Share

Lehmann happy batsmen backed up bowlers

Sydney - Australia coach Darren Lehmann has praised his team's refurbished batting order for taking the pressure off a depleted bowling attack by scoring big totals in the test series sweep over New Zealand.

Lehmann's revamped team wrapped up an emphatic 2-0 victory with their seven-wicket win in Christchurch on Wednesday, which also secured the top ranking in test cricket.

Australia has weathered six retirements since last year's Ashes series, including opening batsman Chris Rogers, former captain Michael Clarke and allrounder Shane Watson, and their replacements all played parts in felling the hosts.

Four of their top five batsmen scored centuries in New Zealand, setting up 500-run totals in both Australia's first innings in Wellington and Christchurch.

New opener Joe Burns was named man-of-the-match for setting up the Christchurch win with scores of 170 and 65, while the re-instated Usman Khawaja capped his golden summer at No 3 with a knock of 140 in Wellington, his fourth test century in five matches.

"We've lost a big chunk of our side in one hit. But they changed around pretty quickly, we took a punt on a couple of players and they did well," Lehmann told reporters.

"We've probably got the better of the conditions batting-wise, but that's the way it goes in this game sometimes.

"I'm pleased we've made big runs in the first innings. That helps, it certainly gives you more time in the game."

Australia's pace bowling stocks, weakened by the loss of spearhead Mitchell Starc to injury before the series, were further tested with injuries to James Pattinson and his first-test replacement Peter Siddle.

But the makeshift attack led by Josh Hazlewood limited New Zealand to a highest innings score of 370.

Siddle and Pattinson both made important cameos while Jackson Bird, recalled in Wellington for his first test in two and a half years, recovered from a slow start to capture his best innings figures of 5-59 in Christchurch.

"It's certainly a reflection on the depth of bowling," Lehmann said of Australia's new top ranking.

"We've picked a side with the conditions in mind here, and we've got a fair few guys injured at the moment.

"That's a good sign for us going forward, when we start to get our full quality quicks to pick from. That will put pressure on them as well, coming back. They've got to perform to play."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE