The Australian skipper, Tim Paine found a new way of tackling the barrage of bouncers from the New Zealand pacer, Neil Wagner’s. Paine was brave enough to charge down the track to the Kiwi spearhead. During Day 2 of the second Test of ongoing New Zealand’s tour of Australia in Melbourne, Paine stitched a big partnership of 150 runs with Travis Head.
In what was a brave attempt against someone bowling at an express pace, Paine charged down the track against one of Wagner’s bouncers. The Australian skipper was then alert enough to duck under the delivery at the right time in the 137th over. One has to note the fact that Wagner has found enough success in building pressure on the Australian batsmen with his bouncers.
Here is the video of the same:
That's a new way to tackle Wagner's bouncers – run at him! #AUSvNZ | https://t.co/Q5Lvt45rWO pic.twitter.com/oJTDDBhYmN
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 27, 2019
Wagner was given an extended brutal spell against Wade during the first Test in Perth. Albeit for a short duration, the duo resumed a similar rivalry on Day 1 of the boxing day Test as well. Wagner’s form has also made him dismiss Australia batsman Steve Smith on all the three occasions.
WATCH – Henry Nicholls Takes A Blinder To Dismiss Steve Smith
As far as Paine is concerned, his seventh Test half-century played a crucial hand in Australia scoring 467 in 155.1 overs. He shared a 150-run partnership for the sixth wicket alongside all-rounder Travis Head (114) who scored his second Test century in the Boxing Day Test.
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Before getting out in the 149th over, Paine scored 79 (138) with the help of nine fours. With bowling figures of 38-11-83-4, Wagner was the pick of the visiting bowlers. Australia was bundled out for 467 and the visitors are reeling at 44/2 at the stumps of Day with Kane Williamson and Tom Blundell back in the dug-out.
Here is Paine’s approach towards’ Wagner:
Pure elation as Travis Head brought up his second Test ton!
😁 #OhWhatAFeeling @toyota_aus | #AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/fH2l5hnvxg— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 27, 2019
You love to see it 🤝#AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/TMvAEXbDwC
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 27, 2019
Tough going at the MCG. Can almost guarantee that if Australia had bowled close to 150 overs then Nathan Lyon would have bowled nearly 40 of them. That’s one problem for NZ. Lack of a spinner..
— Simon Doull (@Sdoull) December 27, 2019
Well played @travishead34 what a moment in a Boxing Day TEST 💯 🙌🏽 @7Cricket #AUSvNZ
— Trent Copeland (@copes9) December 27, 2019
