Aus vs NZ, 2nd Test, Sydney 1985 - both 1st innings

The Sydney Cricket Ground pitch produced some remarkable team changes prior to the second Test, as both teams went in with three spinners. Interestingly, Allan Border chose to bowl after winning the toss, a move which seemed to be vindicated as legspinner Bob Holland (6/106) cut through the tourists' middle order and reduced them to 9/169. However a stunning last-wicket partnership between John Bracewell (83) and Stephen Boock (37) added 124 valuable runs, as NZ closed at a respectable 293. The Australians soon had good reason to regret this last wicket stand, as they crumbled to be all out for 227. Richard Hadlee was again their nemesis, taking 5/65 on a pitch with barely any grass or seam movement. John Bracewell chimed in with two stunning deliveries: a fizzing offbreak to remove Border, and a darting arm-ball that accounted for Wayne Phillips.

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
• Richard Hadlee
• John Bracewell

[driffter1976]

How the bloody hell did we lose this one after crushing the Aussies in the first test?