New Delhi:
On day 4 of the Perth Test, Australia were dominating New Zealand and were closing in on an emphatic win. For the fans at the New Perth stadium, it was a cause for celebration. However, their celebrations soon turned sour as they were faced with a health hazard. On the big screen at the New Perth stadium, there was a message which flashed, "If you have purchased any Sandwiches, Wraps or Salads containing chicken at the stadium today, please present back to the outlet of purchase immediately." Apparently, uncooked chicken was presented on all the dishes and this led to a butt of jokes by the commentators and on social media. Peter Lalor, one of the veteran Australian cricket journalists, shared the big screen image on Twitter and joked, "Queues for the toilet at the Perth Stadium are forming as we speak." Nathan Lyon, who was bowling well, was overheard on the stump microphone asking the New Zealand batsmen, "What are you having for lunch? I hope not the chicken."
Australia were reduced to three specialist bowlers in the Perth Pink Ball Test. Under the punishing heat, getting 10 second-wicket innings was proving to be an uphill task. However, Mitchell Starc continued his great form, taking four wickets to go with five in the first innings. Starc was well assisted by Nathan Lyon who also took four wickets as New Zealand crumbled to a huge 296-run defeat against Australia at the New Perth stadium.
Also Read | Mitchell Starc Takes Nine In The Match, Australia Crush New Zealand In Perth Pink Ball Test
After suffering a collapse in the last session of day 3, Australia looked to build their lead with the help of Pat Cummins and Matthew Wade. Cummins showed intent by whacking two fours off Colin de Grandhomme but he was immediately dismissed by the ever-persisting Neil Wagner. Wade also perished for 17 with de Grandhomme taking the catch but Starc struck boundaries at will to boost Australia past 200. When Starc fell for 23 to give Tim Southee his ninth five-wicket haul in Tests, New Zealand needed 468 runs to win. More importantly, they had to bat out five sessions and 166 overs, a massive task in Perth but New Zealand proved to be unequal to the task.
Queues for the toilet at the Perth Stadium are forming as we speak. pic.twitter.com/hthxSqWrcY
— Peter Lalor (@plalor) December 15, 2019
Australia's consistency with the ball continued as they notched up their third straight win of the international home summer. Speaking ater the match, Australia skipper Tim Paine praised the bowlers immensely. "We're proud of our bowling attack. To take 20 wickets in just about 105 overs with just three bowlers. Marnus, Travis and Wade all chipped in," Paine said. Williamson, on the other hand, rued the lack of adaptability for the Kiwis. "The conditions were tough, with the heat and the surface being totally different from our previous Test in Hamilton. But that's the nature of international cricket. You got to adapt," Williamson said.
