Australia bundle out New Zealand for 240, seal series 2-0

Nathon Lyon bagged four wickets, while James Pattinson scalped three wickets, as Australia bundled out New Zealand for 240 runs in the second innings of the fourth day at Melbourne to win the second test match by 247 runs on Sunday. With the victory, Australia have sealed the series 2-0 with one match left to be played at Sydney Cricket Ground.

After playing for a brief period in the fourth day, Tim pain declared Australia’s innings at 168-5 only to set the Kiwis a formidable target of 488 runs on Day4.

While Tom Blundell played a brilliant innings and stood tall at one end, wickets kept tumbling at the other. James Pattinson went through New Zealand’s top order with Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor and Tom Latham, all went cheaply before lunch.

It was Nathon Lyon’s magic from there on who perished the middle order, accounting for the wickets of Henry Nicholls (33), BJ Watling (22), Colin de Grandhomme (9), and Mitchell Santner (27).

New Zealand batsmen, apart from Blundell, once again showed lack of application. However, if New Zealand would want to take a positive out of this game if not any, Tom Blundell’s masterclass knock of 121 off 210 balls has to be the one for them.

The right-handed batsmen fought out the tough period and batted with courage and resilience. He struck as many as 15 fours and kept New Zealand’s hopes alive for the match.

After making his second century test, he got perished at the hands of Labuschagne as Australia got the last three wickets in a quick succession of time, bunding them out eventually for 240 runs and winning the game by a massive margin of 247 runs.

With the victory, New Zealand will have to wait for another series to break the losing streak against Australia in tests. While Australia will try to make it 3-0, New Zealand will play for pride. However, with World Test Championship points up for grabs, one can expect a good contest at Sydney.