In the second test, Australia crushes New Zealand by three wickets to win the series 2-0, thanks to Alex Carey

Alex Carey and Mitchell Marsh saved the day for Australia

On Monday, Australia’s wicketkeeper Alex Carey amassed an undefeated 98 and partnered with Mitch Marsh for 140 runs, leading the team over multiple perils to defeat New Zealand by three wickets in the second test and complete a 2-0 series sweep. Both teams had their periods of dominance during the day as the game took place on a fourth-day pitch that was comparatively mild. However, it was Carey’s steady hand and Marsh’s 80-run knock that led Australia to victory.

With a total of 281-7, it accomplished the 14^th-highest successful run chase in test history in the fourth innings. Conversely, New Zealand just missed out on winning its first Test match against Australia in New Zealand for 31 years. It won its most recent match in Australia 13 years ago in Hobart. Australia needed 59 runs with four wickets remaining after Marsh was out, and after Mitchell Starc was removed the next ball, Australia needed 59 runs with three wickets remaining, and the game momentarily shifted in New Zealand’s advantage.

However, Carey kept Australia on course, scoring another 61 runs without conceding a wicket alongside skipper Pat Cummins, who finished 32 not out and blasted a four through cover to secure the victory. With three runs remaining and a chance to complete his century, which would have been the first century of the game, Carey was on strike at 97. However, he hit a single, and a few balls later, Cummins put an end to the run chase.

Brief Scores

After bowling New Zealand out for 162, Australia hit 256 to take a 94-run advantage in the first innings. Labuschagne Marnus made ninety. With 372 runs in their second innings, New Zealand had a 279-run lead overall. That seemed significant when Australia was 34-4 and 80-5, but in the end it was insufficient.

Carey’s post match interview

“I was happy with that,” Carey said. “I didn’t want to be on strike again. It was a great series and this match ebbed and flowed. We had our backs against the wall this morning, they came out and put us under the pump so it’s nice to chase those runs down.” “I thought Mitch Marsh’s intent was outstanding and got us going a little bit,” Carey said. “That was the messaging this morning. Let’s go out there and play our way and if you see an opportunity, take it.”

Tim Southee termed it as great test

“It ended up being a great test match,” New Zealand captain Tim Southee said. “Obviously the partnership with Mitch Marsh and Alex Carey broke the back of our attack, but it was a great little end to the day.”

By Kevin Varchand