Results, scores, wickets, odds, how to watch – MASHAHER

Mitchell Starc has played with enterprise in an important partnership with Marnus Labuschagne as they attempt to consolidate Australia’s lead. At the end of the 56th over Australia led by 51 with Labuschagne 85 and Starc 14 from 20 balls.

Alex Carey’s obsession with sweeping gifted New Zealand his wicket with Australia just 27 ahead. Facing off-spinner Glenn Phillips, Carey was 14 when he attempted a premeditated sweep to his second ball as it turned across the left-hander, lobbing a simple catch to Tom Latham at mid-wicket.

Sixty runs for Australia in the first hour as Marnus Labschagne continued to provide the spine of the innings. The tourists were helped when Daryl Mitchell dropped Nathan Lyon early on, allowing the nightwatcher to contribute to a pesky half-century stand with a proactive Labuschagne.

Mitchell Marsh’s second consecutive duck, out lbw on review as Tim Southee gambled his side’s last referral, was a significant hiccup for Australia, and Matt Henry fully deserved his five wickets. But Alex Carey got through his first few balls, and Labuschagne is playing with growing confidence.

Australia have a narrow lead with four wickets in hand during the first drinks break on day two. Australia have lost two wickets in the first hour but Marnus Labuschagne has looked comfortable moving from 45 to 74.

Mitchell Marsh has made his second successive duck, lbw on review to Matt Henry, leaving Australia 6/166, a lead of just four. Marsh was out first ball during the second innings of the first Test.

It was a brave review by New Zealand captain Tim Southee, who had already unsuccessfully used two reviews and would have had none for the remainder of Australia’s innings if this one was denied. It Henry his third five-wicket haul in Test cricket.

A lovely cut shot from Marnus Labuschagne behind point has given Australia’s No.3 his highest score in 15 inning going back to the Ashes touring in July last year. It also gave Australia the lead, passing New Zealand’s first innings total of 162. When he reached 64 Labuschagne passed the 63 he made during the Boxing Day Test.

Nathan Lyon is the first wicket to go on day two, caught by Daryl Mitchell at first slip off Matt Henry slashing at a length ball. Lyon scored 20 from just 27 deliveries in a 50 partnership with Marnus Labuschagne, making Mitchell and the Kiwis pay for a drop at first slip during the second over of the day. It left Australia trailing by just four runs.

As previously flagged, Scott Boland has flown home this morning in order to get home in time for Victoria’s Sheffield Shield game on Monday. Michael Neser and Matt Renshaw stay on as reserves/concussion substitutes.