Australia pace bowler James Pattinson struck three times in two overs to leave New Zealand in a desperate position at 38-3 at lunch on day four of the second test, chasing an improbable target of 488 for a series-leveling win.
New Zealand requires another 450 runs to win with their best batsman, world No. 3-ranked Kane Williamson, already back in the pavilion.Coming on as first-change bowler, Pattinson had opener Tom Latham (8) caught behind to make the the total 32-1.
In his next over, Pattinson trapped Williamson lbw for a duck and Ross Taylor (2) chopped a short ball onto his stumps four deliveries later.
Australia's James Pattinson, left, celebrates the wicket of New Zealand's Tom Latham, right, during their cricket test match in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019. (AP PhotoAndy Brownbill)
Australia captain Tim Paine declared Sunday morning at 168-5 in the second innings, an overall lead of 487, after Matthew Wade (30 not out) and first-innings century-maker Travis Head (28) added 31 to the overnight total.
Paine declared immediately after Neil Wagner (4-83 and 3-50) bowled Head in the 10th over of the day’s play. Wagner has taken 14 wickets in the first two tests of the three-match series and reached the 200-wicket milestone during Australia’s second innings.
In the first innings, Australia’s dominant pace attack of Pat Cummins (5-28), Pattinson (3-34) and Mitchell Starc (2-20) exploited the seaming, swinging conditions to rip through New Zealand for 148. That bowling performance followed Australia’s imposing first-innings total of 456, which included key contributions from Head (114), Steve Smith (85) and Paine (79).
New Zealand's Tom Latham walks off the field after being dismissed by Australia during their cricket test match in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019. (AP PhotoAndy Brownbill)
New Zealand had a major setback Saturday when pace spearhead Trent Boult was ruled out of the third and final test in Sydney starting on Jan. 3. Boult fractured his right hand, his non-bowling hand, while batting in New Zealand’s first innings.
Australia leads the three-match series against after winning the first test by 296 runs in Perth.
Also Sunday, pace bowler Peter Siddle announced his international retirement on Sunday. The 35-year-old took 221 test wickets in 67 tests for Australia, including seven wickets in three Ashes tests in 2019.
New Zealand's Kane Williamson walks off the field after being dismissed by Australia during their cricket test match in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019. (AP PhotoAndy Brownbill)
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