Australia v New Zealand | Boxing Day Test: 3 observations from Day 1

#2 Australia’s batting is becoming solid

Australia's Matthew Wade flicks one off the legs

When Australia dominated Test cricket for a good decade, their key to success was the runs they scored in the first innings. The nature of Test cricket has always meant that scoring runs in the second innings becomes difficult because of the wear and tear on the wicket.

In the last few years or so, Australia have been found wanting to score big especially on wickets that are slightly in favour of the bowlers. But today they showed great application against the likes of Trent Boult and Neil Wagner, who were swinging the ball right throughout the day.

Australia ensured they didn’t lose two wickets in quick succession right through out. After Joe Burns went off the very first over, David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne added 60 runs for the second wicket when conditions were pretty tough for batting in the morning session. After Warner was dismissed, Australia were well served with two 50 plus partnerships, thereby ensuring a strong finish to the day. This batting order looks more settled and has started to become more consistent.