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In a sensational display of bowling prowess, Matt Henry emerged as the hero for the New Zealand on Day 2 of the second Test against Australia at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
His stunning spell saw him claim remarkable figures of 7/67, setting a new record for the Black Caps against Australia in their home country. Henry’s extraordinary performance proved instrumental in dismissing the tourists for 256 in response to New Zealand’s 162 on day one.
Marnus Labuschagne’s resilience and destruction by Matt Henry
Despite Henry’s brilliance, Australia managed to post a total of 256, with Marnus Labuschagne being the standout performer with a resilient knock of 90. The Australian batters found it challenging to build substantial partnerships, and the Black Caps, led by Henry who took his second sevenfer in the Hagley Oval , effectively restricted their scoring opportunities. After grabbing three wickets on first day he continued his hunting and turned that into seven wicket haul. In the end Mitchell Starc (28) and Pat Cummins (23) added valuable runs to ensure Australia held a 96 runs lead.
Glenn Phillips’ classic catch: Turning point
Glenn Phillips, underlining his fielding prowess, played a crucial role in dismissing key batter Labuschagne who was cruising towards his century and taking game far away from the host.. His all-time classic catch became a turning point in the match, adding to the challenges faced by the Australian team. Phillips’ exceptional fielding effort showcased the high standards set by the Black Caps in the field.
Also WATCH: Glenn Phillips grabs ‘catch of the match’ to dismiss Marnus Labuschagne in Christchurch Test
New Zealand’s strong response: Tom Latham and Kane Williamson’s stand
Tom Latham and Kane Williamson led New Zealand’s strong response with the bat, erasing the deficit and steering the team towards a solid position. Latham, unbeaten on 65, displayed resilience and determination, while captain Williamson contributed a valuable 51 runs before being dismissed by Australian skipper Cummins. Their partnership, along with contributions from other batters, allowed New Zealand to build on a 40 runs lead with eight wickets in hand.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
7/67 off 23 overs for Matt Henry. He bowled more than a third of New Zealand's overs. Magnificent effort.#NZvAUS
— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) March 9, 2024
Matt Henry has been a good bowler for awhile. But, I think he's taken a massive step in this series. Really taken on the leadership of the attack even with Southee there. Has been outstanding in this series. #NZvAUS
— Craig M (@diminutiverowdy) March 8, 2024
Special performance from Matt Henry for his 7/67. One of the more remarkable individual feats & everyone at Hagley Oval, including the Aussies have clapped him off #NZvAus pic.twitter.com/j6kxjhsVjD
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) March 9, 2024
A Matt Henry 7 for is what I came for #nzvaus
— Renee (@rencarrot) March 9, 2024
Two 7-fers for Matt Henry at Christchurch 🥶
— ً (@52off89) March 9, 2024
What an outstanding performance from Matt Henry 👏💪#MattHenry #NZvAUS #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/r6UxrrtEKq
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) March 9, 2024
That is quite outstanding for Matt Henry. 7 for 67.
— Sam[uel] Smith (@sgowsmith1988) March 9, 2024
Tom Latham becomes only the second left-handed batter after Stephen Fleming (15289 runs) to score 10,000+ runs for New Zealand across all formats.#NZvAUS
— Rhitankar Bandyopadhyay (@rhitankar8616) March 9, 2024
Matt Sevenry #NZvAUS
— Dan Liebke (@LiebCricket) March 9, 2024
STUMPS: New Zealand to take a 40-run lead into day three after digging in with the bat #NZvAUS
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 9, 2024
A lead of 40 runs at the close of play on Day 2 at Hagley Oval. Tom Latham (65*) and Rachin Ravindra (11*) to resume tomorrow. Head to https://t.co/3YsfR1YBHU or the NZC App for the full scorecard 📲 #NZvAUS pic.twitter.com/Vuz56OHiv0
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 9, 2024