India's thrilling super over win in Hamilton ensured their first-ever win in T20I series in New Zealand. Kiwis's poor home run continues, earlier, they lost 3-0 in the Test series against Australia. Now they trail 3-0 in the five-match T20I series against India.

Also read-&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-nz-3rd-t20i-fans-celebrate-as-rohit-sharmas-sixes-torment-black-caps-277350">India vs NZ, 3rd T20I: Fans celebrate as Rohit Sharma's sixes torment Black Caps</a>

India won the first T20I by six wickets in Eden Park, Auckland, they chased New Zealand's 203 in an over to spare.&nbsp;

In the second T20I, India chased a low total of 132 runs in just 17.3 overs. KL Rahul was declared the man of the match. Ravindra Jadeja had the best economy as a bowler.&nbsp;

The third T20I had a thrilling finish to it. Rohit Sharma's 65 in 40 balls studded with six boundaries and three sixes to help India reach 179 for 5.

The hosts looked in control while chasing this modest total until the end but Shami's last overturned the game around for India after he dismissed Taylor and Williamson after being hit for a six off the first ball.

Williamson's valiant 95 wasn't enough for New Zeland to clinch the match.&nbsp;

After the tie, New Zealand scored 17 runs in the super over with Williamson scoring 11. Rohit Sharma came to the party hitting two consecutive sixes in the super over to win India the match and the series.

New Zealand will be hoping to go down with a fight and avoid a clean sweep in the series.&nbsp;

The fourth match will be played in Wellington's Sky Stadium. The boundaries are slightly bigger and the outfield will be faster.&nbsp;

New Zealand's Colin de Grandomme has had a poor run for the Kiwis and is likely to miss out on the fourth T20I. Tom Bruce will come in his spot. Hamish Bennett's 27 runs in the over leaves his position in jeopardy, despite his comeback in the same match where he scalped three important wickets doesn't waive off the chances of being replaced by Blair Tickner or Daryll Mitchell.&nbsp;

Probable XI: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Tim Seifert (wk), Tom Bruce, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Scott Kuggeleijn, Hamish Bennett/Blair Tickner/Daryl Mitchell

India, on the other hand, would want to experiment with the team now. After a confirming a series win after the third T20I, India might bring in younger players. Shivam Dube might get replaced with Washington Sundar as he was poor with his bat and bowl during the third T20I. Sanju Samson could be in the playing XI. Navdeep Saini could be brought in for Chahal.&nbsp;

Probable XI: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul (wk), Virat Kohli (c), Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Shivam Dube/Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal/Navdeep Saini, Jasprit Bumrah

Squads:&nbsp;

India: Rohit Sharma, Lokesh Rahul(wk), Virat Kohli (captain), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Manish Pandey, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Sanju Samson, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Navdeep Saini

New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson(captain), Tom Bruce, Ross Taylor, Tim Seifert(wk), Mitchell Santner, Scott Kuggeleijn, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Hamish Bennett, Daryl Mitchell, Blair Tickner

 
&nbsp;

India's thrilling super over win in Hamilton ensured their first-ever win in T20I series in New Zealand. Kiwis's poor home run continues, earlier, they lost 3-0 in the Test series against Australia.

India's thrilling super over win in Hamilton ensured their first-ever win in T20I series in New Zealand. Kiwis's poor home run continues, earlier, they lost 3-0 in the Test series against Australia. Now they trail 3-0 in the five-match T20I series against India. Also read- India vs NZ, 3rd T20I: Fans celebrate as Rohit Sharma's sixes torment Black Caps India won the first T20I by six wickets in Eden Park, Auckland, they chased New Zealand's 203 in an over to spare. In the second T20I, India chased a low total of 132 runs in just 17.3 overs. KL Rahul was declared the man of the match. Ravindra Jadeja had the best economy as a bowler. The third T20I had a thrilling finish to it. Rohit Sharma's 65 in 40 balls studded with six boundaries and three sixes to help India reach 179 for 5. The hosts looked in control while chasing this modest total until the end but Shami's last overturned the game around for India after he dismissed Taylor and Williamson after being hit for a six off the first ball. Williamson's valiant 95 wasn't enough for New Zeland to clinch the match. After the tie, New Zealand scored 17 runs in the super over with Williamson scoring 11. Rohit Sharma came to the party hitting two consecutive sixes in the super over to win India the match and the series. New Zealand will be hoping to go down with a fight and avoid a clean sweep in the series. The fourth match will be played in Wellington's Sky Stadium. The boundaries are slightly bigger and the outfield will be faster. New Zealand's Colin de Grandomme has had a poor run for the Kiwis and is likely to miss out on the fourth T20I. Tom Bruce will come in his spot. Hamish Bennett's 27 runs in the over leaves his position in jeopardy, despite his comeback in the same match where he scalped three important wickets doesn't waive off the chances of being replaced by Blair Tickner or Daryll Mitchell. Probable XI: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Tim Seifert (wk), Tom Bruce, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Scott Kuggeleijn, Hamish Bennett/Blair Tickner/Daryl Mitchell India, on the other hand, would want to experiment with the team now. After a confirming a series win after the third T20I, India might bring in younger players. Shivam Dube might get replaced with Washington Sundar as he was poor with his bat and bowl during the third T20I. Sanju Samson could be in the playing XI. Navdeep Saini could be brought in for Chahal. Probable XI: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul (wk), Virat Kohli (c), Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Shivam Dube/Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal/Navdeep Saini, Jasprit Bumrah Squads: India: Rohit Sharma, Lokesh Rahul(wk), Virat Kohli (captain), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Manish Pandey, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Sanju Samson, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Navdeep Saini New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson(captain), Tom Bruce, Ross Taylor, Tim Seifert(wk), Mitchell Santner, Scott Kuggeleijn, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Hamish Bennett, Daryl Mitchell, Blair Tickner

New Zealand vs India, 4th T20I: Virat likely to experiment, Williamson looking to avoid 4th consecutive defeat

New Zealand are&nbsp;set to face team India in the third T20I in Seddon Park, Hamilton. Kiwis have continued a poor home run as they trail 0-2 in the five-match T20I series.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-defeat-new-zealand-in-second-t20i-rahul-iyer-shine-276693" hreflang="en">India defeat New Zealand in second T20I: Rahul, Iyer shine</a>

India's KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer have been key players in both the victories. They are on top of the most runs scored list. KL Rahul is on top with 113 runs with a stunning average of 113.00, his strike rate is 146.75. He is followed by Shreyas Iyer who has scored 102 runs with an average of 102.00, his explosive batting in both the matches got him the highest strike rate in the series (164.52).

Batting second, India have chased down the target comfortably in the last two matches.&nbsp;India won the first T20I by six wickets in Eden Park, Auckland, they chased New Zealand's 203 in an over to spare.&nbsp;

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Snapshots from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a>'s training session ahead of the 3rd T20I against New Zealand.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/KHKvrjt2H3">pic.twitter.com/KHKvrjt2H3</a>
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In the second T20I, India chased a low total of 132 runs in just 17.3 overs. KL Rahul was declared the man of the match. Ravindra Jadeja had the best economy as a bowler.&nbsp;

New Zealand's record in Seddon Park is comparatively better than Eden Park. The Kiwis have lost just two of their 9 T20Is here. Tim Southee has referred the pitch in this ground as a 'typical white-ball pitch'.&nbsp;

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Tim Southee sets the scene at Seddon Park ahead of the 3rd T20I against India tomorrow night. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/DPBugm03Vj">pic.twitter.com/DPBugm03Vj</a>
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Seddon Park is a high scoring venue, they defeated India exactly a year ago by four runs when the Men in Blue were chasing a high score of 212 runs. They have a chance to stop India&nbsp;as Virat and Co&nbsp;hope to win their first-ever T20I series win against the Kiwis in New Zealand.&nbsp;

The weather is expected to play a spoilsport in the third T20I. Hamilton is expected to receive showers during the day, however, at the moment the weather is just cloudy with chances of precipitation at just 47 per cent.&nbsp;

According to the predictions, the chances of rain&nbsp;will&nbsp;reduce as&nbsp;the day goes by.&nbsp;

New Zealand is expected to play Scott Kuggeljein, who was benched in the first two games. He was seen in the nets and is raring to go. Mitchell Santner and Kuggeljein played key roles in last year's match in Seddon Park.&nbsp;

Probable XI: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Tim Seifert (wk), Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Scott Kuggeleijn, Hamish Bennett/Blair Tickner/ Daryl Mitchell

After two comprehensive wins over New Zealand, India is expected to go on the field unchanged.&nbsp;

Probable XI: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul (wk), Virat Kohli (c), Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah

Squads:

India: Rohit Sharma, Lokesh Rahul(w), Virat Kohli(c), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Manish Pandey, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Sanju Samson, Kuldeep Yadav, Navdeep Saini, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar

New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson(c), Colin de Grandhomme, Ross Taylor, Tim Seifert(w), Mitchell Santner, Blair Tickner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Hamish Bennett, Scott Kuggeleijn, Daryl Mitchell

New Zealand are set to face team India in the third T20I in Seddon Park, Hamilton. Kiwis have continued a poor home run as they trail 0-2 in the five-match T20I series.

New Zealand are set to face team India in the third T20I in Seddon Park, Hamilton. Kiwis have continued a poor home run as they trail 0-2 in the five-match T20I series. Also read: India defeat New Zealand in second T20I: Rahul, Iyer shine India's KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer have been key players in both the victories. They are on top of the most runs scored list. KL Rahul is on top with 113 runs with a stunning average of 113.00, his strike rate is 146.75. He is followed by Shreyas Iyer who has scored 102 runs with an average of 102.00, his explosive batting in both the matches got him the highest strike rate in the series (164.52). Batting second, India have chased down the target comfortably in the last two matches. India won the first T20I by six wickets in Eden Park, Auckland, they chased New Zealand's 203 in an over to spare. Snapshots from #TeamIndia's training session ahead of the 3rd T20I against New Zealand.#NZvIND pic.twitter.com/KHKvrjt2H3 — BCCI (@BCCI) January 28, 2020 × In the second T20I, India chased a low total of 132 runs in just 17.3 overs. KL Rahul was declared the man of the match. Ravindra Jadeja had the best economy as a bowler. New Zealand's record in Seddon Park is comparatively better than Eden Park. The Kiwis have lost just two of their 9 T20Is here. Tim Southee has referred the pitch in this ground as a 'typical white-ball pitch'. Tim Southee sets the scene at Seddon Park ahead of the 3rd T20I against India tomorrow night. #NZvIND pic.twitter.com/DPBugm03Vj — BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 28, 2020 × Seddon Park is a high scoring venue, they defeated India exactly a year ago by four runs when the Men in Blue were chasing a high score of 212 runs. They have a chance to stop India as Virat and Co hope to win their first-ever T20I series win against the Kiwis in New Zealand. The weather is expected to play a spoilsport in the third T20I. Hamilton is expected to receive showers during the day, however, at the moment the weather is just cloudy with chances of precipitation at just 47 per cent. According to the predictions, the chances of rain will reduce as the day goes by. New Zealand is expected to play Scott Kuggeljein, who was benched in the first two games. He was seen in the nets and is raring to go. Mitchell Santner and Kuggeljein played key roles in last year's match in Seddon Park. Probable XI: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Tim Seifert (wk), Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Scott Kuggeleijn, Hamish Bennett/Blair Tickner/ Daryl Mitchell After two comprehensive wins over New Zealand, India is expected to go on the field unchanged. Probable XI: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul (wk), Virat Kohli (c), Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah Squads: India: Rohit Sharma, Lokesh Rahul(w), Virat Kohli(c), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Manish Pandey, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Sanju Samson, Kuldeep Yadav, Navdeep Saini, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson(c), Colin de Grandhomme, Ross Taylor, Tim Seifert(w), Mitchell Santner, Blair Tickner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Hamish Bennett, Scott Kuggeleijn, Daryl Mitchell

New Zealand vs India, 3rd T20I: India eye first ever series win in New Zealand

Virat Kohli has yet again passed another cricketing great in terms of runs. This time the 31-year-old surpassed his fellow teammate and former skipper MS Dhoni. Virat Kohli is right now the leading run-getter as a captain in T20Is for India.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-vs-india-3rd-t20i-india-eye-first-ever-series-win-in-new-zealand-277180" hreflang="en">New Zealand vs India, 3rd T20I: India eye first-ever series win in New Zealand</a>

His 38 runs off 27 balls has now made him the leading run-getter in the shortest format as an Indian skipper. He has scored 1,126 runs in 35 T20Is. &nbsp;

He currently ranks third in the list of highest run-scorers as a T20I captain.

