NZ pacer Doug Bracewell shocks Aussies to win Hobart Test
NZ pacer Doug Bracewell shocks Aussies to win Hobart TestSkipper Ross Taylor praised his New Zealand team's fighting spirit as the Kiwis pulled off a magnificent seven-run victory for their first win in Australia for 26 years at Bellerive Oval yesterday.
Destroyer: NZ seamer Doug Bracewell in full flight against Australia at
the Bellerive Oval in Hobart yesterday.Pic/AFPLooking consigned to defeat with Australia closing in at 159 for two, chasing down 241 runs, the Kiwis roared back capturing eight wickets for 74 to humble their better-resourced rivals for a famous victory. New Zealand have been constantly reminded that their last win in Australia was back in 1985 at Perth's WACA Ground when paceman Richard Hadlee was in his pomp.
Relish
So it was with relish that the rejoicing Kiwis celebrated by popping champagne corks on the Bellerive pitch hours after their amazing Test win and one toasted by Taylor. "I've had over 50 text messages on my phone, I think it's pretty big," Taylor said.
In an incredible turnaround of just eight days the Kiwis denied Australia after being crushed by nine wickets inside four days in the first Brisbane Test. Taylor reserved special praise for 21-year-old seamer Doug Bracewell, playing in only his third Test but New Zealand's match-winner with six for 40 off 16.4 overs.
Turnaround
Bracewell turned the match around with the wickets of Ricky Ponting (16), Michael Clarke (0), Michael Hussey (0), James Pattinson (4), Mitchell Starc (0) and Nathan Lyon (9).
"He bowled outstandingly well for a young guy, 21, and to come in only his third Test and to get Ponting, Clarke and Hussey, that's something to tell your grandkids about," Taylor said.
"Doug can hit the deck but also can swing it away and as captain you've got to go on hunches and I thought Dougie would bowl well, but not that well."
Taylor, in only his third Test as captain, backed his intuition and drew the very best out of his Black Caps team. "That was for the New Zealand public and an early Christmas present, I guess," he added.u00a0 ufffd AFP
