Australia batsman Marnus Labuschagne was denied the chance of a 12th Test century thanks to a stunning one-handed catch from Glenn Phillips. The incident occurred on the second day of the second Test between New Zealand and Australia in Christchurch. Labuschagne steadied Australia’s innings with a well-compiled 90 in his 50th Test match. He was targeting a century until Phillips jumped to his right and made a stunning one-handed catch at the gully. Video of Phillips’ superhuman catch went viral on social media.
Superman! What a gain for Glenn Phillips! 221/8 at lunch on Day 2 in Australia @黑hat v Australia: Second Test | Live on DUKE and TVNZ+ pic.twitter.com/Swx84jNFZb
— TVNZ+ (@TVNZ) March 9, 2024
Meanwhile, Kane Williamson and Tom Latham led New Zealand’s fightback after Labuschagne’s knock put Australia in control.
Australia took a first-innings lead of 94 runs when Mitchell Starc took opener Will Young for a single.
However, Williamson and Latham slammed half-centuries as New Zealand ended the second day at 134/2 with a slim 40-run lead.
Australia captain Pat Cummins broke a dangerous partnership between the two and dismissed Williamson in the 51st over.
Latham scored 65 not out while opener Rachin Ravindra remained unbeaten with 11 runs.
Earlier on day two, the tourists added 132 more runs for their last six wickets on Saturday before they were all out for 256.
Matt Henry, passing the ball both ways, did his best to keep New Zealand competitive with 7-67.
It was only the second time in 25 Tests that Henry had taken seven wickets in an innings, having previously been beaten by teammates Tim Southee and Trent Bol for much of his career. Covered by Trent Boult.
But with Boult no longer in the game, Henry enjoyed a regular new spell with 15 wickets in three innings of the series.
Australia’s first-innings lead was bolstered by tail-enders, who contributed 67 runs for the last three wickets. Seamers Pat Cummins and Starc were particularly aggressive.
Cummins finished with 23 runs, including three fours and a six off Ben Sears.
Australia won the first Test by 172 runs and are looking to sweep the series.
(With AFP input)
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