Kohli was 81 runs short of MS Dhoni's runs (1,112) in T20Is before the series began.&nbsp;

Faf Du Plessis leads the list with 1,273 runs in 40 T20Is.&nbsp;

Virat Kohli needs to score 68 runs to surpass Faf du Plessis and become the highest run-scorer as a T20I captain. After scoring 45 runs and 11 runs in the first and second matches respectively, he was just 25 runs shy from achieving this feat.&nbsp;

India has posed a competitive total of 179/5 in the first innings against the Kiwis in the Third T20I, in Seddon Park, Hamilton.&nbsp;

India would want to defend this total, to add another feather to Kohli's cap, as he will become the first Indian skipper to win the series in New Zealand.&nbsp;

Virat Kohli has yet again passed another cricketing great in terms of runs. This time the 31-year-old surpassed his fellow teammate and former skipper MS Dhoni. Virat Kohli is right now the leading run-getter as a captain in T20Is for India.

Virat Kohli has yet again passed another cricketing great in terms of runs. This time the 31-year-old surpassed his fellow teammate and former skipper MS Dhoni. Virat Kohli is right now the leading run-getter as a captain in T20Is for India. Also read: New Zealand vs India, 3rd T20I: India eye first-ever series win in New Zealand His 38 runs off 27 balls has now made him the leading run-getter in the shortest format as an Indian skipper. He has scored 1,126 runs in 35 T20Is. He currently ranks third in the list of highest run-scorers as a T20I captain. Kohli was 81 runs short of MS Dhoni's runs (1,112) in T20Is before the series began. Faf Du Plessis leads the list with 1,273 runs in 40 T20Is. Virat Kohli needs to score 68 runs to surpass Faf du Plessis and become the highest run-scorer as a T20I captain. After scoring 45 runs and 11 runs in the first and second matches respectively, he was just 25 runs shy from achieving this feat. India has posed a competitive total of 179/5 in the first innings against the Kiwis in the Third T20I, in Seddon Park, Hamilton. India would want to defend this total, to add another feather to Kohli's cap, as he will become the first Indian skipper to win the series in New Zealand.

India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I: Virat Kohli becomes leading run-getter as Indian skipper in T20Is

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../ind-vs-nz-sanju-samson-and-prithvi-shaw-get- place-in-team-squad-pandya-fails-fitness-test-275855">Hardik Pandya</a>'s international comeback has been stalled for some more time. The Board of Cricket Control of India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly has confirmed that India's prolific all-rounder has still not recovered completely.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-premier-league-2020-to-bring-in-new-third-umpire-and-concussion-rule-bcci-277000" hreflang="en">Indian Premier League 2020 to bring in new third umpire and concussion rule - BCCI</a>

The 26-year-old underwent lower back surgery last October. He is currently training in the NCA (National Cricket Academy) under Rahul Dravid. News had come early on that he hasn't passed the fitness test, which led to his ousting from the Indian Squad for the T20I and the ODI series. But now it is official that Pandya will not play in the complete tour.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-defeat-new-zealand-in-second-t20i-rahul-iyer-shine-276693" hreflang="en">India defeat New Zealand in second T20I: Rahul, Iyer shine</a>

He was initially picked for India 'A' to play against the Kiwis. &nbsp;But Sourav Ganguly told the reporters: "Hardik is not fit. He is undergoing training at NCA to get back to full fitness. There is no question of him playing even domestic games at the moment,".

Virat Kohli criticized BCCI for cramped schedule for the Indian cricket team. Men in blue will face Proteas after the New Zealand tour. IPL will take place after the South African series.&nbsp;

Indian squad for the home series against South Africa&nbsp;is to be selected. The selection will be made by new selectors.&nbsp;

India are&nbsp;currently leading the 5-match T20I series against New Zealand (2-0). The T20I series will be followed 3-match ODI series, and then the tour will two Test matches.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Hardik Pandya's international comeback has been stalled for some more time. The Board of Cricket Control of India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly has confirmed that India's prolific all-rounder has still not recovered completely.

Hardik Pandya's international comeback has been stalled for some more time. The Board of Cricket Control of India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly has confirmed that India's prolific all-rounder has still not recovered completely. Also read: Indian Premier League 2020 to bring in new third umpire and concussion rule - BCCI The 26-year-old underwent lower back surgery last October. He is currently training in the NCA (National Cricket Academy) under Rahul Dravid. News had come early on that he hasn't passed the fitness test, which led to his ousting from the Indian Squad for the T20I and the ODI series. But now it is official that Pandya will not play in the complete tour. Also read: India defeat New Zealand in second T20I: Rahul, Iyer shine He was initially picked for India 'A' to play against the Kiwis. But Sourav Ganguly told the reporters: "Hardik is not fit. He is undergoing training at NCA to get back to full fitness. There is no question of him playing even domestic games at the moment,". Virat Kohli criticized BCCI for cramped schedule for the Indian cricket team. Men in blue will face Proteas after the New Zealand tour. IPL will take place after the South African series. Indian squad for the home series against South Africa is to be selected. The selection will be made by new selectors. India are currently leading the 5-match T20I series against New Zealand (2-0). The T20I series will be followed 3-match ODI series, and then the tour will two Test matches.

'Hardik Pandya not fit for Test match against New Zealand': Sourav Ganguly

KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer played knocks of 57 and 44 respectively as India defeated New Zealand by seven wickets in the second T20I of the five-match series on Sunday here at the Eden Park. 
 
With this win, India has gained a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series. 
 
Chasing 133, India got off to a bad start as the side lost its opener Rohit Sharma (8) in the first over of the innings.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-vs-india-1st-t20i-india-thrash-new-zealand-in-intense-run-chase-276357">T20I: India thrash New Zealand in thrilling run chase</a> 
 
KL Rahul and Virat Kohli then put on a 31-run stand, but Tim Southee provided the key breakthrough of Kohli (11) in the sixth over, reducing India to 39/2. 
Rahul and Shreyas Iyer then retrieved the innings for the side as the duo put on a stand of 86 runs, but with just eight runs required, Ish Sodhi dismissed Iyer (44) in the 17th over. 
 
In the end, Rahul and Shivam Dube took the team over the line by seven wickets and with 15 balls to spare. 
 
Earlier, a spirited bowling performance helped India restrict New Zealand to 132/5 in the allotted twenty overs. 
 
Opting to bat first, Kiwis got off to a steady start as openers Martin Guptill and Colin Munro were able to put on 48 runs for the first wicket, but India managed to get the breakthrough of Guptill (33) on the final ball of the sixth over.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-vs-india-1st-t20i-virat-kohli-eyes-another-record-williamson-will-look-forward-to-bouncing-back-after-aussie-debacle-276227">New Zealand vs India, 1st T20I: Virat Kohli eyes another record, Williamson looks forward to bounce back after Aussie debacle</a> 
 
Yuzvendra Chahal and Shivam Dube were then able to maintain a tight hold over the Kiwi batsmen, and this leads to Munro (26) giving his wicket away in the ninth over. Big-hitter Colin de Grandhomme (3) failed to leave a mark, as Ravindra Jadeja sent him back to the pavilion, reducing Kiwis to 74/3 in the 11th over. 
 
In the 13th over, Jadeja got the key breakthrough of Kane Williamson (14) and Kiwis were staring down the barrel at 81/4. 
 
Towards the end, Tim Seifert (33*) ensured that the Kiwis go past the 130-run mark. 
 
Brief Scores: India 135/3 (KL Rahul 57*, Shreyas Iyer 44, Tim Southee 2-12) defeat New Zealand 132/5 (Tim Seifert 33, Colin Munro 26, Ravindra Jadeja 2-18) by seven wickets.

KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer played knocks of 57 and 44 respectively as India defeated New Zealand by seven wickets in the second T20I of the five-match series on Sunday here at the Eden Park.

KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer played knocks of 57 and 44 respectively as India defeated New Zealand by seven wickets in the second T20I of the five-match series on Sunday here at the Eden Park. With this win, India has gained a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series. Chasing 133, India got off to a bad start as the side lost its opener Rohit Sharma (8) in the first over of the innings. Also read: T20I: India thrash New Zealand in thrilling run chase KL Rahul and Virat Kohli then put on a 31-run stand, but Tim Southee provided the key breakthrough of Kohli (11) in the sixth over, reducing India to 39/2. Rahul and Shreyas Iyer then retrieved the innings for the side as the duo put on a stand of 86 runs, but with just eight runs required, Ish Sodhi dismissed Iyer (44) in the 17th over. In the end, Rahul and Shivam Dube took the team over the line by seven wickets and with 15 balls to spare. Earlier, a spirited bowling performance helped India restrict New Zealand to 132/5 in the allotted twenty overs. Opting to bat first, Kiwis got off to a steady start as openers Martin Guptill and Colin Munro were able to put on 48 runs for the first wicket, but India managed to get the breakthrough of Guptill (33) on the final ball of the sixth over. Also read: New Zealand vs India, 1st T20I: Virat Kohli eyes another record, Williamson looks forward to bounce back after Aussie debacle Yuzvendra Chahal and Shivam Dube were then able to maintain a tight hold over the Kiwi batsmen, and this leads to Munro (26) giving his wicket away in the ninth over. Big-hitter Colin de Grandhomme (3) failed to leave a mark, as Ravindra Jadeja sent him back to the pavilion, reducing Kiwis to 74/3 in the 11th over. In the 13th over, Jadeja got the key breakthrough of Kane Williamson (14) and Kiwis were staring down the barrel at 81/4. Towards the end, Tim Seifert (33*) ensured that the Kiwis go past the 130-run mark. Brief Scores: India 135/3 (KL Rahul 57*, Shreyas Iyer 44, Tim Southee 2-12) defeat New Zealand 132/5 (Tim Seifert 33, Colin Munro 26, Ravindra Jadeja 2-18) by seven wickets.

India defeat New Zealand in second T20I: Rahul, Iyer shine

India will face New Zealand in their first T20I encounter post World Cup semi-finals defeat on Friday in Eden Park, Auckland. This is the longest series for the Indians of the shortest format.

