Josh Hazlewood breaks Glenn McGrath record in epic slice of Aussie cricket history

Josh Hazlewood (22) has combined with Cameron Green (174 not out) to frustrate New Zealand in a record-breaking century stand on day two of the first cricket Test in Wellington. Green's stunning ton on day one at the Basin Reserve laid the platform for the Aussies, with the No.4 and Hazlewood ramming home the advantage on day two and Hazlewood even breaking a record held by Aussie legend Glenn McGrath in the process.

Green and Hazlewood kicked off proceedings on the second day with Australia on 9-279 and New Zealand keen to take the final wicket and get into bat. However, the Aussies left the home side ruing their failure to knock over Hazlewood early as they powered to a substantial first innings total of 383 before lunch.

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Hazlewood began tentatively but gradually became more comfortable at the crease, before batting his way into Aussie cricket history by moving past 14 runs to overtake legendary fast bowler McGrath's record for a No.11 in New Zealand. Hazlewood's determined stand with Green also saw the pair set a new Aussie Test record for the highest tenth-wicket partnership in New Zealand and fourth-highest overall (116 runs).

The Aussie fast bowler played his role brilliantly, allowing Green to power to 150 in the first session after swatting a massive six to reach the milestone. Hazlewood more or less left the flashy shot-making to his partner - despite belting Kiwi quick Will O'Rourke for two boundaries in one over.

Cricket world blown away by Australia's 10th wicket stand

Green brought up the incredible century stand milestone between himself and Hazlewood by smashing New Zealand pacemen Scott Kuggeleijn for six, rubbing salt into the home side's wounds. The incredible partnership left fans in a frenzy on social media, with Hazlewood and Green showered with messages from around the cricket world.

Record partnership ends with Josh Hazlewood wicket

Hazlewood's knock did not come without an element of luck, with the tailender's edge off Tim Southee while on 17, falling agonisingly short of the Kiwi slips cordon. The Aussie paceman raced into the 20s when he punched a cover drive off Southee to the boundary but the brilliant 116-run stand ended when Hazlewood (22) skied one to Rachin Ravindra in the outfield to give Kiwi quick Matt Henry (5-70 ) his fifth wicket.

Australia's formidable first innings score came as former captain Michael Clarke took aim at New Zealand's decision to bowl first after winning the toss. The average total while batting first at the Basin Reserve is a tick over 300, but the Black Caps still opted to bowl first on a very green pitch.

Kiwi skipper Southee's decision paid early dividends as the majority of the Aussie order faltered, but Green's second Test century turned the game on its head completely. Clarke agreed with criticism from other commentators that New Zealand shot themselves in the foot by not targeting the stumps enough.

While the outside off-stump line worked against Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head, others such as Mitch Marsh and especially Green feasted on the shorter and wider deliveries. “Green wicket. Sent into bat. It seamed and swung all day. If New Zealand get it right they bowl Australia out for 200, or 220 max," Clarke said on Sky Sports radio.

"I thought they were too short, especially in that first two-hour period before lunch. Little rule we have when we’re playing, certainly at that level that if it looks good on TV, it’s generally a foot too short. When the batsman is playing and missing regularly it looks brilliant when you’re watching from the couch and you’re saying, ‘Oh how has he not nicked that’. But generally when you’re playing against good opposition that means you’re a foot short. You want them actually looking to drive the ball on a pitch like that while the ball is new.”

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