Voges, Khawaja swell Oz lead

Wellington, february 13

Adam Voges boosted his Test average to more than 100 today as he and Usman Khawaja scored centuries to set Australia up for a huge lead in the first Test against New Zealand.

Australia were 463/6, leading New Zealand by 280 in the first innings at stumps on the second day. Khawaja was out for a classic 140 and Voges, given a life on seven, was unbeaten on 176.

The 36-year-old Voges, in his 19th Test innings, saw his Test average rise to more than 100, bettering Don Bradman’s 99.94 from an 80-innings career.

Voges has scored centuries in his last three innings, posting 269 runs not out and an unbeaten 106 against the West Indies in December.

The combined total of 551 overtakes the previous record of 497 runs between dismissals held by Sachin Tendulkar. For his part, since his recall to the Australian side last year Khawaja has averaged 128.80 from six innings which include four centuries.

The single highlight of the day was a stunning caught and bowled by Trent Boult to dismiss Mitchell Marsh, but that occupied a split second on a day where the bat otherwise dominated. Voges and Khawaja’s firm grip on the game in a 168-run stand for the fourth wicket left New Zealand with few moments to relish on a day of toil under the baking sun.

It was a sublime partnership that lasted 50 overs and offered few chances. BJ Watling missed a stumping opportunity when Khawaja was on 34 and Mark Craig was confident with an lbw appeal that was turned down when Khawaja was on 104.

Brief scores: New Zealand: 183; Australia: 463 for 6 (Voges 176*, Khawaja 140, Smith 71);  — AFP