India will face New Zealand in their first T20I encounter post World Cup semi-finals defeat on Friday in Eden Park, Auckland. This is the longest series for the Indians of the shortest format. Virat Kohli and his co while eye a series win, to boost their morale for the T20 World Cup later this year. Can't help but Love the Kiwis 🇮🇳🇳🇿 #TeamIndia #NZvIND pic.twitter.com/9Qc3k35v5L — BCCI (@BCCI) January 23, 2020 × Men in Blue will have a challenge against the Kiwis after being hit by injuries. Shikhar Dhawan ruled out in T20s and ODIs, and Ishant Sharma not being available for the tests landed a major blow to the Indian team before the series started. Sanju Samson and Prithvi Shaw will be replacing the prolific Indian opener (Dhawan) in T20Is and ODIs respectively. Hardik Pandya failed the fitness test and could not make it to the squad. Kane Williamson, on the other hand, has to bounce back after being clean swept in the previous home Test series against Australia (0-3). He called it a 'humbling experience'. Kane Williamson's team suffered a 3-0 Test defeat in Australia recently, but that hasn't blemished India captain Virat Kohli's respect for his New Zealand counterpart. pic.twitter.com/VDdH8NnRgX — ICC (@ICC) January 23, 2020 × The rare 5-match T20I series will help both the teams prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup. India and New Zealand have faced each other in 11 encounters in the T20Is. India won 3 whereas New Zealand won 8. Getting your keeping gloves ready @klrahul11? 👐👌🏻😃 #TeamIndia #NZvIND 🇮🇳🇳🇿 pic.twitter.com/g3EnlmdsWV — BCCI (@BCCI) January 23, 2020 × India and New Zealand currently rank at No 5 and No 6 respectively in T20I rankings. Virat Kohli will eye surpassing MS Dhoni in the list of highest run-scorers as a skipper. Kohli is yet to play a T20I in New Zealand. He has scored 1,032 runs at an average of 46.90 in 33 T20Is. He currently ranks fourth in the list of highest run-scorers as a T20I captain. Kohli, at the moment, is just 81 runs short of MS Dhoni's runs (1,112) in T20Is. Faf Du Plessis leads the list with 1,273 runs in 40 T20Is. Virat Kohli needs to score 242 runs to surpass Faf du Plessis and become the highest run-scorer as a T20I captain. Climate will be clear at the Eden Park, Auckland, with no chances of showers to spoil the game. New Zealand's Hamish Bennett might step in to fill the shoes for injured Trent Boult, whereas wicket-keeper Tim Seifert will fit in the middle order. Kiwis might pick one of the two spinners and pacer all-rounders. Probable XI: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Tim Seifert (wk), Colin de Grandhomme, Daryl Mitchell/Scott Kuggeleijn, Mitchell Santner/Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Hamish Bennett, Blair Tickner For India KL Rahul is expected to don the gloves and open for India, this doesn't rule out chances for Rishabh Pant or Sanju Samson to play as an 'extra' batsman in the team. Ravindra Jadeja might be preferred over Washington Sundar, but no speculations can be made as the call will be made according to the ground coordinates. Probable XI: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul (wk), Virat Kohli (c), Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar/Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav/Yuzvendra Chahal, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah T20I Squads: New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson(c), Tim Seifert(w), Ross Taylor, Colin de Grandhomme, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner, Scott Kuggeleijn, Hamish Bennett India: Rohit Sharma, Lokesh Rahul, Virat Kohli(c), Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Rishabh Pant(w), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal, Sanju Samson, Mohammed Shami, Navdeep Saini, Kuldeep Yadav, Shivam Dube

New Zealand vs India, 1st T20I: Virat Kohli eyes another record, Williamson looks forward to bounce back after Aussie debacle

The first T20I between India and New Zealand was a high scoring thriller with Shreyas Iyer powering the Men in Blue to victory against the Black Caps.&nbsp;

Team India beat the Kiwis easily by six wickets with an over to spare.

The toss was won by India and they chose to bowl first. New Zealand was off to a good start with the help of explosive opening pair putting 80 runs in just 47 balls. Martin Guptill was caught out by Rohit Sharma on the boundary line dismissed by Shivam Dube.&nbsp;

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Strong start for India in pursuit of 204. The visitors are 115/2 after 10, Santner and Sodhi with a wicket each. 
 
Live Scoring | <a href="https://t.co/T8XHFR8XfS">https://t.co/T8XHFR8XfS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvIND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketNation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketNation</a> 
📷 = <a href="https://twitter.com/PhotosportNZ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PhotosportNZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/bjOhdFACAR">pic.twitter.com/bjOhdFACAR</a>
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Colin Munro's good form against the Indian bowlers continued&nbsp;as the 32-year-old scored 59 runs in 42 balls. Kane&nbsp;Williamson's 51 runs (26 balls) and Ross Taylor's 54 runs in 27 balls gave the Kiwis a much needed to push to take the hosts over the 200-run mark, New Zealand eventually scored 203 runs in their 20 overs.&nbsp;

Indian bowlers Jasprit Bumrah, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja scalped one wicket each.&nbsp;

Indian batsmen chased down the target effortlessly. India started on the offensive right from the start. Despite Rohit Sharma's quick dismissal, KL Rahul (56 runs) and Virat Kohli's (45 runs) 99 runs partnership kept India in the chase.&nbsp;

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A solid half-century by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> opener <a href="https://twitter.com/klrahul11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@klrahul11</a> 👏👏 
 
Updates - <a href="https://t.co/5NdtfFJOd8">https://t.co/5NdtfFJOd8</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/WgT4oidtG7">pic.twitter.com/WgT4oidtG7</a>
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The&nbsp;match-winner for India was Shreyas Iyer with&nbsp;58 runs off 29 balls. He smashed 3 sixes and five fours in his innings to help India to victory.&nbsp;Iyer was declared the man of the match.&nbsp;

Mitchell Santner was the most expensive New Zealand bowler. Ish Sodhi took the most wickets (2) for the losing side.

Virat Kohli is just 36&nbsp;runs away from overtaking&nbsp;MS Dhoni's highest run-scoring record as skipper in T20Is.

The first T20I between India and New Zealand was a high scoring thriller with Shreyas Iyer powering the Men in Blue to victory against the Black Caps. Team India beat the Kiwis easily by six wickets with an over to spare.

The first T20I between India and New Zealand was a high scoring thriller with Shreyas Iyer powering the Men in Blue to victory against the Black Caps. Team India beat the Kiwis easily by six wickets with an over to spare. The toss was won by India and they chose to bowl first. New Zealand was off to a good start with the help of explosive opening pair putting 80 runs in just 47 balls. Martin Guptill was caught out by Rohit Sharma on the boundary line dismissed by Shivam Dube. Strong start for India in pursuit of 204. The visitors are 115/2 after 10, Santner and Sodhi with a wicket each. Live Scoring | https://t.co/T8XHFR8XfS #NZvIND #CricketNation 📷 = @PhotosportNZ pic.twitter.com/bjOhdFACAR — BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 24, 2020 × Colin Munro's good form against the Indian bowlers continued as the 32-year-old scored 59 runs in 42 balls. Kane Williamson's 51 runs (26 balls) and Ross Taylor's 54 runs in 27 balls gave the Kiwis a much needed to push to take the hosts over the 200-run mark, New Zealand eventually scored 203 runs in their 20 overs. Indian bowlers Jasprit Bumrah, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja scalped one wicket each. Indian batsmen chased down the target effortlessly. India started on the offensive right from the start. Despite Rohit Sharma's quick dismissal, KL Rahul (56 runs) and Virat Kohli's (45 runs) 99 runs partnership kept India in the chase. A solid half-century by #TeamIndia opener @klrahul11 👏👏 Updates - https://t.co/5NdtfFJOd8 #NZvIND pic.twitter.com/WgT4oidtG7 — BCCI (@BCCI) January 24, 2020 × The match-winner for India was Shreyas Iyer with 58 runs off 29 balls. He smashed 3 sixes and five fours in his innings to help India to victory. Iyer was declared the man of the match. Mitchell Santner was the most expensive New Zealand bowler. Ish Sodhi took the most wickets (2) for the losing side. Virat Kohli is just 36 runs away from overtaking MS Dhoni's highest run-scoring record as skipper in T20Is.

T20I: India thrash New Zealand in thrilling run chase

The New Zealand government has decided to teach school students about the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/climate-change-hits-india-much-work-needs-to-be-done-262038">climate crisis</a>, activism and 'eco-anxiety', New Zealand media reports.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/polar-bear-invasion-how-climate-change-is-forcing-them-to-change-their-hunting-habits-197555">Polar bear 'invasion': How climate change is forcing them to change their hunting habits</a>

This positive and developmental change to the school education curriculum will put the country at the forefront of climate crisis education worldwide.

Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-2019-15-disasters-the-soaring-costs-of-climate-change-271131/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Access to materials from leading science agencies about the climate crisis will be provided to all schools in New Zealand.

These include processing their feelings such as anxiety regarding global warming and instruments for planning their own activism to students.

This initiative will put New Zealand a step ahead over other countries in case of educating its citizens regarding changes in climate.

It is noteworthy that both Australia and the United Kingdom have been condemned about the lack of consistency in the climate crisis.&nbsp;

According to the government, this scheme will be offered in all schools of New Zealand to the students between 11 to 15 years of age.&nbsp;

However, it will not be mandatory.&nbsp;

''As per the feedback received from the teachers all across the country, the children are genuinely interested in educating themselves on matters related to climate change'', said James Shaw, New Zealand's minister for climate change.

In 2019, many students in New Zealand left their classes to protest against climate change.

The youngsters expressed that they felt that the older generations had a passive attitude regarding climate change and that they had deserted the "existential threat".

This became a cause of their concern and made them feel anxious and depressed about their future.

The purpose behind providing these materials, which will include tips from experts and both audio-visual aids as well, will also keep a check on these emotions and will make them introspect and ponder regarding the steps they take when they look for solutions.

Creating an edible garden is a specific environmental issue that will be emphasized in this program.

New Zealand had encountered its fourth warmest year in 2019 since 1909 where the temperature ranged between 0.5C to 1.2C which was higher than the average annual across the countries.

The New Zealand government has decided to teach school students about the climate crisis, activism and 'eco-anxiety', New Zealand media reports. Polar bear 'invasion': How climate change is forcing them to change their hunting habits This positive and developmental change to the school education curriculum will put the country at the forefront of climate crisis education worldwide.

The New Zealand government has decided to teach school students about the climate crisis, activism and 'eco-anxiety', New Zealand media reports. Polar bear 'invasion': How climate change is forcing them to change their hunting habits This positive and developmental change to the school education curriculum will put the country at the forefront of climate crisis education worldwide. Watch: Access to materials from leading science agencies about the climate crisis will be provided to all schools in New Zealand. These include processing their feelings such as anxiety regarding global warming and instruments for planning their own activism to students. This initiative will put New Zealand a step ahead over other countries in case of educating its citizens regarding changes in climate. It is noteworthy that both Australia and the United Kingdom have been condemned about the lack of consistency in the climate crisis. According to the government, this scheme will be offered in all schools of New Zealand to the students between 11 to 15 years of age. However, it will not be mandatory. ''As per the feedback received from the teachers all across the country, the children are genuinely interested in educating themselves on matters related to climate change'', said James Shaw, New Zealand's minister for climate change. In 2019, many students in New Zealand left their classes to protest against climate change. The youngsters expressed that they felt that the older generations had a passive attitude regarding climate change and that they had deserted the "existential threat". This became a cause of their concern and made them feel anxious and depressed about their future. The purpose behind providing these materials, which will include tips from experts and both audio-visual aids as well, will also keep a check on these emotions and will make them introspect and ponder regarding the steps they take when they look for solutions. Creating an edible garden is a specific environmental issue that will be emphasized in this program. New Zealand had encountered its fourth warmest year in 2019 since 1909 where the temperature ranged between 0.5C to 1.2C which was higher than the average annual across the countries.

Climate crisis to be part of school education in New Zealand

Institute for Economics and Peace ranks the most peaceful countries

A gauge of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-markets-asian-shares-lower-as-investors-book-decade-end-profits-271229">Asian shares</a> was toppled from an 18-month top on Monday as heightened Middle East tensions sent investors scurrying for the safety of gold, which hit a near seven-year high while oil jumped to four-month peaks.

The United States detected a heightened state of alert by Iran's missile forces, as President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-rattled-after-donald-trump-says-no-deadline-on-us-china-trade-deal-266025">Donald Trump</a> warned the US&nbsp;would strike back, "perhaps in a disproportionate manner," if Iran attacked any American person or target.

Iraq's parliament on Sunday recommended all foreign troops be ordered out of the country after the US&nbsp;killing of a top Iranian military commander and an Iraqi militia leader.

Spot gold surged 1.5 per cent&nbsp;to $1,579.55 per ounce in jittery trade and reached its highest since April 2013.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-tumble-ahead-of-opec-meeting-global-stocks-fall-265363">Oil prices</a> added to their gains on fears any conflict in the region could disrupt global supplies.

Brent crude futures rose $1.46 to $70.06 a barrel, while US crude climbed $1.17 to $64.22.

"The risk of further escalation has clearly gone up&nbsp;given the direct attack on Iran, Iran's threat of retaliation and Trump's desire to look tough - posing the threat of higher oil prices," said Shane Oliver, chief economist at AMP Capital.

