The Australia spinner Nathan Lyon has praised New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra after smashing a half-century on day 03 of the first test on Australia’s tour of New Zealand 2024.
Nathan Lyon Praises Rachin Ravindra
Nathan Lyon heaped Rachin Ravindra at the end of day 03 where New Zealand is looking for a 369 target runs chase against Australia.
While speaking at the end of day 03, Nathan Lyon stated that Rachin Ravindra will be a superstar.
“You got to give respect and credit where credit’s due, I thought Rachin and Daryl played superb innings there. Rachin seems like a really good player, first time I have bowled to him.
Watched a lot of him during the World Cup and he’s going to be a superstar. He played very well there,” said Lyon.
Nathan Lyon said he wasn’t surprised on New Zealand pitches and also added that Glenn Phillips bowled well on Day 03. Glenn Phillips’ five-wicket haul made Australia conclude their second innings for 164 runs.
“Great day of Test cricket. I am a big fan when the ball spins obviously. I thought Glenn bowled pretty well to take five wickets, hats off to him. Pretty good day.”
“(Surprised to see spin in New Zealand?) No, not after watching that Test against South Africa. When they left Mitch Santner out, I was pretty surprised. I am not sure where that Test was but I was at home licking my lips,” Lyon added.
An unbeaten half-century stand for the fourth wicket has kept New Zealand fighting in the chase.#WTC25 | #NZvAUS 📝: https://t.co/2Me8jzCb3m pic.twitter.com/gFJ9UuLd8h
— ICC (@ICC) March 2, 2024
Coming to the match, Australia batted first to set up a score of 383 runs in the first innings. Cameron Green and Josh Hazlewood recorded for highest stand for the 10th wicket after scoring 116 runs.
After their bowling strategy failed, New Zealand struggled against Australia bowlers where Nathan Lyon bagged four wickets to collapse the batting lineup. Kane Williamson was dismissed on a run out which is his first in 12 years. Finally, the Kiwis concluded their innings scoring 179 runs in their innings.
Australia started their second innings with a 204-run lead, but Glenn Phillips was exceptionally impressive with the ball bagging five wickets to prevent Australia from scoring runs.
Matt Henry also bagged three wickets contributing to the side. With a trail of 368 runs, New Zealand started their second innings but openers Tom Latham and Will Young were sent out with low scores.
The former captain Kane Williamson was dismissed by Lyon for nine runs. Rachin Ravindra came to rescue and smashed 56 runs including 8 fours and one six.
After the dismissal of Young, Daryl Mitchell joined with Emerging player Ravindra and scored 12* runs by the end of day 03 at Basin Reserve.
