![NZ vs AUS [WATCH]: Steve Smith’s brain fade moment against New Zealand debutant Ben Sears](https://crickettimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Steve-Smith-and-Ben-Sears.webp "NZ vs AUS [WATCH]: Steve Smith’s brain fade moment against New Zealand debutant Ben Sears")
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In a dazzling debut on Day 1 of the Christchurch Test, New Zealand‘s emerging talent, Ben Sears, made an instant impact by requiring only three balls to secure his maiden Test wicket. The prized scalp belonged to Australia‘s talismanic batter, Steve Smith, who experienced a moment of brain fade at the crease. The game kicked off with New Zealand being bundled out for 162, courtesy of a pace bowling clinic orchestrated by Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood.
Josh Hazlewood’s fiery spell: New Zealand tumble for 162
Hazlewood demonstrated his prowess on day one, steaming through the New Zealand batting lineup to finish with impressive figures of 5/31 from 13.2 overs. The Black Caps endured a challenging day, lasting only 45.2 overs and registering their lowest total at Hagley Oval in Tests. Hazlewood’s clinical performance marked his 12th five-wicket haul in Tests.
Australia’s rocky start: Steve Smith’s brain fade moment
In response to New Zealand’s innings, Australia faced a rocky start, losing both openers, Smith and Usman Khawaja, with just 32 runs on the board
Smith’s dismissal, however, was a moment that the cricketing world did not anticipate from the maestro. A well-pitched wobble-seam delivery on the off-stump line prompted Smith’s customary shuffle outside the off-stump. Misjudging the sharp movement, Smith opted to leave the ball, only to witness it striking his pads and umpire Nitin Menon had no hesitation to give it out.
Despite his surprise, Smith decided to review after consulting with Khawaja. The DRS revealed that although the delivery pitched outside-off, they continued with the review, as the batter had not offered any shot, confirming that the ball would have clipped the off stump. This upheld the on-field call and compelled Smith to make his exit from the field.
Here’s the video:
The BLACKCAPS have the wicket of Steve Smith and Ben Sears has his maiden test wicket! 🔥 @BLACKCAPS v Australia: 2nd Test | LIVE on DUKE and TVNZ+ pic.twitter.com/B8BSveZvRF
— TVNZ+ (@TVNZ) March 8, 2024
Also READ: NZ vs AUS 2024, Test Series: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in India, Australia, New Zealand, USA, UK & other countries
Ben Sears’ milestone moment: Massive wicket for the debutant
For debutant Sears, claiming the wicket of Smith in just three balls marked a monumental moment. The young bowler’s ability to dismiss a batting maestro on his debut added a thrilling chapter to the match. As Smith left the field in disbelief, Sears celebrated a breakthrough that announced his arrival on the Test stage.
Matt Henry joins the party: Usman Khawaja falls shortly after
The excitement continued for New Zealand as fellow quick Matt Henry joined the wicket-taking party just before the drinks break. A delivery from Henry ricocheted off Usman Khawaja‘s thigh guard, finding its way back onto the stumps, sending the Australian batter back to the pavilion for 16 runs. The pace duo of Sears and Henry made a significant impact, setting the stage for an intriguing battle in the remainder of the Test match.
