Siddle, expected to be recalled for the day-night Test that starts on Friday, also feels ready to fill the void left by Johnson.
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Having spent far more time in the field than they might have banked on, New Zealand were condemned to batting in the evening session, facing a pink ball which hooped around with venom.
There was some resistance from debutant Mitchell Santner, who made 31 with seven fours, and wicketkeeper BJ Watling, with 29.
“You don’t need a label to be a leader”, Lyon said.
Siddle had played only one test in the Ashes series and also missed the first two tests against New Zealand. A day two crowd of 42,372 boosted the total attendance to 89,813, although those with tickets to day four might be seeking refunds.
“I’ve heard the argument that the spinners play a lesser role because you wouldn’t have a fifth day but lengthening the day, the spinner will actually have more of a role to play”. Scans revealed an early stage stress fracture in the third metatarsal on his right foot and Cricket Australia said Starc would not bowl again in the Test and bat only if necessary.
The New Zealanders appealed for a catch, believing Lyon had edged the ball as he swiped, and immediately referred the decision to the TV umpire when the Australian batsman was given not out. He scored 82 runs at 13.7 this series and departed in familiar and frustrating fashion, driving hard and loose and edging.
There will be six Tests next summer with three each against South Africa and Pakistan instead of the four and two as slated in the Future Tours Program.
Ross Taylor (21) drove tamely at Peter Siddle (2-54) and was caught behind before Brendon McCullum fell in the next over, flailing at Starc.
“Phil would only want us to go out there and play well and win a game of cricket for Australia”. “I haven’t talked to him about it yet [smiles]”, he said, when asked what was going through his mind as Lyon walked off after the giant screen showed the Hot Spot replays. Snicko technology showed nothing.
Lusty blows by injured fast bowler Mitchell Starc pushed Australia to 224 and their seamers got to work impressively in the night air in the final session.
Pundits’ condemnations have been amplified on social media, with former Australia bowler Shane Warne remarking it was improper and a “ridiculous waste of time”.
And it got worse for New Zealand as Starc limped out and in one Mark Craig over went 4, 4, 0, 6, 0, 6.
Doug Bracewell finished with three for 18 off 12.1 overs.
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Hazlewood had Kane Williamson dropped on one by Adam Voges in the slips but the star Kiwi batsman soon feathered a catch to Nevill off Mitch Marsh for nine to complete a low-scoring match.