"Historically though oil prices need to double to pose a severe threat to global growth and we are a long way from that."

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-warns-he-may-hit-iraq-with-sanctions-272385/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan&nbsp;slipped 0.7 per cent.

Japan's Nikkei slid almost 2 per cent&nbsp;in a sour return from holiday, while E-Mini futures for the S&amp;P 500&nbsp; fell 0.5&nbsp;per cent in very choppy trade.

Chinese shares opened in the red too, with the blue-chip CSI300 index off a shade while Australian shares were off 0.4 per cent.

"Geopolitical tensions look like remaining elevated in the coming days, so lending support to oil prices and keeping risk asset markets on the defensive," said Ray Attrill, head of FX strategy at National Australia Bank.

Sovereign bonds benefited from the safety bid with yields on 10-year Treasuries down at 1.769&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;having fallen 10 basis points on Friday. Treasury futures gained 5-1/2 ticks.

In currency markets, the Japanese yen remained the favoured safe harbour courtesy of Japan's massive holdings of foreign assets. Investors assume Japanese funds would repatriate their money during a truly global crisis, pushing the yen higher.

On Monday, the dollar was last at 107.98 yen, after falling to a three-month trough of 107.78 earlier in the session. The euro likewise eased to 120.55 yen having hit a three-week low.

The dollar was steadier against the other majors, with the euro little changed at $1.1161. Against a basket of currencies, the dollar was holding at 96.86.

The risk-sensitive currencies of Australia and New Zealand were on track for their fourth straight session of losses.

A gauge of Asian shares was toppled from an 18-month top on Monday as heightened Middle East tensions sent investors scurrying for the safety of gold, which hit a near seven-year high while oil jumped to four-month peaks.

A gauge of Asian shares was toppled from an 18-month top on Monday as heightened Middle East tensions sent investors scurrying for the safety of gold, which hit a near seven-year high while oil jumped to four-month peaks. The United States detected a heightened state of alert by Iran's missile forces, as President Donald Trump warned the US would strike back, "perhaps in a disproportionate manner," if Iran attacked any American person or target. Iraq's parliament on Sunday recommended all foreign troops be ordered out of the country after the US killing of a top Iranian military commander and an Iraqi militia leader. Spot gold surged 1.5 per cent to $1,579.55 per ounce in jittery trade and reached its highest since April 2013. Oil prices added to their gains on fears any conflict in the region could disrupt global supplies. Brent crude futures rose $1.46 to $70.06 a barrel, while US crude climbed $1.17 to $64.22. "The risk of further escalation has clearly gone up given the direct attack on Iran, Iran's threat of retaliation and Trump's desire to look tough - posing the threat of higher oil prices," said Shane Oliver, chief economist at AMP Capital. "Historically though oil prices need to double to pose a severe threat to global growth and we are a long way from that." Watch Video: MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan slipped 0.7 per cent. Japan's Nikkei slid almost 2 per cent in a sour return from holiday, while E-Mini futures for the S&P 500 fell 0.5 per cent in very choppy trade. Chinese shares opened in the red too, with the blue-chip CSI300 index off a shade while Australian shares were off 0.4 per cent. "Geopolitical tensions look like remaining elevated in the coming days, so lending support to oil prices and keeping risk asset markets on the defensive," said Ray Attrill, head of FX strategy at National Australia Bank. Sovereign bonds benefited from the safety bid with yields on 10-year Treasuries down at 1.769 per cent having fallen 10 basis points on Friday. Treasury futures gained 5-1/2 ticks. In currency markets, the Japanese yen remained the favoured safe harbour courtesy of Japan's massive holdings of foreign assets. Investors assume Japanese funds would repatriate their money during a truly global crisis, pushing the yen higher. On Monday, the dollar was last at 107.98 yen, after falling to a three-month trough of 107.78 earlier in the session. The euro likewise eased to 120.55 yen having hit a three-week low. The dollar was steadier against the other majors, with the euro little changed at $1.1161. Against a basket of currencies, the dollar was holding at 96.86. The risk-sensitive currencies of Australia and New Zealand were on track for their fourth straight session of losses.

Gold, oil prices soar amid US-Iran tensions

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-archer-may-miss-test-against-south-africa-271563">Nathan&nbsp;Lyon</a>&nbsp;took 5-68 as a dominant&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;dismissed New Zealand for 251 before the home batsmen took over to extend their lead to 243 by the close of play on the third day of the third and final test on Sunday.

Already 2-0 down in the series after thumping defeats in Perth and Melbourne, New Zealand have been ravaged by illness and injury and now face a huge battle to avoid a third heavy loss before they head home.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-labuschagne-leads-as-australia-take-charge-in-sydney-271812">Sydney</a>&nbsp;Cricket Ground was turned pink for the 12th straight year in aid of cricketing great Glenn McGrath's breast cancer foundation but there was nothing charitable about&nbsp;Australia's approach to the match.

Openers <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-stunned-new-zealand-fight-to-save-second-australia-test-270820">David Warner</a> (23) and Joe Burns (16) steered the hosts to 40 without loss at stumps to add to the first-innings tally of 454 built on the back of Marnus Labuschagne's maiden double century.

It was the&nbsp;Australian bowling attack, though, that once again set the tone as they took all 10 New Zealand wickets for the fifth time in the series.

Off-spinner&nbsp;Lyon&nbsp;carried the ball off the pitch to huge applause an hour after tea after he had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-vs-nz-new-zealand-woes-continue-with-bowler-matt-henry-injury-272088">Matt Henry</a> stumped to end New Zealand's innings and secure the 17th&nbsp;five-wicket haul of his career, his first against the Black Caps.

"It's always special being part of the&nbsp;Sydney&nbsp;test match and playing in front of your family and friends, and to perform in the first innings was pretty special,"&nbsp;Lyon&nbsp;said.

"There's still plenty of work to do in the second dig&nbsp;but if you were rocking up today and saying we'd end up with a lead of 240 and 10 wickets in hand, we'll take that every day," he added.

Henry batted despite breaking the thumb on his non-bowling hand on day one of the match, the latest in a catalogue of misfortune that robbed the tourists of captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-new-zealand-sweat-on-ailing-williamson-and-nicholls-271562">Kane Williamson</a> and a string of other top players.

Glenn Phillips, flown over from New Zealand on the eve of the test to cover for the sick Williamson and Nicholls, offered the most resistance with a 52 on his test debut.

The 23-year-old enjoyed some luck when he was dropped twice by the normally reliable&nbsp;Lyon&nbsp;and again just before tea when he was caught in the deep off a James Pattinson no-ball.

He brought up his maiden half-century with a brilliant pull shot through square but two balls later were clean bowled by paceman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-neser-likely-to-debut-in-australias-five-bowler-ploy-270113">Pat Cummins</a>, who took 3-44 to show once again why he is the world's top-ranked test bowler.

"It was a really enjoyable time out there," Phillips said. "It's a shame I wasn't able to go on and extend the innings a bit, but that's cricket."

Lyon&nbsp;tops a few lists of his own these days and it was the unassuming off-spinner who broke New Zealand's early resistance after they had resumed on 63 without loss.

He bowled opener <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/de-grandhomme-removes-labuschagne-as-australia-move-to-155-3-at-tea-270279">Tom Blundell</a> for 34 and trapped Jeet Raval leg before wicket for 31 in the first session and returned after tea to send back tailenders Will Sommerville and Neil Wagner, both for ducks, in a magnificent two-wicket maiden.

Conditions were much cooler than on Saturday's second day but there was a distinct smell of smoke in the air from the bushfires that have been raging around&nbsp;Sydney&nbsp;for the last couple of months.

Nathan Lyon took 5-68 as a dominant Australia dismissed New Zealand for 251 before the home batsmen took over to extend their lead to 243 by the close of play on the third day of the third and final test on Sunday.

Nathan Lyon took 5-68 as a dominant Australia dismissed New Zealand for 251 before the home batsmen took over to extend their lead to 243 by the close of play on the third day of the third and final test on Sunday. Already 2-0 down in the series after thumping defeats in Perth and Melbourne, New Zealand have been ravaged by illness and injury and now face a huge battle to avoid a third heavy loss before they head home. The Sydney Cricket Ground was turned pink for the 12th straight year in aid of cricketing great Glenn McGrath's breast cancer foundation but there was nothing charitable about Australia's approach to the match. Openers David Warner (23) and Joe Burns (16) steered the hosts to 40 without loss at stumps to add to the first-innings tally of 454 built on the back of Marnus Labuschagne's maiden double century. It was the Australian bowling attack, though, that once again set the tone as they took all 10 New Zealand wickets for the fifth time in the series. Off-spinner Lyon carried the ball off the pitch to huge applause an hour after tea after he had Matt Henry stumped to end New Zealand's innings and secure the 17th five-wicket haul of his career, his first against the Black Caps. "It's always special being part of the Sydney test match and playing in front of your family and friends, and to perform in the first innings was pretty special," Lyon said. "There's still plenty of work to do in the second dig but if you were rocking up today and saying we'd end up with a lead of 240 and 10 wickets in hand, we'll take that every day," he added. Henry batted despite breaking the thumb on his non-bowling hand on day one of the match, the latest in a catalogue of misfortune that robbed the tourists of captain Kane Williamson and a string of other top players. Glenn Phillips, flown over from New Zealand on the eve of the test to cover for the sick Williamson and Nicholls, offered the most resistance with a 52 on his test debut. The 23-year-old enjoyed some luck when he was dropped twice by the normally reliable Lyon and again just before tea when he was caught in the deep off a James Pattinson no-ball. He brought up his maiden half-century with a brilliant pull shot through square but two balls later were clean bowled by paceman Pat Cummins, who took 3-44 to show once again why he is the world's top-ranked test bowler. "It was a really enjoyable time out there," Phillips said. "It's a shame I wasn't able to go on and extend the innings a bit, but that's cricket." Lyon tops a few lists of his own these days and it was the unassuming off-spinner who broke New Zealand's early resistance after they had resumed on 63 without loss. He bowled opener Tom Blundell for 34 and trapped Jeet Raval leg before wicket for 31 in the first session and returned after tea to send back tailenders Will Sommerville and Neil Wagner, both for ducks, in a magnificent two-wicket maiden. Conditions were much cooler than on Saturday's second day but there was a distinct smell of smoke in the air from the bushfires that have been raging around Sydney for the last couple of months.

Aus vs NZ: Nathan Lyon takes five as Australia dominate in Sydney

Massive bushfires in Australia caused new concerns when the smoke reached neighbouring country New Zealand, forcing people to dial emergency numbers when they spotted orange skies.&nbsp;

The smokes have now moved North, which includes Auckland after covering much of the South Island.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-firefighters-get-brief-reprieve-as-death-toll-rises-272175">Australian firefighters get brief reprieve as death toll rises</a>

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Took these in Auckland city, New Zealand at 3pm today. The smoke from the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AustralianBushfire?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AustralianBushfire</a> shrouding everything in orange. <a href="https://t.co/tgoRx4I11v">pic.twitter.com/tgoRx4I11v</a>
— Gala Georgette (@GalaGeorgette) <a href="https://twitter.com/GalaGeorgette/status/1213657941850513408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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After the skies turned "scary", people in Auckland were urged by police not to dial the 111 emergency number to report the orange haze in the sky coming from Australia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-firefighters-get-brief-reprieve-as-death-toll-rises-272175">ATP: Novak Djokovic concerned about smoke at Australian Open as bushfires continue to blaze</a>

"We are currently receiving high numbers of calls related to this," police said.

People in New Zealand shared images of orange skies seen across Auckland.

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Just took a couple of shots of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Auckland?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Auckland</a> smoke from the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AustralianBushfire?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AustralianBushfire</a>. Looks absolutely insane. <a href="https://t.co/zCK8DFzxlM">pic.twitter.com/zCK8DFzxlM</a>
— Cinematic Captures (@CineCaptures) <a href="https://twitter.com/CineCaptures/status/1213641554738348033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Zimena Dormer-Didovich, a local, said that her 14-year-old asthmatic son was feeling the effects of the haze.

