New Zealand vs Australia 2016: Pattinson's fiery spell surges Australia towards No. 1 Test ranking
James Pattinson has bounced back strongly from a costly no-ball and has propelled Australia towards the victory in the 2nd Test against New Zealand in Christchurch. He also earned praise from his coach, as it looks like Australia would stroll on their way to the No.1 Test ranking.
The young paceman overstepped when he dismissed Brendon McCullum on the first day of the match. The Kiwi captain was on 39 at that time in his farewell match. The aggressive batsman went on to score 145 of just 79 balls, smashing the fastest ever Test hundred.
However, Pattinson showed tremendous comeback as he picked up three wickets today and kept his foot well behind the stumps. Martin Guptill, Tom Latham and Henry Nicholls were all dismissed by the 25-year-old pacer.
Coach’s encouragement fired up Pattinson
In the press conference after the day’s play, his teammate Adam Voges said, "The coach didn't miss him after play on day one and that's probably putting it nicely,"
"He probably didn't disagree with anything the coach said. He got a rocket and he's come out and responded.
"To come back from the disappointment ... to produce that today is a terrific effort."
The right-hand batsman also praised the youngster for his performance and said, "He was excellent and bowled aggressively, bowled with good pace."
Interestingly, off-spinner Nathan Lyon predicted Pattinson’s form reversal after the end of first day’s play and when he had said, "He was excellent ... bowled aggressively, bowled with good pace,"
"But you've got to play in front of a full crowd. There's a lot of adrenaline going. Nobody means to make a mistake, whether that's dropping catches, nicking balls or bowling a no-ball.
"I've got all the faith in the world that James can come out there and blow this game apart in the second innings. He is a talented bowler. His adrenaline probably got up too high and he overstepped the mark.
"We're going to be right behind James and he's got a big role to do for us in the second innings."
The comeback wasn’t easy for Pattinson as the Hagley Oval crowd was hostile towards him. Pattinson was booed by the crowd after two animated appeals in the 34th over. More importantly, McCullum was the batsman on both occasions, with a bump-ball catch sparking a particularly hostile response from the devoted crowd.
Brendon McCullum’s final international ended by a spectacular one-handed effort
The final knock of the New Zealand captain’s international career ended the following over by a spectacular one-handed catch at mid-wicket by David Warner. Josh Hazlewood roared in delight as his previous delivery was smacked for a six.
McCullum received a standing ovation from the crowd and the Australian players also congratulated him on his contribution the game. The 34-year-old had looked to be the man most capable of taking the game away from Australia.