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In a captivating Day 1 of the first Test at Basin Reserve against New Zealand, Cameron Green emerged as Australia‘s hero, crafting a resilient century that propelled the team to stumps at 279/9. Matt Henry orchestrated an all-pace assault on the green Wellington wicket, picking 4/43 and posing significant challenges for the Australian batters throughout the three sessions. However, only Green stood tall, finishing unbeaten at 103, denying New Zealand the chance to dismiss Australia within the opening day.
Strong start by Australia on green top
New Zealand won the toss and opted to field first on a green top wicket, expecting favorable conditions for their pace attack. Nevertheless, the Kiwi bowlers struggled to capitalize, leaking away 61 runs in the opening stand. Australia, led by Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja, soared with a brilliant opening partnership of 61 runs.
Matt Henry’s precision: New Zealand’s fight back
Henry’s precision with the ball shifted momentum in favour of the Blackcaps during the second session. He dismissed well-settled batters, including Khawaja and Travis Head, leaving Australia at a challenging 89/4. Nonetheless, Mitchell Marsh‘s counterattack provided a momentum shift, and Cameron Green fought hard to stabilize the innings.
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Cameron Green’s heroics: Timely fifty and valuable partnerships
Green’s timely fifty, complemented by partnerships with Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, helped Australia surpass the 250-run mark. Green, finding his groove, showcased aggression against the Kiwi bowlers. Stitching valuable partnerships, including a fine one with Starc and later with Cummins, Green’s innings proved pivotal.
Thrilling last over before stumps : Green’s century celebration
Starting the final over before the stumps on 91, Green showcased remarkable resilience, blasting Will O’Rourke for two fours in the first three balls to reach 99. Despite a near chop on the fourth ball, Green cut truly for four off the day’s second last delivery, celebrating his second Test ton. The tally of 9/279 by the close provided Australia with a foothold in the match, despite the challenging conditions favoring seam and swing bowlers throughout the day.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
CENTURY FOR CAMERON GREEN!
His best Test innings to date, without a doubt. A player with immense talent and potential has produced a fine knock on a tricky pitch today.#NZvAUS
— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) February 29, 2024
Seriously good 💯 from Cameron Green, just a taste of what the future holds. #NZvsAUS
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) February 29, 2024
Cameron Green
— The Spence (@adambspencer) February 29, 2024
Cameron green take a bow 👏🏻💯 #AUSvNZ
— Amanda Wellington (@amandajadew) February 29, 2024
It’s taken only 3 innings & Cameron Green has proven why No 4 is his best position as a Test batter with his best Test knock ever & no surprises that the first teammate he goes up to is @stevesmith49, the man who ensured he got to bat at No 4 by deciding to open #NZvAus pic.twitter.com/bLqko2tLaW
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) February 29, 2024
Magnificent fighting century from Cameron Green, vindication of the decision to recall him as part of the top six reshuffle. pic.twitter.com/N92jS3PZHH
— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) February 29, 2024
Serious 💯 from Cameron Green. @SENZ_Radio pic.twitter.com/lc6d8eDfav
— Grant Elliott (@grantelliottnz) February 29, 2024
FANTASTIC CENTURY FROM CAM GREEN!!!!!#NZvAUS pic.twitter.com/JhpwboWqWn
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) February 29, 2024
Killer knock from Cam Green in really testing conditions over there — an innings we’ll remember in his broader context 🙌
— Phil Prior (@Phil_Prior) February 29, 2024
So that’s why Steve Smith is an opener now. You’d think that will be the first of many Test hundreds at No.4 for Cameron Green. #NZvAUS
— Andrew Wu (@wutube) February 29, 2024
Superb spells all day from Matt Henry, top quality 100 for Cam Green – hope we get many more days like that throughout this series 🏏#NZvAUS #NZvsAUS
— The Top Order Podcast (@Toporderpod) February 29, 2024
Well done Greeny!!! Fantastic innings. He’s been a class above all our other batters today. #NZvAUS
— Patrick Gray (@PatrickM_Gray) February 29, 2024
Well done son! Great innings from Cameron Green. Well played. #NZvAUS
— Simon Wood (@WoodOnWineNZ) February 29, 2024
Cam Green you fucking legend #AUSvsNZ #NZvAus
— 🇦🇺Lee 🇺🇲 (@LJSearles) February 29, 2024
A knock for the ages for Cameron Green. That number four spot seems to have a stranglehold on it now #NZvsAUS
— Jackson Mansell (@jackson_mansell) February 29, 2024
You beauty Cameron Green. What a knock. Cool, calm and collected. That is a proper test century and in tough batting conditions. #NZvsAUS
— Lachlan Jeffery (@LachlanJeffery) February 29, 2024
That’s a coming of age 100 by Cameron Green ! Team was under great pressure & he took it on his shoulders & looked head & shoulders above his teammates #NZvAUS
— Brett Graham (@worldofBG) February 29, 2024
A brilliant comeback by Australia 💪#CameronGreen #NZvAUS #cricket
Scorecard: https://t.co/aNlx59tGtu #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/PnRRhwas2E— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 29, 2024
Sensational from Cameron Green!
A century in tough conditions lifts Australia to a strong total #NZvAUS pic.twitter.com/39HWca0dPf
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 29, 2024