When New Zealand gave Aussies a Run for their Money

New Zealand and Australia clashes have always been interesting. Kiwis seem to raise their game to the next level when they face the Aussies. The 2011 series between the two teams was no exception. Young Kiwis found some extra gas in their tanks to give Australia a hard time. Australia themselves are still looking to get through the rebuilding phase. But who came out on top? Let’s review the series:

1^st Test, December 1-5, 2011, Brisbane Cricket Ground (Woolloongabba), Brisbane

Daniel Vettori fought back for Kiwis

Michael Clarke scored a well compiled hundred

Newly appointed New Zealand captain Ross Taylor won the toss on a fast, bouncy and green pitch and wanted to have a bat. New Zealand never got going until Dean Brownlie (77) and Daniel Vettori (96) came together. The pair started a rear guard partnership. But once they were gone Aussies folded the innings fairly quickly. New Zealand ended their first innings for 295. Nathan Lyon was the pick of the Aussie bowlers with figures of 4 for 69. When batting Australia lost their openers David Warner and Philip Hughes quickly. But Usman Khwaja (38) and Ricky Ponting (78). After their departure it was the turn of Aussie captain Micheal Clarke to furnish his skills with a well compiled 139, he was supported by Brad Haddin (80). Australia ended at 427 with a lead of 132 runs. Chris Martin picked up 3 for 89.

James Pattison delivered a match winning spell

In the second innings New Zealand had the worst possible start losing first five wickets for 28 runs. Jesse Ryder (36) and Dean Brownlie (42) showed some resistance to the fire belching spell of James Pattison. Pattison ended with figures of 5 for 27 and New Zealand were bowled out for 150. Australia were set a total of 19 runs to chase and they achieved it for the loss of Philip Hughes’ wicket. James Pattison won the Man of the Match award. Australia took the first test convincingly by 9 wickets.

2^nd Test, December 9-13, 2011, Bellerive Oval, Hobart

Jesse Ryder has been dismissed by James Pattison

Dean Brownlie scored an useful half century in the first innings

With Australia stamping their authority in the first test, they were looked upon as favourites for series win in Hobart. Michael Clarke won the toss and inserted New Zealand team to bat. Again the Kiwi batting disappointed and they were bowled out for 150 again. Dean Brownlie (56), Kane Williamson (19) and Tim Southee (18) offered some resistance. James Pattison was again the wrecker-in-chief for Australia picking up 5 for 51. When Australia came out to bat it was expected that they would take a huge lead. But their ideas was thwarted by the Kiwi bowling. They were bowled out for 136 with Michael Clarke (22) and Peter Siddle (36) significant contributors.  Chris Martin, Trent Boult and Doug Bracewell took three wickets a piece.

Chris Martin has just scalped an Aussie wicket

Having just a slender lead in the first innings Kiwis looked positive. Ross Taylor (56), Kane Williamson (34), Dean Brownlie (21) and Trent Boult (21) contributed for the Black Caps. James Pattison, Peter Siddle and Nathan Lyon took three wickets each for Australia. New Zealand ended with a score of 226. Thus Australia had to get to a score of 241 for victory. Australian openers made a steady start but on the final day Australia lost their strongholds Philip Hughes (20), Ricky Ponting (16) and Usman Khwaja (23) and their lower order for once failed to perform even as David Warner held one end up. David Warner got to his maiden century and remained not out at 123, when the final wicket was taken by New Zealand. Australia ended at 233 falling short by 7 runs. So a much deserved victory for New Zealand and a lot of credit goes to Doug Bracewell and his 6 wickets for 40 runs. He made the difference on the final day.

David Warner was the lone warrior for Australia

Doug Bracewell celebrates with his teammates after the tense win

It was not a series that went according to the script. New Zealand would be overjoyed with their series leveling victory while Australia have to ponder on their mistakes and rectify them before they clash against India.