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Johnson, Starc rip through Kiwi batsmen

Australia’s pace demons Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc ripped apart New Zealand to put the home side on course for victory in the first Test at the Gabba on Friday.

Firebrand Johnson snared two wickets and fellow left-armer Starc claimed another two as the Black Caps succumbed late on the second day after a massive Australian declaration.

At the close, the Kiwis were holding on at 157 for five in reply to Australia’s 556 for four and looking down the barrel of defeat with three days still to play. Kane Williamson was leading the resistance with an unbeaten 55, with wicketkeeper B.J. Watling providing support on 14.

The Black Caps steadied after losing four wickets for 16 runs at one stage against the pace and fire of Johnson and Starc.

Martin Guptill had a life, put down on 12 by Joe Burns, before he was snapped up low down at third slip by David Warner off Josh Hazlewood for 23. The Black Caps lost four wickets in 25 balls when Starc had Tom Latham caught by Nathan Lyon at point for 47 and then struggling Ross Taylor went for a seven-ball duck.

Johnson angled one across Taylor’s body and Steve Smith took a regulation catch at second slip. Skipper Brendon McCullum lasted just six balls before he fell to the fired-up Johnson, getting a healthy edge to Adam Voges at first slip for six.

James Neesham was beaten by Starc’s searing pace and had his stumps spreadeagled for three to continue the carnage.

Steve Smith called a halt to Australia’s first innings following the dismissal of Usman Khawaja an hour before tea.

Khawaja was out to a reverse sweep, spooning part-time spinner Williamson to Guptill at backward point for 174. Khawaja virtually gave away his wicket as word came out from the team dressing room of an impending declaration to end his 239-ball knock containing 18 fours and two sixes. 

Voges remained marooned on an effortless 83 off 127 balls, tantalisingly close to his first Test century. It was a relief for the beleaguered Kiwis to get off the ground after 565 minutes and 130.2 overs, most of the second day without their injured pace spearhead Tim Southee.
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