The blackcaps were thumped by defending champions Australia in their own backyard as they were defeated by Australia by 2-0 in the two-match test series played between the two sides.
The Blackcaps were in a commanding position at one stage when the Australian team was reduced to 80/5.
However, the defending champions faught their way back into the game as soon as Alex Carrey was joined by Mitch Marsh. The duo added 140 runs for the sixth wicket and helped Australia gain momentum in the match.
Australia required 199 runs more to win when Alex Carrey and Mitch Marsh started their partnership. It was a herculean task in front of the duo. In spite of the huge target ahead of them, the batters showed great character, helping Australia seal a famous victory over New Zealand on home soil.
After the match, New Zealand’s skipper, Tim Southee, credited both Marsh and Alex Carrey for taking the match away from their grasp.
Tim Southee said, “It ended up being a great test. The partnership with Mitch Marsh and Alex Carey broke the back of our attack, but it was an exciting end to the day. When you are playing on the No. 1 side, you need to go a little bit further. It ebbed and flowed throughout the whole match. No one means to drop catches. When you are playing against the best, you have to be a bit better for longer. There’s a number of positives to take away; Matt Henry has gone from strength to strength.”
Alex Carrey was awarded man of the match for his brilliant knock of 98*, which helped Australia seal the deal and win the series by 2-0.
