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In the ongoing test match between Australia and New Zealand, Cameron Green powered his way with a remarkable century, guiding Australia to a total of 279 for 9 at the end of the opening day of the first test in Wellington. Matt Henry led an all-pace assault on a green basin reserve wicket, taking 4-43 and troubling the Australian batters in all three sessions.
Earlier in the day, Southee won the toss and opted to bowl first on a seaming track. New Zealand’s pace attack of Southee, William O’Rourke, Scott Kuggeleijn, and Matt Henry utilised the conditions to their advantage to put pressure on the Aussies. Keeping aside the opening stand between Steve Smith and Usman Khwaja and the fifth wicket partnership between Green and Mitchell Marsh, the Aussies lacked resilience and struggled against the Kiwis.
Cameron Green was the only bowler to raise his bat, smacking 103 off 155 balls packed with 16 fours. Strarting the final over on 91, Green smashed O’Rourke for two fours in his first three balls to get to 99. After nearly chopping on the fourth delivery, he cut truly for a four off the second last ball to celebrate his second test ton. The 24-year-old all-rounder’s innings were his best for a year and one of the most consequential knocks of his career. From 89–4, Green worked with Mitch Marsh (40) and others to steady the Australian ship, ensuring a balanced first day of the much-anticipated series.
Having been promoted to bat in the middle order after Smith’s elevation to the top, Green was required to play a solid knock to repay the faith shown to him by the management. He took his time and practiced restraint on a tough deck that had plenty for the pacers. He played very close to his body and abstained from chasing the wide ones. Unmoved by the fall of wickets at the other end, Green batted with courage and kept striking boundaries.
He still remains unbeaten alongside Josh Hazlewood and would like to add as many as possible to Australia’s overnight total on day two.
