• By James Kuanal
  • Fri, 13 Dec 2019 06:40 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND
Add as a preferred
New Delhi | Jagran Sports Desk: Australia cricketer Steve Smith on Friday took New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson and his own teammates in surprise after he took a sharp catch at second slip by diving to his right in no time. As a result, the New Zealand departed for just 34 runs in the 23rd over off pacer spearhead Mitchell Starc. The 30-year-old is a phenomenon in the field and rarely fails to show his fitness and agility on the field. Take a look at the dismissal.
 
Earlier on Thursday, Australia had won the toss and opted to bat first in the opening Test of three-match Test. An excellent century from Marnus Labuschagne (143) and half-century from Travis Head head helped the Aussies pile up 416 runs at Perth in the pink ball test. Steve Smith, in particular, had contributed 43 runs. Tim Southee and Neil Wagner took four wickets each for New Zealand.
 
In reply, the Kiwis lost openers quickly. Jeet Raval was dismissed off just 1 run while Tom Latham registered a duck. At stumps on Day 2, Ross Taylor was batting on 66 with BJ Watling who had arrived at the crease three overs ago. Henry Nicholls and Neil Wagner failed to steady New Zealand innings, they got out for 7 run and 'Golden Duck'. For Aussies, Starc was the pick of the bowlers with four wickets. 
 
 
The visitors are in serious problem as they lag by 307 runs with three days left in the Test. The rest of the batsmen need to ensure, they score another 107 runs to prevent a follow-on. Meanwhile, the Aussies will look forward to win their third consecutive match at home after they registered a 2-0 clean sweep against Pakistan in the recently concluded two-match Test series.