Kane Williamson gets standing ovation in 100th Test, but Australia seize control of Christchurch match

It was a momentous day for New Zealand cricket as Kane Williamson and Tim Southee stepped onto the field for their 100th Test match. The two Kiwi stalwarts were accompanied by their children before the start of the first session on Day 1 of the second Test against Australia. New Zealand are up against Australia in a two-match Test series. The second Test is currently underway in Christchurch. As both players made their way onto the pitch, Williamson was greeted with a standing ovation from the Hagley Oval crowd.

A special moment for the Southee and Williamson families 🏏 #NZvAUS #TimKane100 pic.twitter.com/C8sFgXoeMv

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 7, 2024

Though Williamson could not quite get the job done with the bat in the first innings. The right-hander was dismissed early scoring 17 runs off 37 deliveries. Josh Hazlewood bowled a perfect delivery as Williamson played down the wrong line and was trapped right in front of the stumps.

A standing ovation for Kane Williamson as he makes his way to the crease in Test Match #100 👏@BLACKCAPS v Australia: 2nd Test | LIVE on DUKE and TVNZ+ pic.twitter.com/Zv6lgO40BI

— TVNZ+ (@TVNZ) March 7, 2024

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The New Zealand batting lineup struggled against the control and movement that Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc produced on Day 1 in the second Test. Hazlewood, in particular, was relentless, as he sliced through the batting order and picked up the wickets of Tom Latham (38), Rachin Ravindra (4), Daryl Mitchell (4) and Matt Henry (29).

New Zealand were bundled out for 162. Starc also chipped in with three wickets. Southee showed some resilience with the bat and added 56 runs with Matt Henry for the ninth wicket. This stand was the highest for New Zealand in their first innings.

Williamson made his Test debut in November 2010 and has so far scored 8692 runs in 100 matches. His highest Test score has been 251. Throughout his illustrious Test career, he has accumulated 32 centuries, including six double hundreds, along with 33 fifties. He is, currently, New Zealand’s leading run-scorer in Tests and was also their captain when his side won the 2021 WTC final against India.

In reply to New Zealand’s 162, Australia ended the day 38 runs adrift losing four wickets. Marnus Labuschagne stood tall with 45 runs and ensured Australia did not fall behind. The hosts already trail the series 1-0 and would need a solid performance with the ball on the second day to harbour any hopes of a comeback in the series.