NZ VS AUS TESTS

Right then, that is it from this riveting Test match. Australia clinch the series while it is now 31 years and counting for New Zealand's last win over the Aussies at their home. The Trans-Tasman trophy has been handed over to the Aussie skipper Pat Cummins who joins his team and they pose together for some pictures now. Now, most of the players from both sides will join their respective camps for the upcoming Indian T20 League season. However, plenty of cricketing action is going on around the world and you can just switch tabs to enjoy our coverage. Until next time, cheers and goodbye!

Pat Cummins, the skipper of Australia says it was pretty tense and everyone was trying to keep themselves busy and the boys did fantastic. On being asked about Carey missing out on his century, he says he didn't have the idea he was on 98 and it feels embarrassing. Says the lead was really important and the toss helped as well. Says it was a funny Test match as Day 1 moved quickly and the pitch flattened out. Mentions it was tough for the bowlers and the lead in the first innings was the key. Says they find ways to come back and appreciate the entire squad for contributing at times when needed.

Tim Southee, the captain of New Zealand says that it was a great match. Adds that the partnership between Mitchell Marsh and Alex Carey broke the back of their bowling attack. Tells that when you are playing against the number one side, you want to be ahead but heading into Day 4 both results were possible. Mentions that everyone makes mistakes in the middle and dropping catches is a part of the game. Praises Matt Henry for his performances and says that he has gone from strength to strength in the last couple of series.

Matt Henry is the PLAYER OF THE SERIES for 17 wickets in the series. He says it's disappointing to be on the losing side but proud of the way they fought throughout. Says they made Australia work hard to find runs. Adds it's nice being at home, and the pitch offers a nice bounce and swing as well. Says it's great to be a part of the New Zealand team and it's always nice to contribute to the side. Adds Southee has been an outstanding leader. On being asked about his contributions with the bat, he states they always take pride in making sure they keep scoring runs as well.

Alex Carey is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his match-winning knock. says it was a great series as it ebbed and flowed. Says they had backs against the wall but eventually made a great comeback. Adds it was tough to score initially but Mitch Marsh and him adjusted to the conditions well. Says their mindset was clear to play the natural game and seize the opportunities coming their way. Further adds and ends up by saying that he is happy with Cummins hitting the winning runs.

Presentation Time...

Australia faced a daunting task on Day 4, requiring 202 runs to win with six wickets in hand. Although Mitchell Marsh received a reprieve when Rachin Ravindra dropped him early on, Travis Head's dismissal on the next delivery heightened the pressure. Despite the opportunity, New Zealand failed to capitalize as Alex Carey and Marsh forged a crucial partnership, both scoring rapid fifties to shift the momentum back to the visitors. Their aggressive batting swiftly reduced the target to 59 runs. However, debutant Ben Sears intervened with a magical moment, dismissing Marsh and Mitchell Starc in consecutive deliveries, reigniting the game's intensity. Despite the setback, Carey's steadfastness and the skipper's support ensured victory, with Carey remaining unbeaten on 98 while the captain sealed the win.

New Zealand aimed to set a formidable target for Australia, with Rachin Ravindra and Tom Latham leading the charge steadily. Despite a breakthrough by Pat Cummins, the Kiwis built a promising partnership, frustrating the Aussie bowlers and heading into Lunch with confidence. In the second session, Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell extended their lead, forming a century partnership and frustrating the Aussies further. However, the introduction of the second new ball saw a shift in momentum as Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins dismissed both set batsmen. Yet, Scott Kuggeleijn and Glenn Phillips counter-attacked, frustrating Australia before Tea. The third session saw Nathan Lyon and Cummins striking crucial blows, but New Zealand set a challenging target of 279 runs. Australia's innings began shakily, with Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne struggling before Matt Henry and Ben Sears made crucial breakthroughs. Despite a resilient partnership between Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh, New Zealand retained the upper hand heading into Day 4.

New Zealand eagerly sought early breakthroughs on Day 2, with Daryl Mitchell missing a crucial catch. However, disciplined bowling paid off when Matt Henry removed the nightwatchman, continuing his impressive spell with the dismissal of Mitchell Marsh. Tim Southee's decision to introduce Glenn Phillips proved fruitful, as he claimed the wicket of Alex Carey. Despite Nathan Nathan Lyon's valuable contribution with the bat, Marnus Labuschagne stood firm, falling just 10 runs short of a century before Lunch. In the subsequent session, skipper Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc extended Australia's lead to 94 runs before Henry clinched a seven-wicket haul. New Zealand's pursuit was initially thwarted when Starc dismissed Will Young, but Tom Latham and Kane Williamson resolutely anchored the innings until Tea, frustrating the Aussie bowlers. The third session saw Latham and Williamson dominate, notching up fine fifties and building a century-run partnership. Latham's milestone of crossing 10,000 international runs added to New Zealand's momentum. However, Kane Williamson's dismissal after reaching his half-century provided Australia with a breakthrough. Despite Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood's fiery spells, Latham and Rachin Ravindra avoided further setbacks until Stumps, ensuring a promising position for New Zealand going into the next day's play.

Australia chose to field first but initially struggled to make breakthroughs. However, just before Lunch, they managed to dismiss Will Young, Tom Latham, and Rachin Ravindra, putting New Zealand on the back foot. The second session saw Australia dominate, led by Hazlewood's exceptional spell. Daryl Mitchell and Kane Williamson fell early, and although Tim Southee and Matt Henry provided resistance, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood eventually took control. As the final session commenced, Australia's batting line-up started cautiously, with Steven Smith and Usman Khawaja steadying the ship. Ben Sears, making his debut, made a breakthrough by dismissing Smith, while Henry struck again to remove Khawaja. Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green fought hard, but Henry claimed another scalp by dismissing Green. Despite Travis Head's attacking shots, he fell victim to Henry, while Labuschagne remained unbeaten on 45, guiding Australia safely to stumps.

AUSTRALIA WINS A THRILLING TEST MATCH! They clinch the series and add another chapter to the storied Trans-Tasman rivalry. Their dominance over the Kiwis in this format remains unchallenged. Despite facing a daunting challenge, Alex Carey's remarkable innings along with Mitchell Marsh's support, and Australia's resilience under pressure propelled them to victory. While putting up a brave fight led by Ben Sears and Matt Henry, New Zealand will rue the missed opportunity as victory slipped from their grasp. The BlackCaps continue to await a home victory over the Aussies, extending their longing for a triumphant moment against their trans-Tasman rivals.

FOUR! Australian skipper finishes off in style and propels his team to clean sweep the series by 2-0, and New Zealand's wait to beat Australia in their own backyard just extends for the time being. Sears bowls it on a length and outside off, Pat Cummins punches it through backward point for a boundary and hits the winning runs. From being 80/5 to triumphing in this game, this is some performance from Australian batters, courtesy of Alex Carey's 98, and Mitchell Marsh's 80. Australia retains this Trans-Tasmanian rivalry in style with three wickets remaining.

Outside off on a length, Pat Cummins under edges it short to Tom Blundell.

On the top of off, on a length, Pat Cummins punches it off the back foot. Ben Sears stops it with one hand on his follow-through.

Short, on the body, Pat Cummins hops and punches it back to the right of the bowler.

On a length aiming the body, it shoots further and takes Alex Carey squared up. It takes off from his gloves and rolls to deep square leg and they cross for a single. Just a couple of runs needed now.

FOUR! What a shot! Just 3 needed now and Alex Carey is also 3 away from the century. On a short length angling in the bodyline, Alex Carey pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary at deep mid-wicket.