In Australia’s ongoing Test against New Zealand in Wellington, Josh Hazlewood and Cameron Green formed a remarkable partnership of 116 runs for the 10th wicket, propelling the visitors into a strong position on Friday, March 1. This partnership also marked the fourth-highest 10th-wicket stand for Australia in their Test history. Cameron Green played an exceptional innings, remaining unbeaten on 174*, while Hazlewood contributed a crucial 22 runs, facing 62 balls and providing valuable support to his partner, helping Australia increase their first-innings total.
Sometimes you can work too much on it and try and be a batter- Josh Hazlewood
Speaking to reporters after the conclusion of play on Day 2, Josh Hazlewood shared his thoughts on his mindset as a No. 11 batter. He said,
“I think sometimes you can work too much on it and try and be a batsman, and look like a batter. I just don’t think that’s when the tail’s at its most potent. Everyone’s got to have their scoring options and obviously keep the good ball out when it’s at the stumps and have an option for the short ball, but it’s as simple as that I think,”
“It’s just having a couple of options to score, a good defense, and trying not to look too pretty I think,”
The momentum significantly swung in Australia’s favor during Green and Hazlewood’s partnership, which alone kept New Zealand in the field for more than thirty overs. As a result, the hosts were bundled out for 179, conceding a substantial first-innings lead of 204 runs.
We were just thinking basically about the game- Josh Hazlewood on Conversations with Cameron Green in the middle
Cameron Green found himself in a relatively new position batting at No. 4, facing the unique challenge of maintaining his composure while wickets fell at the other end. Nonetheless, Josh Hazlewood highlighted the importance of keeping communication simple, emphasizing how it facilitated their partnership with Green. Speaking on this Hazlewood said,
“We were just thinking basically about the game. Where we were at and working out the four or five balls an over that Greeny was taking, and then he could target down breeze and a certain bowler. It’s all those little things you talk through, and then all of a sudden we’re 50 partnership, then 100 and geez, we’re up near 400 so things just tick along when you’re batting. Greeny’s nice to have a hit with,”
Despite the dismissals of both Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, Australia concluded Day 2 with an impressive lead of 217 runs. They will be optimistic about building a substantial total on Day 3, aiming to position themselves in a situation where they cannot lose the game.
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