• Josh Hazlewood picked a remarkable five-wicket haul to dismantle New Zealand for 162 on Day 1 of the Christchurch Test.

  • An inspired spell by Matt Henry late in the day brought back New Zealand in the game.

Twitter reactions: Josh Hazlewood dismantles New Zealand before Matt Henry’s late strikes blow away Australia’s top order
Josh Hazlewood and Matt Henry (Image Source: Twitter)

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In a gripping display of pace bowling mastery, Josh Hazlewood picked a remarkable five-wicket haul to dismantle New Zealand for 162 on the Day 1 of the second Test in Christchurch.

However, an inspired spell by Matt Henry late in the day injected some hope for the Black Caps, with Australia finishing at 124/4 at stumps, trailing by just 38 runs. Marnus Labuschagne remained unbeaten on 45, accompanied by night watchman Nathan Lyon on one.

New Zealand’s top-order collapse: Josh Hazlewood strikes early

Sent in to bat on a green wicket at Hagley Oval, New Zealand’s top order faced a stern test. While openers Tom Latham and Will Young initially survived the new ball, a collapse ensued on either side of lunch. Mitchell Starc accounted for the first wicket, inducing a leading edge from Young, caught by Mitchell Marsh at third slip for 14. Latham followed suit, feathering Hazlewood to keeper Alex Carey for 38, ending a promising innings.

Hazlewood’s double impact: Dismiss Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson

Hazlewood continued to torment the Kiwi batters, securing Rachin Ravindra‘s wicket with a well-disguised edge, comfortably caught by Usman Khawaja at first slip. Ravindra departed for just 4 on the brink of lunch. After the interval, Hazlewood added Daryl Mitchell and the crucial wicket of captain Kane Williamson to his tally, leaving New Zealand reeling at 107/5.

Mitchell Starc’s quick double: Glenn Phillips and Scott Kuggeleijn fall in succession

Starc chipped in with a quick double, dismissing Glenn Phillips and Scott Kuggeleijn in consecutive deliveries, further deepening New Zealand’s troubles. Cameron Green joined the wicket-taking spree, strangling Tom Blundell down the leg side to see the hosts slump to 107/8. Henry and Tim Southee provided a brief fireworks display, but Pat Cummins and Hazlewood dismissed them, ending the Kiwi innings at 162.

Australia’s response: Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja depart early

In reply, Australia faced some early setbacks, losing openers Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja with just 32 runs on the board. Smith fell victim to young seamer Ben Sears, who trapped him in front for 11. Khawaja’s misfortune led to his departure for 16, as a thigh pad deflection ricocheted into the leg stump off Henry’s delivery.

Also WATCH: Steve Smith’s brain fade moment against New Zealand debutant Ben Sears

Matt Henry’s late magic: Remove Cameron Green and Travis Head

Henry’s magical over troubled Green, eventually castling him and then removed Travis Head for 21, inducing a bottom edge that carried to Blundell. Despite these late breakthroughs, Australia finished the day at 124/4, firmly holding the advantage but wary of the late sparks displayed by Henry. The stage is set for an intriguing second day in Christchurch.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

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