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Snapshot for day four of the first Test between Australia and New Zealand at Optus Stadium.
Snapshot for day four of the first Test between Australia and New Zealand at Optus Stadium.
AUSTRALIA v NEW ZEALAND, FIRST TEST, DAY FOUR:
Score: Australia win by 296 runs. Australia 416 & 9(dec)-217, NZ 166 & 171
Summary: NZ breezed their way through Australia's tail to dismiss their opponents for 217, but the damage had already been done the day before. Set a record 468 for victory, the Kiwis hopes were effectively over when Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor departed cheaply.
Man of the moment: Mitchell Starc. After snaring 5-52 in the first innings, Starc returned to haunt NZ again with 4-45 in the second dig. His pace and bounce simply proved too hot for NZ to handle. Nathan Lyon also deserves special mention for his 4-63.
Key moment: If NZ were to be a realistic chance of pulling off the record run chase, they would need Williamson to post a huge knock. Instead, Lyon dismissed the NZ skipper for 14, leaving the Kiwis in all sorts of trouble at 2-21.
Stat of the day: 9-97. Mitchell Starc's match figures for the Test. Not bad for a bloke who isn't the biggest fan of pink ball cricket.
Quote of the day: "Like I've said many times, he's the best problem solver in the world, and it would just be a matter of time before he gets on top of that." Australia coach Justin Langer is confident Steve Smith will be able to figure out a solution to NZ's leg-side trap.
