Melbourne: Nathan Lyon took four wickets as Australia thrashed New Zealand by 247 runs to win the second Test at Melbourne and the series Sunday with a battling century from opener Tom Blundell proving futile.
The Black Caps, chasing a massive 488 to win, were in serious trouble after a fiery James Pattinson ripped through the top order to leave them reeling at 38 for three. But some fighting partnerships spearheaded by Blundell delayed the inevitable until Lyon worked his magic as the pitch deteriorated.
Blundell was last man out for a swashbuckling 121 — his second Test century and his first for two years — as New Zealand were dismissed for 240 with Trent Boult not batting after fracturing his hand in the first innings. It was the second heavy defeat for the Black Caps, who lost by 296 runs in Perth and will be playing for pride only in the final Test at Sydney later this week.
“It’s very pleasing. I thought the way we went about this Test from the moment we lost the toss was outstanding,” said Australia captain Tim Paine.
“I thought our batters applied themselves superbly on day one and made it easy for Travis (Head) and I on the second day to set up a big total.” It was Head’s first innings century and Paine’s quick-fire 79 that took the Test out of New Zealand’s reach after captain Kane Williamson’s bold decision to bowl after winning the toss.
No team had ever chased down more than 418 in Test history, though the record was set against Australia by the West Indies in Antigua in 2003. “I felt like there was enough in the surface to bowl first,” said Williamson. (AFP)