"It's very unsettling to see this. I can't imagine what the Australians just be experiencing." said Dormer-Didovich.&nbsp;

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Auckland skies in 4 unfiltered shots<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AustralianBushfire?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AustralianBushfire</a> <a href="https://t.co/nTPW38Nkzf">pic.twitter.com/nTPW38Nkzf</a>
— Keith Miller (@keith_miller_nz) <a href="https://twitter.com/keith_miller_nz/status/1213634729112522752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Experts say that the change in colour is caused by the smoke which reduces the visibility of blue light.&nbsp;

Forecaster Weatherwatch.co.nz said the appearance of the sky changed dramatically in the early afternoon.

"The gloomy weather is likely to continue for the rest of Sunday with this next main plume moving through and thickening over Sunday afternoon," WeatherWatch said.&nbsp;

At least 24 people have been killed in this season's bushfires in Australia. More than 5.25 million hectares (13 million acres) of land has been burnt in the fires.&nbsp;

(with inputs from AFP and Reuters)

 
&nbsp;

Massive bushfires in Australia caused new concerns when the smoke reached neighbouring country New Zealand, forcing people to dial emergency numbers when they spotted orange skies.

Massive bushfires in Australia caused new concerns when the smoke reached neighbouring country New Zealand, forcing people to dial emergency numbers when they spotted orange skies. The smokes have now moved North, which includes Auckland after covering much of the South Island. Also read: Australian firefighters get brief reprieve as death toll rises Took these in Auckland city, New Zealand at 3pm today. The smoke from the #AustralianBushfire shrouding everything in orange. pic.twitter.com/tgoRx4I11v — Gala Georgette (@GalaGeorgette) January 5, 2020 × After the skies turned "scary", people in Auckland were urged by police not to dial the 111 emergency number to report the orange haze in the sky coming from Australia. Also read: ATP: Novak Djokovic concerned about smoke at Australian Open as bushfires continue to blaze "We are currently receiving high numbers of calls related to this," police said. People in New Zealand shared images of orange skies seen across Auckland. Just took a couple of shots of the #Auckland smoke from the #AustralianBushfire. Looks absolutely insane. pic.twitter.com/zCK8DFzxlM — Cinematic Captures (@CineCaptures) January 5, 2020 × Zimena Dormer-Didovich, a local, said that her 14-year-old asthmatic son was feeling the effects of the haze. "It's very unsettling to see this. I can't imagine what the Australians just be experiencing." said Dormer-Didovich. Auckland skies in 4 unfiltered shots#AustralianBushfire pic.twitter.com/nTPW38Nkzf — Keith Miller (@keith_miller_nz) January 5, 2020 × Experts say that the change in colour is caused by the smoke which reduces the visibility of blue light. Forecaster Weatherwatch.co.nz said the appearance of the sky changed dramatically in the early afternoon. "The gloomy weather is likely to continue for the rest of Sunday with this next main plume moving through and thickening over Sunday afternoon," WeatherWatch said. At least 24 people have been killed in this season's bushfires in Australia. More than 5.25 million hectares (13 million acres) of land has been burnt in the fires. (with inputs from AFP and Reuters)

New Zealand: People call emergency services after skies turn orange due to bushfires

New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;has suffered yet another&nbsp;injury&nbsp;blow on their tour of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-marnus-labuschagne-hits-double-ton-in-australias-454-in-sydney-test-272047">Australia</a> on Saturday after confirmation that bowler <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-fast-bowler-ferguson-gets-new-zealand-test-call-262318">Matt&nbsp;Henry</a>&nbsp;broke his left thumb on the opening day of the third test.

The right-arm seamer will&nbsp;continue&nbsp;to bowl in the test, which the tourists must at least draw to avoid a 3-0 series whitewash, but whether he bats will depend on "match conditions",&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;Cricket said.

The Blacks Caps lost <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-smith-strikes-a-blow-against-new-zealand-on-boxing-day-270526">Lockie Ferguson</a> to&nbsp;injury&nbsp;in the first test and another pace bowler, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-nz-spinner-somerville-replaces-injured-boult-in-sydney-test-270920">Trent Boult</a>, in the second, while <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-beat-new-zealand-by-296-runs-to-win-first-test-in-perth-268378">Tim Southee</a> was dropped for the third to make way for&nbsp;Henry.

Captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-new-zealand-sweat-on-ailing-williamson-and-nicholls-271562">Kane Williamson</a>, batsman&nbsp;Henry&nbsp;Nicholls and spinner Mitchell Santner were also ruled out of the third test by a bout of flu.

New Zealand has suffered yet another injury blow on their tour of Australia on Saturday after confirmation that bowler Matt Henry broke his left thumb on the opening day of the third test.

New Zealand has suffered yet another injury blow on their tour of Australia on Saturday after confirmation that bowler Matt Henry broke his left thumb on the opening day of the third test. The right-arm seamer will continue to bowl in the test, which the tourists must at least draw to avoid a 3-0 series whitewash, but whether he bats will depend on "match conditions", New Zealand Cricket said. The Blacks Caps lost Lockie Ferguson to injury in the first test and another pace bowler, Trent Boult, in the second, while Tim Southee was dropped for the third to make way for Henry. Captain Kane Williamson, batsman Henry Nicholls and spinner Mitchell Santner were also ruled out of the third test by a bout of flu.

Aus vs NZ: New Zealand woes continue with bowler Matt Henry injury

Marnus Labuschagne continued his purple patch of form into the New Year as Australia reached 182 for two at tea on the first day of the third Test against a New Zealand side ravaged by illness and missing captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-new-zealand-sweat-on-ailing-williamson-and-nicholls-271562">Kane Williamson</a> on Friday.

A Blacks Caps side featuring five changes from the side which lost in Melbourne to cede the three-match series battled gamely but Labuschagne looked well set on 73 not out after scoring his sixth half-century in his last seven innings.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-smith-strikes-a-blow-against-new-zealand-on-boxing-day-270526">Steve Smith</a> was unbeaten on 42 having taken 39 balls to get off the mark, his determination not to fall to <a>New Zealand</a> quick Neil Wagner for a fifth time in this series apparently overcoming his desire to score runs.

Wagner did take one big wicket when he removed David Warner for 45 three balls after lunch with a delivery down the leg side that the Australian opener steered to gully for Colin de Grandhomme to take a fine catch.

De Grandhomme was responsible for the one wicket to fall in the first session when he had the other opener, Joe Burns, caught in the slips off an outside edge for 18.

The day got off to a chaotic start for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-new-zealand-collapse-to-148-all-out-under-australian-pace-barrage-270701">New Zealand</a> when Williamson and batsman Henry Nicholls were ruled out of the match by a flu virus just before the toss, while spinner Mitchell Santner was too ill to leave the team hotel.

Tom Latham was named captain in Williamson's place and his first act was to lose a toss the tourists would have been desperate to win after selecting two spinners and dropping paceman Tim Southee.

With Southee's usual strike partner Trent Boult ruled out by injury, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-stunned-new-zealand-fight-to-save-second-australia-test-270820">New Zealand</a> started a test for the first time in more than a decade without one of the pair or Williamson in the side.

Both teams wore black armbands in memory of those who have lost their lives in the bushfires and before the start of play joined the crowd in a minute of applause for the emergency services fighting the conflagrations.

The skies were clear of the bushfire smoke that has shrouded the city on several occasions over the last few months and has organisers prepared for delays during the match.

Marnus Labuschagne continued his purple patch of form into the New Year as Australia reached 182 for two at tea on the first day of the third Test against a New Zealand side ravaged by illness and missing captain Kane Williamson on Friday.

Marnus Labuschagne continued his purple patch of form into the New Year as Australia reached 182 for two at tea on the first day of the third Test against a New Zealand side ravaged by illness and missing captain Kane Williamson on Friday. A Blacks Caps side featuring five changes from the side which lost in Melbourne to cede the three-match series battled gamely but Labuschagne looked well set on 73 not out after scoring his sixth half-century in his last seven innings. Steve Smith was unbeaten on 42 having taken 39 balls to get off the mark, his determination not to fall to New Zealand quick Neil Wagner for a fifth time in this series apparently overcoming his desire to score runs. Wagner did take one big wicket when he removed David Warner for 45 three balls after lunch with a delivery down the leg side that the Australian opener steered to gully for Colin de Grandhomme to take a fine catch. De Grandhomme was responsible for the one wicket to fall in the first session when he had the other opener, Joe Burns, caught in the slips off an outside edge for 18. The day got off to a chaotic start for New Zealand when Williamson and batsman Henry Nicholls were ruled out of the match by a flu virus just before the toss, while spinner Mitchell Santner was too ill to leave the team hotel. Tom Latham was named captain in Williamson's place and his first act was to lose a toss the tourists would have been desperate to win after selecting two spinners and dropping paceman Tim Southee. With Southee's usual strike partner Trent Boult ruled out by injury, New Zealand started a test for the first time in more than a decade without one of the pair or Williamson in the side. Both teams wore black armbands in memory of those who have lost their lives in the bushfires and before the start of play joined the crowd in a minute of applause for the emergency services fighting the conflagrations. The skies were clear of the bushfire smoke that has shrouded the city on several occasions over the last few months and has organisers prepared for delays during the match.

Sydney Test: Labuschagne leads charge against New Zealand as Australia take charge

A flu-like bug that has ripped through the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-stunned-new-zealand-fight-to-save-second-australia-test-270820">New Zealand</a> squad ahead of the third Test against Australia forced captain Kane Williamson and batsman Henry Nicholls to miss training for the second successive day on Thursday.

Tom Latham, who took the captain's press conference in the absence of Williamson, said left-arm spinner Mitch Santner had also been affected by the bug but he was hopeful all three would be fit to play when the Test got underway on Friday.

"It's up in the air at the moment but a couple of the boys are a bit crook unfortunately," Latham told reporters at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-new-zealand-collapse-to-148-all-out-under-australian-pace-barrage-270701">Sydney&nbsp;Cricket&nbsp;Ground</a> (SCG).

"They're going to have today off as well as yesterday, so fingers crossed tomorrow they'll be right to go.

"I think it's flu-like symptoms, I'm not 100% sure," he added. "It's gone around the team a little bit, which isn't ideal, but they're resting up today and hopefully they'll be good to go."

New Zealand were beaten heavily in the first two Tests of the three-match series but the loss in particular of world class batsman Williamson would be a major blow to their hopes of putting in a good performance to close out the tour.

Latham, however, thought it would have to be a very serious illness for his captain to miss the match.

"I think it will take a lot," he said. "He's obviously a great leader amongst this group and he's passionate about this group so if there's any chance of him playing, even if it is a small chance, I'm sure he'll play."

Santner was under pressure for his place in the side in any case after taking 1-250 over the first two Tests and his illness makes it even more likely that off-spinner Will Somerville will play his fourth Test.

The 35-year-old former accountant, who knows the SCG well after playing for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-orders-mass-evacuation-over-bushfire-danger-military-moves-in-to-help-271499">New South Wales</a> for four years until 2018, was called into the squad this week.

New Zealand have only one extra batsman in the squad but Latham said the presence of a few all-rounders would make the position easier if Williamson and Nicholls were unable to play.

"Obviously if we lost those guys it would be a little bit disappointing but ... whatever side we end up playing, we've got the backing of the whole group that it's the right team to do the job," he said.

"We haven't necessarily played our best brand of&nbsp;cricket&nbsp;since we've been over here and the guys are really excited to go out there over the next five days and try to put in a good performance."

A flu-like bug that has ripped through the New Zealand squad ahead of the third Test against Australia forced captain Kane Williamson and batsman Henry Nicholls to miss training for the second successive day on Thursday.

