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New Zealand batting great Kane Williamson was run out for the first time since 2012 in Test cricket against Australia in Wellington. The Blackcaps were struggling on Day 2 of the first red-ball encounter against Australia as wicketkeeper Tom Latham was clean-bowled by Mitchell Starc in just 4.4 overs.
The dismissal was a jolt to the Kiwi morale as Australia's last batting pair of Cameron Green and Josh Hazlewood added 116 runs to take the score from 267-9 to 383 at the end of the first innings. After this recovery, the visitors struck early with the ball before things worsened for New Zealand. After Latham's wicket, Williamson walked out and fended away zooming short-ball angled into his body.
Kane Williamson run out for 1st time in Tests since 2012
Following up Starc sent out a beaming inswinger which Williamson tapped towards mid-off and set off for a risky single. the non-striker, Will Young was too focused on the ball and hence needed a bit to take off. Then, as the two batters went for the single they crashed into each other in the middle of the pitch. This bizarre mishap allowed Labuschagne to slide through to collect the ball and hit the bullseye at the non-striker's end. This dismissal turned out to be a first for Willamson, who was last run out in Test cricket in 2012.
Was nice to stick it out there: Cameron Green after 174 in first innings
Like the New Zealand batters, Australia also had a difficult time with the bat but Cameron Green, with his 174 in 275 balls with 23 fours and five sixes. Speaking about this performance, Green said, "Feels really good. Mainly for where we are as a team. Was a tough wicket out there. Was nice to stick it out there, and hopefully put a semi-competitive total on the board."
"Have played quite a few times with each other in WA (talking about Mitch Marsh). Knew he'll play his shots and that's how you need to play out there. Not ideal (cramps). Stuck it through. They're probably just on top. They've got a quality batting lineup. Will have to bowl well tomorrow."
