Australia defeats New Zealand in 3rd Test to sweep the series by 3-0:
Australia crushed New Zealand in the 3rd Test by 279 runs to whitewash them in the 3-match Test series by 3-0. The hosts had already convincingly defeated the visitors in the previous two Australia vs New Zealand Tests.
Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne was named the “Player of the Match” for his brilliant double-hundred. Labuschagne was also awarded the “Player of the Series” as he was the highest scorer of the 3-match Test series with 549 runs, much ahead of David Warner who had been the second-highest scorer with 297 runs.
Nathan Lyon claimed 10 wickets in the 3rd Test, 5 in each innings as he led Australia’s bowling attack at the SCG. It was his 3rd 10-wicket match haul.
Australia vs New Zealand Highlights:
Australia vs New Zealand, the hosts opted to bat first after winning the toss. Australia did lose Joe Burns early and David Warner after he scored 45 runs from 80 balls but Marnus Labuschagne helped his team to recover. He shared 156 runs partnership with Steven Smith, who scored 63 runs from 182 deliveries.
Marnus Labuschagne scored 215 runs from 363 balls before getting dismissed by Todd Astle. It was Labuschagne’s maiden double-ton after missing it closely in his previous 4 matches.
Australia finished on 454 runs after losing all their wickets in the first innings. Colin de Grandhomme and Neil Wagner secured 3 wickets each, while Todd Astle claimed 2.
New Zealand received a steady start in their first innings. Tom Latham, who had been leading the side in the absence of Kane Williamson, scored 49 runs from 133 deliveries. Debutant Glenn Phillips scored his maiden half-century and remained the top-scorer from the visiting side with his 52 for 115 balls. New Zealand finished their innings on 256 runs, 203 runs still behind Australia.
Nathan Lyon claimed 5 wickets for 68 runs in 30.4 overs, while Pat Cummins secured 3 wickets for 44 runs.
Australia, who already had the lead of 203 runs, started out firmly. Opener David Warner shared a 107 runs partnership with Joe Burns and then a 110 runs partnership with Marnus Labuschagne. Joe Burns scored 40 runs from 79 balls, while David Warner remained unbeaten with his 111 runs for 159 balls, his 24th Test hundred.
Australia declared their innings on 217/2 after Marnus Labuschagne lost his wicket to Matt Henry after scoring 59 runs from 74 balls, setting up a target of 416 runs for New Zealand to chase.
New Zealand was at their worst in the final innings of the match. It looked as if the colossal target had crushed their spirits to bat. New Zealand had lost 2 wickets for just 4 runs into the game and they were 5 down on 38 runs. Colin de Grandhomme and wicketkeeper-batsman BJ Watling shared a 69 runs partnership but that just delayed the inevitable defeat that had been looming all over their heads.
Colin de Grandhomme scored 52 runs from 68 balls, while BJ Watling added 19 runs from 108 deliveries. Matt Henry did not come to bat due to thumb injury as New Zealand finished their innings on 136 runs.
Nathan Lyon claimed 5 wickets after conceding 50 runs from 16.5 overs. Mitchell Starc took 3 wickets for 25 runs in his 9 overs, while Pat Cummins secured the remaining wicket.
Australia is now 2nd on the ICC World Test Championship table with 296 points after playing 10 matches. New Zealand stands on 5th spot with 1 win out of 5 matches and 60 points.
Australia will now face New Zealand in the 3-match ODI series in March.
[match-detail series_id=2347 match_id=45884 status=COMPLETED show_sections=show_score_card,show_partnerships,show_graphs,show_teams,show_commentary]
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