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'RCB blood saves Aussies' - Fans react as Cameron Green's brilliant ton rescues Australia on Day 1 of 1st Test against New Zealand

Cameron Green was promoted up the order for the first time and he rewarded the faith shown by the management with a brilliant hundred.

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Mathew K
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Cameron Green (Source: X)

Cameron Green (Source: X)

A riveting opening day in the first Test of the New Zealand tour of Australia, 2024. The New Zealand pacers rattled the opposition batting unit, but with Cameron Green's brilliant century, the visitors managed to reach a competitive score of 279/9. Given the conditions and the pitch, it won't be easy for the home team to take the first-innings lead, but let's wait and see what Friday has in store for us. 

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Australia were inserted to bat first after losing the toss. The Kiwi pacers got enough help from the surface to trouble the batters with swing, seam and variable bounce. Openers Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja started well, but once their partnership of 61 runs was broken, New Zealand slowly gained the upper hand. 

Matt Henry drew first blood by dismissing Smith for 31 off 71 balls, igniting a minor collapse in the Aussie batting line-up. Marnus Labuschagne and Khawaja were sent packing in successive overs. Green was promoted up the order for the first time and he rewarded the faith shown by the management. Wickets kept falling at one end, but the 24-year-old continued to play his natural game.

He was well supported by Mitchell Marsh (40 off 39 balls) but was dismissed by right-arm pacer Henry to leave the visitors in misery. However, a splendid knock from Green kept Australia in the hunt. The all-rounder completed his second Test century with three boundaries in the final over before stumps on Day 1 to take Australia's team total to 279. 

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Speaking after the first day's play, Green said: "Feels really good. Mainly for where we are as a team. Was a tough wicket out there. Was nice to stick it out there, and hopefully put a semi-competitive total on the board. Have played quite a few times with each other in WA (talking about Mitch Marsh). Knew he'll play his shots and that's how you need to play out there. Not ideal (cramps). Stuck it through. They're probably just on top. They've got a quality batting lineup. Will have to bowl well tomorrow." 

Henry was the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand, picking up four wickets. William ORourke and Scott Kuggeleijn were also impressive as they took two wickets each. 

Here's how fans reacted: 

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