Kane Williamson's runout causes a stir in Wellington, Australia and New Zealand players fight after the end of the day's play on Day 2

Star New Zealand batter Kane Williamson experienced a disastrous run-out on the second day of the first Test match against Australia. Glenn Phillips and Josh Hazlewood had contrasting views on Kane Williamson’s dismissal during New Zealand’s first innings of the match.

Williamson attempted to take a quick single after punching the ball towards mid-off but collided with teammate Will Young. Marnus Labuschagne capitalized on the situation by making a direct hit at the non-striker’s end, resulting in Williamson departing without scoring.

Williamson’s wicket proved to be a significant breakthrough for Australia, considering his form in the recent series against South Africa. The home team managed to score 179 runs at Basin Reserve in Wellington, conceding a substantial 204-run lead to the opposition team.

A Little Bit Of A Freak Accident – Glenn Phillips On Kane Williamson’s RunOut

Speaking to the reporters after the end of play on Day 2, Glenn Phillips attributed the collision between Kane Williamson and Will Young to Mitchell Starc’s position. Phillips said that if Starc had been positioned differently, the collision could have been avoided.

The pressure is on New Zealand after Kane Williamson was run out – the first time in a Test Match since 2012
@BLACKCAPS v Australia: 1st Test | LIVE on DUKE and TVNZ+ pic.twitter.com/S9itasfaDg

— TVNZ+ (@TVNZ) March 1, 2024

“At the end of the day, it was a little bit of a freak accident. If Mitch (Starc) was on a slightly different line, obviously he wasn’t in the way on purpose, but if he’s on a slightly different line, Kane runs around Youngy, Youngy goes through on his normal line and nothing happens. It was just one of those moments where everything brought together a perfect storm and Marnus unfortunately hit (stumps),” Phillips said.

Glenn Phillips emerged as the top scorer for the home team in the first innings. The right-handed batter scored 71 runs off 70 deliveries with the help of 13 boundaries. Nathan Lyon claimed four wickets, while Josh Hazlewood contributed two crucial dismissals.

Run Outs Play A Huge Part In Test Cricket – Josh Hazlewood

Josh Hazlewood praised Marnus Labuschagne for his exceptional fielding skills. Hazlewood stated that Labuschagne would have run out Kane Williamson even without the collision with Will Young.

“Marnus in particular has just been outstanding in the past couple of years. I know he works super hard at the training all the time. I think it would have been out, even if they didn’t collide. Run-outs play a huge part in Test cricket. He’s been really good for us wherever he has fielded,” Hazlewood told reporters.

On Day 2, Australia resumed their innings at 277-9 with Cameron Green and Josh Hazlewood at the crease. The duo added a record-breaking 116-run partnership for the 10th wicket. The visiting team posted a total of 383 runs in their first innings of the ongoing match.

Hazlewood scored 22 runs off 62 deliveries before being dismissed by Matt Henry. Cameron Green remained unbeaten on 174 runs, with the help of 23 boundaries and five sixes. The Pat Cummins-led side ended the day in a commanding position in the match.

The Australian team lost early wickets in their second innings within five overs, with Black Caps skipper Tim Southee dismissing Steve Smith (0) and Marnus Labuschagne (2). Australia holds a commanding lead of 217 runs with eight wickets in hand.

Also read: Watch: Kane Williamson loses his wicket due to an unfortunate mix-up with Will Young