A flu-like bug that has ripped through the New Zealand squad ahead of the third Test against Australia forced captain Kane Williamson and batsman Henry Nicholls to miss training for the second successive day on Thursday. Tom Latham, who took the captain's press conference in the absence of Williamson, said left-arm spinner Mitch Santner had also been affected by the bug but he was hopeful all three would be fit to play when the Test got underway on Friday. "It's up in the air at the moment but a couple of the boys are a bit crook unfortunately," Latham told reporters at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). "They're going to have today off as well as yesterday, so fingers crossed tomorrow they'll be right to go. "I think it's flu-like symptoms, I'm not 100% sure," he added. "It's gone around the team a little bit, which isn't ideal, but they're resting up today and hopefully they'll be good to go." New Zealand were beaten heavily in the first two Tests of the three-match series but the loss in particular of world class batsman Williamson would be a major blow to their hopes of putting in a good performance to close out the tour. Latham, however, thought it would have to be a very serious illness for his captain to miss the match. "I think it will take a lot," he said. "He's obviously a great leader amongst this group and he's passionate about this group so if there's any chance of him playing, even if it is a small chance, I'm sure he'll play." Santner was under pressure for his place in the side in any case after taking 1-250 over the first two Tests and his illness makes it even more likely that off-spinner Will Somerville will play his fourth Test. The 35-year-old former accountant, who knows the SCG well after playing for New South Wales for four years until 2018, was called into the squad this week. New Zealand have only one extra batsman in the squad but Latham said the presence of a few all-rounders would make the position easier if Williamson and Nicholls were unable to play. "Obviously if we lost those guys it would be a little bit disappointing but ... whatever side we end up playing, we've got the backing of the whole group that it's the right team to do the job," he said. "We haven't necessarily played our best brand of cricket since we've been over here and the guys are really excited to go out there over the next five days and try to put in a good performance."

Cricket: New Zealand sweat on ailing Williamson and Nicholls

New year resolutions for India: Lessons from New Zealand for India. #India #NewZealand #NewYear

Gravitas: Talk of inclusive India needs to be actualised

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-new-year-celebrations-kick-off-around-the-world-as-new-zealand-outpaces-others-to-enter-2020-271262">New Year celebrations</a> kicked off in New Zealand before the festivities reach the other countries. Always among the first to witness the arrival of a new year, New Zealanders celebrated in their signature style with firework displays erupting from Auckland's 328-metre tall Sky Tower on Wednesday.

The exhilarating view was visible from the waterfront from where the locals and tourists witnessed brightly coloured fireworks and laser lighting hazing the skies over the harbour.&nbsp;

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Watch | First <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewYear?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewYear</a> celebration visuals 
 
Spectacular fireworks were observed in New Zealand. Thousands gather to witness the sparkling extravaganza <a href="https://t.co/V5Nmdb5x64">pic.twitter.com/V5Nmdb5x64</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1211990895991541760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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A local broadcaster TVNZ reported that the Sky Tower was adorned with 3,500 effects. Additionally, it required two tonnes of equipment and 14 kilometres of cabling.

To accompany the fireworks display, a light show was organised on the Auckland Harbour Bridge.&nbsp;

Users on social media shared clips of the firework display fervently.&nbsp;

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Our little Pacific paradise, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewZealand?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewZealand</a>, is the first major nation to usher in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewYear?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewYear</a>. Great firework display in Auckland! May 2020 be a great year for our great country and may all 5 million Kiwis have good health and happiness. 
 
🇳🇿🎉🎊💕 <a href="https://t.co/AcfKRdffPZ">pic.twitter.com/AcfKRdffPZ</a>
— Virgil Arvaniti (@varvanitas) <a href="https://twitter.com/varvanitas/status/1211970303674347522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

New Year celebrations kicked off in New Zealand before the festivities reach the other countries. Always among the first to witness the arrival of a new year, New Zealanders celebrated in their signature style with firework displays erupting from Auckland's 328-metre tall Sky Tower on Wednesday.

New Year celebrations kicked off in New Zealand before the festivities reach the other countries. Always among the first to witness the arrival of a new year, New Zealanders celebrated in their signature style with firework displays erupting from Auckland's 328-metre tall Sky Tower on Wednesday. The exhilarating view was visible from the waterfront from where the locals and tourists witnessed brightly coloured fireworks and laser lighting hazing the skies over the harbour. Watch | First #NewYear celebration visuals Spectacular fireworks were observed in New Zealand. Thousands gather to witness the sparkling extravaganza pic.twitter.com/V5Nmdb5x64 — WION (@WIONews) December 31, 2019 × A local broadcaster TVNZ reported that the Sky Tower was adorned with 3,500 effects. Additionally, it required two tonnes of equipment and 14 kilometres of cabling. To accompany the fireworks display, a light show was organised on the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Users on social media shared clips of the firework display fervently. Our little Pacific paradise, #NewZealand, is the first major nation to usher in the #NewYear. Great firework display in Auckland! May 2020 be a great year for our great country and may all 5 million Kiwis have good health and happiness. 🇳🇿🎉🎊💕 pic.twitter.com/AcfKRdffPZ — Virgil Arvaniti (@varvanitas) December 31, 2019 × (With inputs from agencies)

New Zealand leads the New Year celebrations with harbour festivities

New Zealand has entered 2020 and a new decade with fireworks and huge celebrations in Auckland and Wellington. #WION #Auckland #Wellington

New Zealand celebrates New Years Eve

New Zealand were facing a massive run chase to save the second Test and the series after they were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-new-zealand-collapse-to-148-all-out-under-australian-pace-barrage-270701">dismissed for 148</a> in Melbourne on Saturday, with Australia batting again to rub salt in the wounds and extend their lead.

At the close on day three, the home team were 137 for four,&nbsp;building on their first innings 467 to be 456&nbsp;runs in front.

First innings century-maker Travis Head was not out 12 and Matthew Wade was on 15, with skipper Tim Paine so far resisting the temptation to declare.

New Zealand began the day already in trouble on 44 for two, having lost batting kingpin Kane Williamson and makeshift opener Tom Blundell in a fiery bowling spell late Friday.

They didn't survive long with a world-class pace barrage from Pat Cummins, James Pattinson and Mitchell Starc destroying their middle order.

Paine could have enforced the follow-on, but opted to bat again and Australia raced to 62 without loss before Neil Wagner tempted David Warner into a drive on 38 and he was caught by Blundell.&nbsp;

Form-player Marnus Labuschagne was run out for 19 and spinner Mitchell Santner snared opener Joe Burns for 35, caught behind off a bottom edge.

When Steve Smith departed for seven, Wagner's 200th Test wicket, the Black Caps were on a roll. But Head and Wade steered them to the close, leaving New Zealand with a monumental task.

They need a result to keep the three-Test series alive after being crushed by 296 runs in the opening day-night clash in Perth.

Opener Tom Latham was the only one to offer resistance in their first innings demolition, surviving 144 balls in a dogged 50 before he too succumbed to the Australian fast-bowling machine.

The world's top bowler Cummins was the chief destroyer, ending with 5-28.

They resumed with Latham on nine with Ross Taylor on two, but had a disastrous morning and went to lunch at 102 for six, before Australia finished the job.

The experienced Taylor was removed in just the third over and Henry Nicholls followed for a golden duck as they crumbled under consistent pace and accuracy.

Cummins was virtually unplayable, with Taylor getting an edge to a searing delivery on four. Labuschagne juggled the slip catch and Burns grabbed the ball.

A stunned Nicholls was then out lbw after unsuccessfully reviewing the decision, before BJ Watling nervously managed to defend Cummins' hat-trick ball.

At the other end, Pattinson, playing for the injured Josh Hazlewood, was equally menacing and Latham should have gone the next over, but a diving Smith put down a slip catch he would normally hold.

Pattinson soon got his reward with a rising ball catching Watling's glove and Burns taking an easy catch to leave them at 58 for five.

New Zealand staged a mini recovery before Starc got in on the action, having Colin de Grandhomme caught in the gully by Warner for 11.

Santner was lucky to survive a review decision before scoring after he was caught off a Starc bouncer.

Australia were convinced he was out and replays showed it skimmed off the wristband of his glove, but third umpire Aleem Dar deemed it inconclusive and Santner remained.

Latham brought up his 16th Test half-century before he got a thick edge to wicketkeeper Paine off Cummins, and once he was gone Australia wrapped up the tail.

New Zealand were facing a massive run chase to save the second Test and the series after they were dismissed for 148 in Melbourne on Saturday, with Australia batting again to rub salt in the wounds and extend their lead.

New Zealand were facing a massive run chase to save the second Test and the series after they were dismissed for 148 in Melbourne on Saturday, with Australia batting again to rub salt in the wounds and extend their lead. At the close on day three, the home team were 137 for four, building on their first innings 467 to be 456 runs in front. First innings century-maker Travis Head was not out 12 and Matthew Wade was on 15, with skipper Tim Paine so far resisting the temptation to declare. New Zealand began the day already in trouble on 44 for two, having lost batting kingpin Kane Williamson and makeshift opener Tom Blundell in a fiery bowling spell late Friday. They didn't survive long with a world-class pace barrage from Pat Cummins, James Pattinson and Mitchell Starc destroying their middle order. Paine could have enforced the follow-on, but opted to bat again and Australia raced to 62 without loss before Neil Wagner tempted David Warner into a drive on 38 and he was caught by Blundell. Form-player Marnus Labuschagne was run out for 19 and spinner Mitchell Santner snared opener Joe Burns for 35, caught behind off a bottom edge. When Steve Smith departed for seven, Wagner's 200th Test wicket, the Black Caps were on a roll. But Head and Wade steered them to the close, leaving New Zealand with a monumental task. They need a result to keep the three-Test series alive after being crushed by 296 runs in the opening day-night clash in Perth. Opener Tom Latham was the only one to offer resistance in their first innings demolition, surviving 144 balls in a dogged 50 before he too succumbed to the Australian fast-bowling machine. The world's top bowler Cummins was the chief destroyer, ending with 5-28. They resumed with Latham on nine with Ross Taylor on two, but had a disastrous morning and went to lunch at 102 for six, before Australia finished the job. The experienced Taylor was removed in just the third over and Henry Nicholls followed for a golden duck as they crumbled under consistent pace and accuracy. Cummins was virtually unplayable, with Taylor getting an edge to a searing delivery on four. Labuschagne juggled the slip catch and Burns grabbed the ball. A stunned Nicholls was then out lbw after unsuccessfully reviewing the decision, before BJ Watling nervously managed to defend Cummins' hat-trick ball. At the other end, Pattinson, playing for the injured Josh Hazlewood, was equally menacing and Latham should have gone the next over, but a diving Smith put down a slip catch he would normally hold. Pattinson soon got his reward with a rising ball catching Watling's glove and Burns taking an easy catch to leave them at 58 for five. New Zealand staged a mini recovery before Starc got in on the action, having Colin de Grandhomme caught in the gully by Warner for 11. Santner was lucky to survive a review decision before scoring after he was caught off a Starc bouncer. Australia were convinced he was out and replays showed it skimmed off the wristband of his glove, but third umpire Aleem Dar deemed it inconclusive and Santner remained. Latham brought up his 16th Test half-century before he got a thick edge to wicketkeeper Paine off Cummins, and once he was gone Australia wrapped up the tail.

Cricket: Stunned New Zealand fight to save second Australia Test

New Zealand collapsed under an unrelenting Australian pace barrage led by Pat Cummins on Saturday, all out for 148 and in danger of a big defeat in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-smith-strikes-a-blow-against-new-zealand-on-boxing-day-270526">second Test in Melbourne</a>.

The visitors began the day in trouble on 44 for two in reply to Australia's 467, having lost batting kingpin Kane Williamson and makeshift opener Tom Blundell in a fiery bowling spell late Friday.

They didn't last long with world-class bowling from Cummins, James Pattinson and Mitchell Starc destroying the middle order.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/de-grandhomme-removes-labuschagne-as-australia-move-to-155-3-at-tea-270279">Australia</a> could have enforced the follow-on but opted to bat again and rubbed salt in the wounds by going to tea at 28 without loss. David Warner was not out 16 and Joe Burns on four, leaving them 347 runs ahead on day three.

Opener Tom Latham offered the only resistance for New Zealand, surviving 144 balls in a dogged 50 before he too succumbed to the Australian fast-bowling machine.

The world's number one bowler Cummins was the chief destroyer, ending with 5-28.

New Zealand needs&nbsp;a result at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to keep the three-Test series alive after being crushed by 296 runs in the opening day-night clash in Perth.

They resumed with Latham on nine with Ross Taylor on two, but had a disastrous morning and went to lunch at 102 for six before Australia finished the job.

The experienced Taylor was removed in just the third over and Henry Nicholls followed for a golden duck as they crumbled under consistent pace and accuracy.

Cummins was virtually unplayable, with Taylor getting an edge to a searing delivery on four. Marnus Labuschagne juggled the slip catch and Joe Burns grabbed the ball.

A stunned Nicholls was then out lbw after unsuccessfully reviewing the decision before BJ Watling nervously managed to defend Cummins' hat-trick ball.

At the other end Pattinson, playing for the injured Josh Hazlewood, was equally menacing and Latham should have gone the next over, but a diving Steve Smith put down a slip catch he would normally hold.

Pattinson soon got his reward with a rising ball catching Watling's glove and Burns taking an easy catch to leave them at 58 for five.

New Zealand staged a mini recovery before Starc got in on the action, having Colin de Grandhomme caught in the gully by David Warner for 11.

Mitchell Santner was lucky to survive a review decision before scoring after he was caught off a Starc bouncer.

Australia were convinced he was out and replays showed it skimmed off the wristband of his glove, but third umpire Aleem Dar deemed it inconclusive and Santner remained.

Latham brought up his 16th Test half-century before he got a thick edge to wicketkeeper Tim Paine off Cummins, and once he was gone Australia wrapped up the tail.

A Head century and 79 from Paine took the game away from New Zealand on Friday with former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum slamming his team's tactics, claiming they "rolled over".

New Zealand collapsed under an unrelenting Australian pace barrage led by Pat Cummins on Saturday, all out for 148 and in danger of a big defeat in the second Test in Melbourne.

New Zealand collapsed under an unrelenting Australian pace barrage led by Pat Cummins on Saturday, all out for 148 and in danger of a big defeat in the second Test in Melbourne. The visitors began the day in trouble on 44 for two in reply to Australia's 467, having lost batting kingpin Kane Williamson and makeshift opener Tom Blundell in a fiery bowling spell late Friday. They didn't last long with world-class bowling from Cummins, James Pattinson and Mitchell Starc destroying the middle order. Australia could have enforced the follow-on but opted to bat again and rubbed salt in the wounds by going to tea at 28 without loss. David Warner was not out 16 and Joe Burns on four, leaving them 347 runs ahead on day three. Opener Tom Latham offered the only resistance for New Zealand, surviving 144 balls in a dogged 50 before he too succumbed to the Australian fast-bowling machine. The world's number one bowler Cummins was the chief destroyer, ending with 5-28. New Zealand needs a result at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to keep the three-Test series alive after being crushed by 296 runs in the opening day-night clash in Perth. They resumed with Latham on nine with Ross Taylor on two, but had a disastrous morning and went to lunch at 102 for six before Australia finished the job. The experienced Taylor was removed in just the third over and Henry Nicholls followed for a golden duck as they crumbled under consistent pace and accuracy. Cummins was virtually unplayable, with Taylor getting an edge to a searing delivery on four. Marnus Labuschagne juggled the slip catch and Joe Burns grabbed the ball. A stunned Nicholls was then out lbw after unsuccessfully reviewing the decision before BJ Watling nervously managed to defend Cummins' hat-trick ball. At the other end Pattinson, playing for the injured Josh Hazlewood, was equally menacing and Latham should have gone the next over, but a diving Steve Smith put down a slip catch he would normally hold. Pattinson soon got his reward with a rising ball catching Watling's glove and Burns taking an easy catch to leave them at 58 for five. New Zealand staged a mini recovery before Starc got in on the action, having Colin de Grandhomme caught in the gully by David Warner for 11. Mitchell Santner was lucky to survive a review decision before scoring after he was caught off a Starc bouncer. Australia were convinced he was out and replays showed it skimmed off the wristband of his glove, but third umpire Aleem Dar deemed it inconclusive and Santner remained. Latham brought up his 16th Test half-century before he got a thick edge to wicketkeeper Tim Paine off Cummins, and once he was gone Australia wrapped up the tail. A Head century and 79 from Paine took the game away from New Zealand on Friday with former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum slamming his team's tactics, claiming they "rolled over".

Cricket: New Zealand collapse to 148 all out under Australian pace barrage

Nearly&nbsp;2,000&nbsp;people took refuge in emergency shelters and one man was&nbsp;missing&nbsp;after being swept away in floodwaters as Tropical&nbsp;Cyclone&nbsp;Sarai pounded&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strong-undersea-quake-off-fiji-but-no-tsunami-178123">Fiji</a>&nbsp;on Saturday causing widespread damage.

National Disaster Management Office Director Vasiti Soko urged locals and the thousands of tourists in&nbsp;Fiji&nbsp;not to be reckless as Sarai lashed the Pacific island nation with heavy rain and destructive winds.

With wind gusts strengthening to 150 kilometres (93 miles) per hour during the day, Sarai destroyed houses and crops, brought down trees, cut power and caused considerable flooding in low-lying areas.

Thousands of holidaymakers were stranded with flights to and from&nbsp;Fiji&nbsp;either cancelled or rescheduled.

New Zealander Melonie Sheppard, who was holidaying on Mana Island to the west of mainland&nbsp;Fiji, described the situation as "scary" and said their resort was in lockdown.&nbsp;

"We're being hammered by intense winds and horizontal rains. The resort is providing packed meals and water direct to rooms when they can," she told the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-police-suspend-search-for-two-missing-in-deadly-eruption-269901">New Zealand</a> Herald.&nbsp;

"Wind is howling and tree debris flying about, doors and windows shaking, huge waves rolling into shore. Water now leaking into some rooms -- it's a bit&nbsp;scary&nbsp;at times."

The&nbsp;Fiji&nbsp;government issued a statement warning of "destructive force winds with... coastal sea flooding to be expected."

The National Disaster Management Office said as of mid-morning on Saturday, 1,970 people had sought emergency shelter and there had been no reports of any injuries.

However, there were fears for the safety of a man swept away as he tried to cross a flooded river while another man, reported&nbsp;missing&nbsp;at sea, was rescued in his fibreglass dinghy by police.

Acting police commissioner Rusiate Tudravu said it was disappointing that some people had disregarded the weather warnings.

"People themselves are irresponsible... we issued a warning prior to the&nbsp;cyclone&nbsp;through the relevant authorities, yet people saw it fit for themselves during the&nbsp;cyclone&nbsp;to take such irresponsible actions," he said.

On its present track, the&nbsp;cyclone&nbsp;is forecast to pass adjacent to&nbsp;Fiji's main island Viti Levu, then across&nbsp;Fiji's southern islands before heading towards Tonga, which has activated its tropical&nbsp;cyclone&nbsp;warning centre with the storm expected to arrive late Sunday.

Nearly 2,000 people took refuge in emergency shelters and one man was missing after being swept away in floodwaters as Tropical Cyclone Sarai pounded Fiji on Saturday causing widespread damage.

Nearly 2,000 people took refuge in emergency shelters and one man was missing after being swept away in floodwaters as Tropical Cyclone Sarai pounded Fiji on Saturday causing widespread damage. National Disaster Management Office Director Vasiti Soko urged locals and the thousands of tourists in Fiji not to be reckless as Sarai lashed the Pacific island nation with heavy rain and destructive winds. With wind gusts strengthening to 150 kilometres (93 miles) per hour during the day, Sarai destroyed houses and crops, brought down trees, cut power and caused considerable flooding in low-lying areas. Thousands of holidaymakers were stranded with flights to and from Fiji either cancelled or rescheduled. New Zealander Melonie Sheppard, who was holidaying on Mana Island to the west of mainland Fiji, described the situation as "scary" and said their resort was in lockdown. "We're being hammered by intense winds and horizontal rains. The resort is providing packed meals and water direct to rooms when they can," she told the New Zealand Herald. "Wind is howling and tree debris flying about, doors and windows shaking, huge waves rolling into shore. Water now leaking into some rooms -- it's a bit scary at times." The Fiji government issued a statement warning of "destructive force winds with... coastal sea flooding to be expected." The National Disaster Management Office said as of mid-morning on Saturday, 1,970 people had sought emergency shelter and there had been no reports of any injuries. However, there were fears for the safety of a man swept away as he tried to cross a flooded river while another man, reported missing at sea, was rescued in his fibreglass dinghy by police. Acting police commissioner Rusiate Tudravu said it was disappointing that some people had disregarded the weather warnings. "People themselves are irresponsible... we issued a warning prior to the cyclone through the relevant authorities, yet people saw it fit for themselves during the cyclone to take such irresponsible actions," he said. On its present track, the cyclone is forecast to pass adjacent to Fiji's main island Viti Levu, then across Fiji's southern islands before heading towards Tonga, which has activated its tropical cyclone warning centre with the storm expected to arrive late Sunday.

Nearly 2,000 evacuated, one missing as 'scary' cyclone hammers Fiji

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/is-steve-smith-next-donald-bradman-242699">Steve Smith</a> continued his love affair with the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as he struck an unbeaten half-century to put Australia in charge at 257 for four at the close of the opening day of the Boxing Day test against New Zealand on Thursday.

Under some pressure after a modest home summer, Smith thwarted a largely disciplined New Zealand attack to thrill a festive crowd of nearly 80,000 at a venue where he now averages a stratospheric 148.83 from his seven matches.

The former skipper was 77 not out at stumps, with middle order batsman Travis Head on 25.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-beat-new-zealand-by-296-runs-to-win-first-test-in-perth-268378">New Zealand</a> captain Kane Williamson won the toss and sent Tim Paine's side in to bat on a grassy pitch under an overcast sky and was duly rewarded with a wicket after four balls when recalled paceman Trent Boult bowled Joe Burns for a duck.

But the clouds parted and the tourists managed only three more scalps for the rest of the day as the sun beat down on a much-scrutinised drop-in wicket.

Smith, who is pushing toward 1,000 runs in 2019 in only his eighth match of the year, was more than pleased with the hosts' opening day as they look to seal the three-match series 2-0 with victory in Melbourne.

"There's a nice little patch on the four-five metre mark (on the pitch) and if you hit that consistently the balls were doing funny things," said Smith, who came into the match with a total of 99 runs from his previous four innings against New Zealand and Pakistan in the home summer.

"It's not the kind of wicket you could go after them. I think we did pretty well today."

Australia had resumed at 155 for three after tea, with Smith and Matthew Wade looking to build on a promising partnership.

All-rounder&nbsp;Colin <a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/slvnz-watling-colin-de-grandhomme-put-new-zealand-ahead-in-second-test-245565">De Grandhomme</a> had Wade caught behind for 38 on his 32nd birthday to snap a 72-run stand with Smith.

De Grandhomme earlier broke a stubborn 83-run partnership for the third wicket by bowling Marnus Labuschagne for 63, the ball pinging off his elbow and onto the stumps after the&nbsp;number three batsman failed to play a shot.

After Burns' early dismissal, Warner and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/daynight-test-labuschagnes-ton-rescues-australia-on-day-1-against-new-zealand-267932">Labuschagne</a> hung tough in a 60-run partnership in the morning session, riding their luck as they played and missed a slew of swinging deliveries from New Zealand's diligent pacemen.

Opener Warner was finally out for 41, nicking seamer Neil Wagner to the slips where Tim Southee took a diving one-handed chance.

New Zealand made two changes, with fit-again <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-new-zealands-trent-boult-on-track-for-dream-boxing-day-test-against-australia-268852">Boult</a> replacing the injured Lockie Ferguson and wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Blundell coming in for the dropped opener Jeet Raval.

Australia recalled paceman James Pattinson to replace the injured Josh Hazlewood.

