Brisbane: Out of form Ricky Ponting earned a reprieve with a fighting 67 not out but the biggest let-off went to his successor Michael Clarke on day two of the first cricket Test in Brisbane on Friday.
Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke enjoyed a fortunate final session to put on 63 runs for the fourth wicket before the umpires ordered the players off the field, despite the lights being turned on and patches of blue scattering the Brisbane sky.
Australia still trails New Zealand by 141 runs, after the Black Caps stretched their first innings to a respectable 295, but has a determined Ponting (67) and Clarke (28) still at the crease.
The important feature of the New Zealand side was great batting by the ex-captain Daniel Vettori.
Vettori (96) and Brownlie (77 not out) piled on 158 for the sixth wicket to guide the Black Caps to 254/5 in their first innings, only for them to fold for 295.
It was New Zealand’s biggest sixth-wicket stand against Australia.
Since becoming the youngest Kiwi to make his Test debut at 18, Vettori seemed destined to be New Zealand saviour – with the ball.
But the world class off-spinner is making a habit of saving the Black Caps’ blushes with the bat.
The contest could have turned in New Zealand’s favour only for Clarke to be given a second life on 23.
The Australian skipper attempted to leave a wide Doug Bracewell delivery but only succeeded in inside edging onto his own stumps.
However Clarke was called back half-way to the pavilion after an umpire review found the Kiwi all-rounder had bowled a costly no-ball.
Shortly after Ponting escaped a tight lbw referral from Dean Brownlie on 63, adding to the let-off he received on nought when he was nearly run out at the non-striker’s end.
“It was a no ball, so you have to get on with it,” said New Zealand veteran Daniel Vettori, who led his side’s batting performance with 96 before running himself out.
“The wicket is getting better and better now,” he added.
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