Blackcaps v Australia: Nightwatchman Nathan Lyon torments NZ bowlers on third day at Wellington

Australian nightwatchman Nathan Lyon continues to hold an unwanted place in cricketing folklore, despite tormenting the Blackcaps on the third morning of the first test at Wellington.

The spin-bowling legend was elevated up the order shortly before stumps on day two and given a life, when he was by NZ captain Tim Southee in the slips before the end of play.

Lyon returned in the morning to make the Kiwis rue that mistake, scoring 41 runs, including six boundaries, before he was caught by Will Young, off Matt Henry's bowling.

Despite his 521 test wickets with the ball, the Aussie tailender holds an ignominious reputation with the bat, scoring the most runs without reaching fifty, with 1501 over 162 innings. He seemed on course to escape that mantle against the shellshocked Blackcaps.

Resuming on 13/2, Lyon's exit reduced the tourists to 53/3, as first-innings centurion Cam Green joined opener Usman Khawaja at the wicket.

Australia have New Zealand on the ropes, after scoring 383 in their first dig and skittling their rivals for 179, then choosing not to enforce the follow-on.

While the Blackcaps bowlers did well to chip out opener Steve Smith and first drop Marnus Labuschagne before stumps, they need quick wickets on day three to turn momentum back their way. 

More to come

Australian nightwatchman Nathan Lyon continues to hold an unwanted place in cricketing folklore, despite tormenting the Blackcaps on the third morning of the first test at Wellington.

The spin-bowling legend was elevated up the order shortly before stumps on day two and given a life, when he was by NZ captain Tim Southee in the slips before the end of play.

Lyon returned in the morning to make the Kiwis rue that mistake, scoring 41 runs, including six boundaries, before he was caught by Will Young, off Matt Henry's bowling.

Despite his 521 test wickets with the ball, the Aussie tailender holds an ignominious reputation with the bat, scoring the most runs without reaching fifty, with 1501 over 162 innings. He seemed on course to escape that mantle against the shellshocked Blackcaps.

Resuming on 13/2, Lyon's exit reduced the tourists to 53/3, as first-innings centurion Cam Green joined opener Usman Khawaja at the wicket.

Australia have New Zealand on the ropes, after scoring 383 in their first dig and skittling their rivals for 179, then choosing not to enforce the follow-on.

While the Blackcaps bowlers did well to chip out opener Steve Smith and first drop Marnus Labuschagne before stumps, they need quick wickets on day three to turn momentum back their way. 

More to come

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