Aus vs NZ, 2nd Test, Sydney 1985 - both 2nd innings

New Zealand began its 2nd innings with a 66-run lead. Again, it was an innings of bizarre partnerships. When Bruce Edgar (52) and John Wright (43) took the visitors to 100 without loss, the Test looked theirs for the taking. But caught-and-bowleds from Bob Holland and Greg Matthews triggered a rapid slump, with NZ losing 9/93 and Australia's three spinners sharing nine of the ten wickets. Still, Australia had to pursue 260 for victory, which itself seemed an unlikely task. But stoic batting from Wayne Phillips (63) and David Boon (81), then some profitable aggression from vice-captain David Hookes (38 not out) and Greg Matthews (32), saw Australia square the series late on the rain-shortened fifth day. Bracewell deserved his man-of-the-match award for 83 runs and five critical wickets.

Match scorecard: http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia/engine/match/63416.html

Yours in cricket,
The Third Ump

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Test cricket
• Australia
• New Zealand
• SCG
• Bob Holland
• Bruce Edgar
• David Boon

[inxia38]

I loved it in the 80s when teams would play three spinners at the SCG. This was the first of two Tests at the SCG in 1985/86; the second one contained six spinners as well.