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In a dramatic turn of events during the opening day of the first Test against New Zealand, Australian all-rounder Cameron Green's outstanding century was the highlight, ensuring Australia ended the day at 279/9. The match, taking place at Wellington's Basin Reserve on Thursday (February 29), witnessed Matt Henry's impressive 4/43 spell leading New Zealand's pace attack on a lively pitch, challenging the Australian batsmen throughout the day.
Cameron Green hits an unbeaten century on opening day
Green's remarkable innings of an unbeaten 103 stood out as the sole half-century of the day, thwarting the New Zealand bowlers' efforts to bowl out Australia on the first day. Approaching the final over of the day on 91, Green managed to secure his century with two boundaries off Will O’Rourke, including a critical four on the penultimate delivery of the day to celebrate his second Test century.
This performance by the 24-year-old was pivotal in turning around Australia's fortunes from a precarious 89/4, as he, alongside Mitch Marsh (40) and others, navigated through the challenging conditions to balance the scales on the opening day. Despite being put into bat under challenging conditions by New Zealand captain Tim Southee, and a collapse of 4/28 around lunch, Australia's resilience was on full display.
Matt Henry shines for New Zealand
New Zealand's bowlers, especially Matt Henry, exploited the conditions with precise length deliveries, making life difficult for Australia's top order. Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne were early casualties, with Labuschagne continuing a run of low scores and Smith falling to a deviating delivery. Usman Khawaja and Travis Head also succumbed to the pressure, with Khawaja being bowled by a Henry delivery and Head caught behind off O’Rourke.
However, the partnership between Marsh and Green injected momentum into Australia's innings, with Marsh's aggressive 40 off just as many deliveries featuring boundaries and a six. Despite losing Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins for low scores, Green's perseverance took Australia past the 250-mark.
Brilliant display of hunting in a pack by Kiwi bowlers
The debutants O’Rourke and Scott Kuggeleijn, along with the experienced Henry and Southee, formed a formidable pace quartet for New Zealand, who are aiming for their first home Test victory over Australia in 31 years. The Basin Reserve, known for its challenging conditions and New Zealand's recent success, sets the stage for an intriguing continuation of this Test series.
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