16 Dec 2019

Black Caps vs Australia

4:41 am on 16 December 2019

Australia have won the first cricket Test in Perth beating New Zealand by 296-runs.

Chasing a record 468 runs for victory, New Zealand were bowled out for 171.

BJ Watling scored 40 and Colin de Grandhomme 33), while quick Mitchell Starc and spinner Nathan Lyon claimed four wickets apiece.

The series shifts to the traditional Boxing Day test in Melbourne.

First Test match info

Where: Optus Stadium Perth

When: Starts 6pm (NZT) Thursday 12 December and runs until Monday 16 December

Who is playing: New Zealand and Australia

What is on the line: Trans-Tasman Trophy (Best of three series)

Weather conditions: It is expected to peak at 40C across three of the five days in Perth, while the first day will experience a high of 39.

How to follow the Black Caps vs Australia Test match

The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sport channel 52.

RNZ will also have livescoring running on its website throughout the five days.

New Zealand's form coming into the series

The Black Caps have had one home Test series thus far in the 2019/20 summer - their one-nil victory over England.

New Zealand dominated the first Test at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, winning by an innings and 65 runs, thanks to big performances from BJ Watling, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee and Neil Wagner.

The second Test was more competitive from an English perspective, with the visitors making 476 in their first innings, only for the match to end in a draw due to rain.

New Zealand was tracking comfortably in their second innings on 241/2 when the rain set in.

Black Caps highlights from England series

  • BJ Watling's 205 (highest Test score) in first match
  • Mitchell Santner's maiden Test century (126) in first match
  • Neil Wagner's five wicket bag (5/44) in first Test
  • Tom Latham's century (105) in second Test
  • Neil Wagner's five wicket bag (5/124) in second Test
  • Kane Williamson's century (104) in second Test
  • Ross Taylor's century (105) in second Test

Australia's form coming into the series

Australia come into the series with arguably the better form, coming off a two-nil clean sweep of Pakistan that finished last week.

The Australians won both Tests by more than an innings, helped by big scores from batsmen David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne, while Mitchell Starc did the most damage with the ball.

Australia also have the added advantage of playing a day-night Test against Pakistan in the second match at Adelaide.

The series win moved Australia into second in the Test championship, three wins behind leaders India.

Australia highlights from Pakistan series

  • David Warner's 335 not out (highest Test score) in the second match
  • Marnus Labuschagne's 185 and 162 across the two Tests
  • Mitchell Starc's six wicket bag (6/66) in the day-night Test
Australian batsman David Warner.

David Warner has been in fine form during Australia's summer of cricket in 2019. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Injury update

Black Caps captain Kane Williamson gave an update to the state of his three injured teammates at his pre-match press conference the day before the Test.

His batting partner Ross Taylor took a knock to the thumb from short ball expert Neil Wagner at training on Tuesday, but scans revealed there was no fracture and he's been cleared to play.

Colin de Grandhomme meanwhile is tracking well after missing the second Test against England with a stomach muscle strain, and he is expected to be available for the Perth Test.

Trent Boult is still being monitored for the strain he suffered to his ribs in the first Test against England, and a decision will be made closer to the start of play in Perth as to whether he'll play or not.

Teams

New Zealand

  • Kane Williamson (c)
  • Todd Astle
  • Tom Blundell
  • Trent Boult
  • Colin de Grandhomme
  • Lockie Ferguson
  • Matt Henry
  • Tom Latham
  • Henry Nicholls
  • Jeet Raval
  • Mitchell Santner
  • Tim Southee
  • Ross Taylor
  • Neil Wagner
  • BJ Watling

Australia

  • Tim Paine (C)
  • Joe Burns
  • Pat Cummins
  • Josh Hazelwood
  • Travis Head
  • Marnus Labuschagne
  • Nathan Lyon
  • Michael Neser
  • James Pattinson
  • Steve Smith
  • Mitchell Starc
  • Matthew Wade
  • David Warner
  • Black Caps set to give Australia a run for their money
  • Devine innings secures Strikers win
  • Boult, CDG 'progressing well'
  • Cricket: New Zealand vs England
  • Australia sweep Pakistan, now they take on Black Caps