Watch: Kane Williamson’s run-out due to a mid-pitch collision
Australia and New Zealand have continued their ongoing multi-format series by facing off in the first of two Tests at the Basin Reserve in Wellington from Thursday, February 29. The clash began with Australia batting first and posting a total of 383 runs in the first innings.
As the BlackCaps aimed to minimise their trail going into the first innings, veteran batter Kane Williamson was part of a controversial dismissal. The star batter ran himself out for a duck after he was involved in a mid-pitch collision with batting partner Will Young on Day 2.
Facing ace pacer Mitchell Starc in the fifth over of the first innings, Kane Williamson fended off a delivery by Starc towards mid-off, calling Young through for a quick single. However, the batters ran into each other while taking the run, with Williamson bumping into Starc while taking the run. In the mix-up, Marnus Labuschagne threw the ball towards the non-striker’s end, which resulted in Williamson’s dismissal.
Watch the run-out here:
Australia aims to establish dominance in Wellington
Speaking of the ongoing clash, the Australian side has performed exceptionally well in the early stages of the first Test against the Kiwis. The visitors opened their innings, with Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja scoring 31 and 33 runs, respectively. Despite the lackluster start, it was the knock of Cameron Green that put the Aussies in the driving seat.
Green went unbeaten on a score of 174 runs in 275 deliveries in the first innings and was accompanied by the likes of Mitchell Marsh, who scored 40 runs in 39 deliveries. The visitors posted a score of 383 runs in the first innings, and as for New Zealand, Matt Henry was the highest wicket-taker in the first innings with five wickets to his name.
William O’Rourke and Scott Kuggeleijn took two wickets each, with Rachin Ravindra striking once. And as the first innings loomed on the horizon, the BlackCaps aimed to minimise their trail as much as possible before the second innings.