Australia’s batsmen get the job done in First Test

In a display ranging from a patient and mature building of a innings to short bursts of power batting, Australia’s top order delivered a total that proved insurmountable. 

Vice Captain and Man of the Match, David Warner, scored centuries (163 & 116)  in each innings while Joe Burns (179) and Usman Khawaja (174) both notched up maiden test centuries.  

The 2nd innings could have been different though.  Kane Williamson (57) , the star number 3 for New Zealand lost his wicket to a ‘hairline’ DRS decision and McCullum (87), out of challenges, fell to poor umpiring decision.  The only blemish on an otherwise successfully adjudicated match.

Brendan McCullum batted tremendously on the final day for a fleeting moment creating the possibility of a spectacular victory.  

According to Macquarie Radio’s Greg Matthews there is still plenty of work to do with Australia’s bowlers struggling to kill off New Zealand’s final day challenge.

LISTEN: Greg Matthews’ wrap of the First Test

It was an underdone and injury depleted New Zealand side that pushed the match to 5 days at the Gabba but the Kiwis maintain they will be better for the run.  

LISTEN: Dean Jones catches up with Brendon McCullum after the First Test