The Aussie duo of Cameron Green and Josh Hazlewood scripted history on Friday as they combined to register Australia’s highest partnership for the 10th wicket against New Zealand, as well as the fourth-best overall by an Australian pair.
The pair tormented New Zealand’s bowling attack during the morning session of the second day of the first Test in Wellington, putting up 116 runs for the final wicket with ease, shattering Jason Gillespie and Glenn McGrath’s previous record of 114 runs in Brisbane in 2004.
The partnership was just Australia’s sixth of 100 runs or more for the tenth wicket in red-ball cricket, and it helped the reigning World Test Championship winners achieve a massive score of 383 in their first innings following a challenging opening day at Basin Reserve.
The young all-rounder, who reamined unbeaten on 174, exhibited commendable temperament on the opening day, before reaching his second Test century in the penultimate over of the day. On Day 2, he adopted a more aggressive approach alongside Hazlewood.
The two batted wisely when necessary, with Green, in particular, using his power to smash anything short from the Kiwis.
Green’s hundred was just the second time he has scored triple digits for Australia in Test cricket, topping his previous best of 114 against India in Ahmedabad last year.