsrVvDu
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 6, 2020
Labuschagne’s golden touch continues
For Marnus Labuschagne, batting is coming pretty easy right now. In him, Australia have finally found a world-class No.3, after a long struggle to properly replace Ricky Ponting. At the SCG, Labuschagne again gave a masterclass in how to churn out runs. Nothing flashy, but highly punishing. Just ask the Kiwi bowlers who must have been sick of the sight of watching him in the middle. He scored his maiden double-century in the first innings (215), followed by a quickfire half-century (59) in the second. With 549 runs, he was rightfully named the man-of-the-series. Though tougher challenges await, Labuschagne has all the ingredients to become a modern-day great.
Lyon finally gets his name on the honours board
The pitch at the SCG has been always conducive for the spinners. So it was a surprise that Nathan Lyon, a high-class operator did not have a great record at the iconic venue. It did not take long for the offie to rectify his past transgressions. He registered figures of 5-68 in the first innings, as the Kiwis again came up with a timid batting display. Only Tom Latham (49) and Glenn Phillips (52) showed any form of resistance as the visitors were skittled out for 256. The hosts were now in firm command of the contest and did not let the advantage slip.
Warner does what he does best
Who better than David Warner when a team requires to grab the bull by the horn? The opener had a clear mandate in the second innings – score runs quickly and bully the opposition. And he carried out the job with perfection. After a cautious start, Warner upped the ante, punishing the opposition on Day 4. Notching up his 23rd Test ton (111 off 159), the impetus which he provided allowed Australia to declare on 217-2. With New Zealand requiring a target of 416, the Aussie bowlers could now go for the hunt.
A meek surrender
By now, New Zealand were battered and bruised, devoid of any confidence. So it came up as no surprise to anyone that they could not conjure up any sort of resistance in the final innings. With the surface playing all sorts of tricks, it took only took Australia only 47.5 overs to bundle out the Kiwis. Lyon was again the star of the show, picking up 5 wickets to complete his 10-wicket haul in the match. Colin de Grandhomme (52) tried his best to counter-attack, but in vain. With Kane Williamson missing, the Kiwis had zero hopes of saving this contest. They only managed to put up a score of 136 on the board, as this Australian unit continues on their journey to become world-beaters again.
