New Zealand v Australia

Until the last hour of this fascinating match, there was no saying how it would end.

No New Zealander has taken part in a more thrilling Test. Drizzle delayed the start and Congdon sent in Australia to bat. In three and a quarter hours' play Australia lost five for 128.

Although Stackpole went early, the New Zealand bowlers were not sufficiently accurate at first to make the the most of movement and life in the pitch. Later they bowled with admirable control and purpose.

Ian Chappell was the only batsman to discover anything false in the pitch. The ball which bowled him was short but came through strangely slowly.

Howarth took a magnificent catch to dismiss Greg Chappell off another short one slashed with fearful force above Howarth's head in his gully position. Greg Chappell laboured ninety minutes for 25 and Redpath, who gave a hard chance when 3, spent three and a quarter hours over 55 runs; but it was a fascinating struggle.

On the second morning Redpath and Marsh put on 53 before Congdon deceived Marsh with a change of pace and then New Zealand pressed steadily. The attack was supported by some of the best fielding New Zealand have achieved in Test cricket.

The New Zealand batting hinged on Turner. He was certainly not at his best, for he played and missed regularly, but this was as much a tribute to the antagonistic and skilful bowling of Walker and Dymock as it was a reflection of his own frailties.

Most of the others lingered long enough for the partnerships to be of some significance. Turner was 99 at the end of the second day and was on that mark for 34 balls before attaining his century in four and three-quarter hours. He was out moments later, and New Zealand had to be content with a lead of 32. Walker bowled magnificently on a pitch which allowed him to seam the ball readily and Dymock was almost his equal.

Australia began disastrously, losing Stackpole and both Chappells in half an hour with the total only 33. Ian Chappell, with his pronounced shuffle on to the line his off stump, lost the leg one and Greg Chappell, in common with many batsmen on both sides, was out trying to cut.

The lively but not excessive bounce of the ball offered fierce temptation after the Wellington match. Davis, this time with admirable restraint, and Walters, put matters right with a sound stand of 106 but before the close New Zealand were again in a strong position. Davis was caught from a fierce hook and Marsh was victim of an extraordinary caught and bowled by Dayle Hadlee -- a hammer blow wide of the bowler.

After the rest day Australia resumed at 211 for six, but the innings ended at 259, mainly because of an inspired spell by D.R. Hadlee. Walters started authoritatively but Hadlee, with lively pace and sharp movement, took three for 26 in seven overs.

New Zealand needed 228 for victory and a confident-looking Parker helped Turner to score 51 for the first wicket. Then Walker had Parker and Morrison in short order and when Congdon was sadly and badly run out, New Zealand were 62 for three.

Turner still batted with calm confidence and almost faultlessly. With him, in a stand of 115, was Hastings, who did not allow the situation to curb his fine attacking shots. Their vital partnership was marked by extremely good running. It was broken in the last over when Hastings thrashed at Mallett.

At 177 for four, Australia needed a swift break-through on the final morning, but Coney batted ably and calmly for an hour while Turner went on to his second century in five hours thirty-eight minutes -- slower but infinitely better than his first one. And he was still there to see Wadsworth hammer Greg Chappell through the covers to complete a splendid victory.