Aussies pile on the runs

Australia has made the perfect start to the 2nd test, ending the day on 3/327 thanks to an unbeaten Langer century.

Captain Ponting won the toss, much to Fleming’s disappointment, and decided to bat on a pitch with runs written all over it.

The first ball of the day gave the New Zealanders a glimpse of what was to come as Langer guided Martin through point for four. In the next over, he proceeded to hit 4 more fours off the bowling of Franklin, who was bowling far too full in the attempt to find some swing and ended up conceding 23 runs from his first 3 overs.

On the other hand, Hayden began shakily before gradually finding form and joining Langer in the run feast, forcing Fleming to throw the ball to Oram and Vettori in an attempt to stem the flow of runs. Oram was successful in bowling a tight leg-stump line, going for less than a run-an-over in his initial 9 over spell. However, it wasn’t enough to stop Langer reaching his 50 before lunch.

After the break, Hayden was lucky to survive a close LBW appeal off Vettori while on 47, before smashing a pull off Martin to the boundary to bring up his 50 off 107 balls. By now, Langer was feeling the effects of the 37 degree heat and began to settle for singles and rotate the strike.

Wiseman was introduced into the attack with immediate effect, picking up Hayden caught and bowled for 70 with the score on 137. After appearing to head for the pavilion, Hayden decided to stand his ground and make the officials make a decision on what clearly appeared to be a legitimate catch. The third umpire was called upon and immediately sent him on his way back to the pavilion, accompanied by a chorus of boos from the crowd.

Ponting came to the crease and looked in magnificent form, smashing fours with ease, racing into the late twenties at more than a run-a-ball, while Langer played smartly, pushing the odd single to give Ponting the strike.

Ponting reached his fifty off just 54 balls and looked set to overtake Langer, who was honing in on his century. With his score on 68, Ponting’s entertaining innings was brought to a close by Vettori, deceiving him in flight to have him stumped by McCullum, leaving the Aussies on 2/240.

Langer finally brought up his 20th test century with a flick down the leg-side off Vettori, just missing the gloves of McCullum who had a small chance of snaring the ball. However, Langer’s new partner Martyn offered little further support, out to Wiseman caught at slip attempting to cut with his body falling away to the leg-side.

Local boy Darren Lehman strode to the crease amid rapturous applause and played with confidence, moving his feet well.

The Kiwis took the new ball 10 overs before the scheduled close of play in the hope of taking at least one wicket, but instead received the same treatment as they had in the morning, Langer again smashing Franklin for 4 consecutive fours.

The pair took the Aussie total to 327 for the loss of 3 wickets at the close of play, with Langer on a well deserved 144 not out and Lehmann 28.

Progress Score – Stumps Day 1

Australia – 1st Innings: 3/327 (Langer 144*, Hayden 70, Ponting 68, Wiseman 2/56)


Posted by Alex