With Australia having won the opener in Perth by 296 runs, Williamson's team will be desperate for early wickets on day two to boost their chances of a series-levelling victory in their first Boxing Day test at the MCG in 32 years.

Steve Smith continued his love affair with the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as he struck an unbeaten half-century to put Australia in charge at 257 for four at the close of the opening day of the Boxing Day test against New Zealand on Thursday.

Steve Smith continued his love affair with the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as he struck an unbeaten half-century to put Australia in charge at 257 for four at the close of the opening day of the Boxing Day test against New Zealand on Thursday. Under some pressure after a modest home summer, Smith thwarted a largely disciplined New Zealand attack to thrill a festive crowd of nearly 80,000 at a venue where he now averages a stratospheric 148.83 from his seven matches. The former skipper was 77 not out at stumps, with middle order batsman Travis Head on 25. New Zealand captain Kane Williamson won the toss and sent Tim Paine's side in to bat on a grassy pitch under an overcast sky and was duly rewarded with a wicket after four balls when recalled paceman Trent Boult bowled Joe Burns for a duck. But the clouds parted and the tourists managed only three more scalps for the rest of the day as the sun beat down on a much-scrutinised drop-in wicket. Smith, who is pushing toward 1,000 runs in 2019 in only his eighth match of the year, was more than pleased with the hosts' opening day as they look to seal the three-match series 2-0 with victory in Melbourne. "There's a nice little patch on the four-five metre mark (on the pitch) and if you hit that consistently the balls were doing funny things," said Smith, who came into the match with a total of 99 runs from his previous four innings against New Zealand and Pakistan in the home summer. "It's not the kind of wicket you could go after them. I think we did pretty well today." Australia had resumed at 155 for three after tea, with Smith and Matthew Wade looking to build on a promising partnership. All-rounder Colin De Grandhomme had Wade caught behind for 38 on his 32nd birthday to snap a 72-run stand with Smith. De Grandhomme earlier broke a stubborn 83-run partnership for the third wicket by bowling Marnus Labuschagne for 63, the ball pinging off his elbow and onto the stumps after the number three batsman failed to play a shot. After Burns' early dismissal, Warner and Labuschagne hung tough in a 60-run partnership in the morning session, riding their luck as they played and missed a slew of swinging deliveries from New Zealand's diligent pacemen. Opener Warner was finally out for 41, nicking seamer Neil Wagner to the slips where Tim Southee took a diving one-handed chance. New Zealand made two changes, with fit-again Boult replacing the injured Lockie Ferguson and wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Blundell coming in for the dropped opener Jeet Raval. Australia recalled paceman James Pattinson to replace the injured Josh Hazlewood. With Australia having won the opener in Perth by 296 runs, Williamson's team will be desperate for early wickets on day two to boost their chances of a series-levelling victory in their first Boxing Day test at the MCG in 32 years.

Cricket: Smith strikes a blow against New Zealand on Boxing Day

New Zealand all-rounder Colin De Grandhomme broke a stubborn third-wicket partnership by bowling <a href="wionews.com/sports/daynight-test-labuschagnes-ton-rescues-australia-on-day-1-against-new-zealand-267932">Marnus Labuschagne</a> but Australia's batsmen were otherwise dominant as they pushed to 155 for three at tea on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test on Thursday.

Labuschagne was out for 63 failing to play a shot, with the ball clipping his elbow before clattering into the stumps.

The number three batsman's dismissal ended an 83-run partnership with Smith, giving New Zealand's bowlers a late reward after they were unlucky not to make further inroads at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/steve-smith-becomes-fastest-man-to-reach-7000-runs-265372">Steve Smith</a> was 41 not out, with Matthew Wade on seven after New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and sent Australia in to bat.

Williamson was tempted by a&nbsp;pitch with a covering of grass under an overcast sky and his decision paid an&nbsp;immediate dividend when recalled paceman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-new-zealands-trent-boult-on-track-for-dream-boxing-day-test-against-australia-268852">Trent Boult</a> bowled opener, Joe Burns, for a first-ball duck with the fourth delivery of the morning.

But Warner and Labuschagne hung tough for a 60-run partnership before the former nicked Neil Wagner into the slips where Tim Southee dived for a sharp one-handed catch.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-beat-new-zealand-by-296-runs-to-win-first-test-in-perth-268378">Australia</a> reached lunch at 67 for two but were fortunate not to lose&nbsp;Labuschagne for 27 after the break when he was called through for a risky single then turned back by Smith. Williamson's throw at the stumps from mid-off flew wide with Labuschagne metres short of his ground.

Wade was also in the action with the second-last ball before tea, with neither wicketkeeper BJ Watling nor first slip moving for a catch off the bowling of Wagner.

The umpire gave four runs for Wade when the ball raced to the boundary but replays appeared to show it had missed his bat and pinged off his thigh.

New Zealand made two changes, with fit-again Boult replacing the injured <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-fast-bowler-ferguson-gets-new-zealand-test-call-262318">Lockie Ferguson</a> and wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Blundell coming in for the dropped opener Jeet Raval.&nbsp;Australia recalled paceman James Pattinson to replace the injured Josh Hazlewood.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-beat-new-zealand-by-296-runs-to-win-first-test-in-perth-268378">Australia</a> lead the three-match series 1-0 after winning the opener in Perth by 296 runs.

The home side's selectors said they had added uncapped spinner Mitchell Swepson to the squad for the third and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

New Zealand all-rounder Colin De Grandhomme broke a stubborn third-wicket partnership by bowling Marnus Labuschagne but Australia's batsmen were otherwise dominant as they pushed to 155 for three at tea on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test on Thursday.

New Zealand all-rounder Colin De Grandhomme broke a stubborn third-wicket partnership by bowling Marnus Labuschagne but Australia's batsmen were otherwise dominant as they pushed to 155 for three at tea on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test on Thursday. Labuschagne was out for 63 failing to play a shot, with the ball clipping his elbow before clattering into the stumps. The number three batsman's dismissal ended an 83-run partnership with Smith, giving New Zealand's bowlers a late reward after they were unlucky not to make further inroads at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Steve Smith was 41 not out, with Matthew Wade on seven after New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and sent Australia in to bat. Williamson was tempted by a pitch with a covering of grass under an overcast sky and his decision paid an immediate dividend when recalled paceman Trent Boult bowled opener, Joe Burns, for a first-ball duck with the fourth delivery of the morning. But Warner and Labuschagne hung tough for a 60-run partnership before the former nicked Neil Wagner into the slips where Tim Southee dived for a sharp one-handed catch. Australia reached lunch at 67 for two but were fortunate not to lose Labuschagne for 27 after the break when he was called through for a risky single then turned back by Smith. Williamson's throw at the stumps from mid-off flew wide with Labuschagne metres short of his ground. Wade was also in the action with the second-last ball before tea, with neither wicketkeeper BJ Watling nor first slip moving for a catch off the bowling of Wagner. The umpire gave four runs for Wade when the ball raced to the boundary but replays appeared to show it had missed his bat and pinged off his thigh. New Zealand made two changes, with fit-again Boult replacing the injured Lockie Ferguson and wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Blundell coming in for the dropped opener Jeet Raval. Australia recalled paceman James Pattinson to replace the injured Josh Hazlewood. Australia lead the three-match series 1-0 after winning the opener in Perth by 296 runs. The home side's selectors said they had added uncapped spinner Mitchell Swepson to the squad for the third and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Boxing Day Test: Australia move to 155-3 at tea

Queensland quick <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/iplauction-complete-players-list-and-their-base-price-30869">Michael&nbsp;Neser</a>&nbsp;looks set to make his test&nbsp;debut&nbsp;against New Zealand on Thursday with Australia considering an unconventional&nbsp;five-man attack for the Boxing Day Test at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rain-fails-to-dampen-spirits-as-indian-fans-flock-melbourne-cricket-ground-for-second-t20-178922">Melbourne&nbsp;Cricket&nbsp;Ground</a> (MCG).

The hosts, who can clinch the three-match series with a second successive victory, are wary of the surface at MCG where&nbsp;bowlers had to really toil for any success in recent times.

They will unveil their playing XI on Thursday morning but captain Tim Paine suggested playing a fifth specialist&nbsp;bowler, a&nbsp;ploy&nbsp;they last employed in 2013 in Sydney against Sri Lanka.

"Looking at the wicket in the last two or three Boxing Day test matches, it's been very hard to take 20 wickets," Paine told reporters on Wednesday.

"Our batting team has been scoring a lot of runs so if we were to go one more&nbsp;bowler, we would be comfortable they could do the job.

"The&nbsp;bowlers we would be bringing in an all bat so while we're taking a batter out, we're probably lengthening our line-up."

Travis Head could be sacrificed to accommodate&nbsp;Neser&nbsp;while <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/james-pattinson-banned-for-first-test-against-pakistan-for-personal-abuse-262662">James Pattinson</a>, replacing the injured Josh Hazlewood, will join the pace attack which also features Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. Nathan Lyon is their lone specialist spinner.

Earlier this month, a Sheffield Shield match at the MCG was abandoned after several batsmen sustained blows to the body on a dangerous pitch.

New Zealand have confirmed two changes with Tom Blundell shoehorned into the makeshift opener's role replacing the off-color Jeet Raval, and quick Trent Boult returning from a rib muscle injury.

"It's a brilliant opportunity. I guess there's a sense of romance about being involved in the Boxing Day Test," skipper Kane Williamson said.

"The guys have all grown up watching whoever's been involved so it's quite cool to be part of it."

"He's a positive player and a smart&nbsp;cricketer so it's just trying to adapt to the conditions," Williamson said of Blundell who will be playing his first test in two years.

With 10 days to recover from the shellacking in the day-night test in Perth, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nzvsl-new-zealand-thrash-sri-lanka-to-level-series-1-1-245853">New Zealand </a>are confident of doing better with the red ball.

"Perth was tough and Australia is very good and tactically sound," Williamson said.

"It's important we learn from some bits of Perth but turn our focus to Melbourne and changing conditions and perhaps not be too reactive to that performance."

Queensland quick Michael Neser looks set to make his test debut against New Zealand on Thursday with Australia considering an unconventional five-man attack for the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Queensland quick Michael Neser looks set to make his test debut against New Zealand on Thursday with Australia considering an unconventional five-man attack for the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The hosts, who can clinch the three-match series with a second successive victory, are wary of the surface at MCG where bowlers had to really toil for any success in recent times. They will unveil their playing XI on Thursday morning but captain Tim Paine suggested playing a fifth specialist bowler, a ploy they last employed in 2013 in Sydney against Sri Lanka. "Looking at the wicket in the last two or three Boxing Day test matches, it's been very hard to take 20 wickets," Paine told reporters on Wednesday. "Our batting team has been scoring a lot of runs so if we were to go one more bowler, we would be comfortable they could do the job. "The bowlers we would be bringing in an all bat so while we're taking a batter out, we're probably lengthening our line-up." Travis Head could be sacrificed to accommodate Neser while James Pattinson, replacing the injured Josh Hazlewood, will join the pace attack which also features Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. Nathan Lyon is their lone specialist spinner. Earlier this month, a Sheffield Shield match at the MCG was abandoned after several batsmen sustained blows to the body on a dangerous pitch. New Zealand have confirmed two changes with Tom Blundell shoehorned into the makeshift opener's role replacing the off-color Jeet Raval, and quick Trent Boult returning from a rib muscle injury. "It's a brilliant opportunity. I guess there's a sense of romance about being involved in the Boxing Day Test," skipper Kane Williamson said. "The guys have all grown up watching whoever's been involved so it's quite cool to be part of it." "He's a positive player and a smart cricketer so it's just trying to adapt to the conditions," Williamson said of Blundell who will be playing his first test in two years. With 10 days to recover from the shellacking in the day-night test in Perth, New Zealand are confident of doing better with the red ball. "Perth was tough and Australia is very good and tactically sound," Williamson said. "It's important we learn from some bits of Perth but turn our focus to Melbourne and changing conditions and perhaps not be too reactive to that performance."

Cricket: Neser likely to debut in Australia's five-bowler ploy

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