Australia vs New Zealand, 2nd Test at Melbourne, WTC, Dec 26 2019 - Match Result

Australia win by 247 runs. Tom Blundell gets a standing ovation as he walks off for 121. That was a mighty effort and he deserves all the applause that has come his way. Australia were far too good though with bat and ball. They made 467 after being sent in and then blew New Zealand's top order apart. Pat Cummins and James Pattinson did the damage. Today was too big a mountain to climb. But Blundell made a name for himself with a world class century. Nathan Lyon bagged four as Blundell got no support from anyone really bar some small cameos from Watling and Santner.

Presentation

Kane Williamson: "I felt like there was enough in the surface to bowl first and it was obviously very important for us to be on top of our game and the surface did offer some sideways movement and swing but credit to Australia for getting through that first session and put 400 on the board. They've got a fantastic attack with pace and bounce but their accuracy stood apart and they did seem to get more out of that surface. All round from our perspective we need to be better in all departments. We do need to be better come Sydney. We haven't been at our best but it is important that we try and learn really quickly and improve in all areas."

Tim Paine: "Very pleasing. I thought the way we went about this Test from the moment we lost the toss was outstanding. I thought our batters applied themselves superbly on day one and made it easy for Trav and I on the second day to set up a big total. Then I thought our bowlers led by Pat Cummins in the first innings were superb. Got the lead we wanted and gave our bowlers a rest and again I thought James Pattinson started the rot today. We're sharing the load. We can't rely on too few and good teams have guys contributing throughout the list and we're starting to do that. It was a great surface. Guys who batted well could score runs and the bowlers who bowled well were hard work."

Player of the Match is Travis Head: "Amazing to contribute to an Australian win. We've put together a great performance. They tested me the whole time. I was very happy to get through the hard periods which I didn't do last time. As the number six batsman you are the first person talked about. I was ready to go and prepared well and I tried to perform as best I can."

Australia win the series 2-0 and get an extra day off ahead of the third Test in Sydney. New Zealand have some work to do and decisions to make. Trent Boult will head home and a replacement will need to be found but you would suspect other changes will be made.

Thanks for your company this week. Join us again in four days time for the third Test in Sydney. Until then, goodbye.

Over the wicket

Around the wicket

Grant Robinson: "Was that on Blundell? Southee said no and Blundell was nearly halfway down the pitch." Not sure why Southee said no. It was nearly two

Slip, leg slip and short leg

Around the wicket

Dougo : "That's one way to ensure you carry your bat - run your teammates out!" Not sure it was his fault.

Blundell in the Black Cap