New Zealand produced another indifferent batting display at the SCG today, humbled by a NSW bowler who hadn’t before taken a first-class wicket this season.
With the fourth and final day of their only warm-up match before next week’s first Test against Australia remaining, NZ was 5-157 in their second innings, a lead of just 62.
A fifth-wicket stand of 113 between skipper Daniel Vettori (61no) and Daniel Flynn (55), saved the Black Caps after they trailed by 95 on first innings.
The visitors were reeling at 4-35 following a blistering middle session burst of 3-0 off 11 balls from pace bowling all-rounder Moises Henriques (5-29 off 12 overs).
Henriques, who scored a career-best 55 runs in the Blues first innings, struck with just his fourth delivery, trapping first-innings century-maker Jamie How for a duck.
The 21-year-old speedster wrought even greater damage after lunch, combining with wicketkeeper Daniel Smith to dismiss Ross Taylor (18) Aaron Redmond (13) and Kyle Mills (0).
Vettori and Flynn arrested the slide, with the latter confident New Zealand could compete with Australia next week despite their batting against the Blues.
“We know we’ve got the ability, we just need to put it on the park,” Flynn said.
A side injury prevented Henriques from bowling until the Blues last Shield game against Victoria, but he didn’t take a wicket in that game or in the first innings of the current fixture.
“It was good to get amongst the wickets again,” Henriques said.
He gave a vote of confidence to New Zealand despite wrecking their top order.
“They are a great side and they will come good, it’s the first game they’ve played on the tour and I’m sure they will give the Aussies a good run,” Henriques said.
NSW built a first-innings lead of 95 today after their last four wickets added 52.
Another Blues starlet, all-rounder Steven Smith (68), glued the lower order together and helped NSW to 361 with his maiden first-class half-century.
Both Henriques and Flynn felt their respective side could push for outright victory on the final day.
“We’ve got to bat well and then go from there, I think if we can get a lead of 200 that will be tough to chase out there,” Flynn said.
Vettori will resume the innings tomorrow along with wicket keeper Brendon McCullum (5no), who didn’t keep this morning because of a sore back and batted at No.7.
Jesse Ryder, who was ill for the past two days with a virus, is due in next.
