THE RUN FEST

 

Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.

Venue- WACA Ground, Perth [November 13-17, 2015].

In the Australian Summer of 2015-16, New Zealand Cricket Team toured Australia to play 3 test matches. The Hosts won the first test comfortably at the Gabba and the action now shifted to the Western Coast of Australia. However, something very unusual happened this time. The WACA pitch prepared for this test was a batting paradise unlike what Perth usually offers.  Historically Perth is known for its bounce and pace. But this time it was a flat deck. As a result, Australian Captain Steve Smith decided to bat first after winning the crucial toss. 

And Boy! What happened next was something truly extraordinary. David Warner came all guns blazing as he smoked the Kiwi attack from the very first session of the match. Whoever came into bowl received same treatment. It was pure delight to watch Warner bat. Even though Usman Khawaja too played a wonderful knock, but his knock got overshadowed by the heroics of the Explosive Opener. The Mighty Bull went on to score 253 as the Australians declared at a mammoth total of 559/9. Apart from Warner, Khwaja scored a gritty 121 as Kiwis struggled to take wickets in the WACA heat. 

In response the Visitors batted sensibly and posted a huge 624 in their first innings. Ross Taylor scored a monumental 290, whereas Kane Williamson scored a solid 166. The Kiwis were thus successful in taking a crucial first innings lead. For Australia Mitchell Starc ended up taking 4 wickets. However, the moment which grabbed the headlines was when Starc bowled a ball with a pace of more than 160 kmph. The crowd literally went crazy when they saw the speedometer. 

Even though this test match ended in a draw, but it will always be remembered by cricket fans all around the globe. Afterall, this test produced multiple moments to cheer about. Firstly, the run fest which we witnessed. Second for that absolute peach which Starc bowled. And lastly because this test turned out to be the farewell test of the Great Mitchell Johnson.

 

To watch the knock of Warner, Click Here.

To watch the knock of Taylor, Click Here.

To watch the knock of Williamson, Click Here.

To watch that delivery of Starc, Click Here.