New Zealand's 'horrible' gaffe as cricket world stunned by incredible Aussie Test victory

Pat Cummins has produced another match-winning cameo with the bat as Alex Carey silenced his critics to help Australia pull off a brilliant run chase in the second cricket Test against New Zealand. Chasing 279 for victory in Christchurch, Mitch Marsh and Carey were the stars for the Aussies, who chased down the target with three wickets in hand as they won the two-match series 2-0.

Marsh made the most of a horrible drop from Rachin Ravindra to make a brilliant 80, while Carey produced his highest score in the second innings of a Test match - finishing with 98 not out in a masterful knock. But the Aussies couldn't have done it without captain courageous Cummins, who score a vital 32 not out off 44 balls in his latest heroics with the bat.

The skipper has been in sublime form in the last 12 months, and has guided Australia to victory with the bat on multiple occasions. Monday's heroics echoed his knock in the first Ashes Test last year when he and Nathan Lyon got Australia home with two wickets in hand.

New Zealand made to pay for 'horrible' Rachin Ravindra drop

Marsh and Carey combined for a 140-run partnership after Ravindra gave the former a massive reprieve. After play in Christchurch was delayed by light rain on Monday morning, Australia resumed at 4-77 with Marsh and Travis Head at the crease.

The Black Caps haven't beaten Australia in New Zealand in 31 years, and they were hoping to make more early in-roads as day four commenced. But things started in horrible fashion for the hosts after Ravindra dropped a simple chance on the first ball of the day's play.

With Marsh on 27, he slashed the ball straight to Ravindra at backward point. But the Kiwi youngster grassed the opportunity, which came at chest height and should have been taken.

"You cannot drop those ones," Brendon Julian said in commentary for Fox Cricket. Mark Richardson added: "Dangerous player and he's given you a chance early."

Tim Southee managed to get Head for 18 when he clubbed one straight to Will Young, but the Marsh let-off proved rather costly when he brought up his half-century not long after. "He was always going be the key...this game is set up for him," Julian said. "He was dropped first ball off Tim Southee and he's made them pay."

Mitch Marsh and Alex Carey produce epic partnership

Marsh and Carey put on 140 runs for the seventh wicket, with Carey silencing his critics to ease pressure on his spot in the Test side. Carey was given out lbw in the 20s, but managed to have the decision overturned after DRS showed the ball was missing leg stump.

Marsh also survived a review in the final over before lunch, going to the break at 55 not out. Carey was unbeaten on 50 as Australia put on 97 in the first session for the loss of just one wicket, whittling the required runs down to 105.

Marsh and Carey got Australia to within 59 of victory before the former fell lbw to Ben Sears for 80, before the debutant was on a hat-trick when he got Mitchell Starc first ball. Cummins survived the hat-trick ball as the match was left on a knife edge, but combined with Carey to get Australia across the line with a 61-run stand.

Australia avoid 31-year first to continue New Zealand misery

Australia slumped to 4-34 on Sunday afternoon, but Marsh and Head steadied the ship to get them within 202 of victory at stumps. Marsh and Carey then combined on Monday to frustrate the Kiwis, whose fielding let them down.

A win for the Black Caps would have been their first against Australia since 2011 (in Hobart) and first on New Zealand soil since 1993. The Aussies were full of confidence heading into day four considering their recent success while chasing.

In the first Ashes Test in Birmingham in June, Australia successfully chased down 282 with two wickets in hand. The pitch at Edgbaston for that match was very similar to the deck at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

Nine of Australia's XI from that memorable run chase were also playing in Christchurch. "There's a lot of belief in that change room, and so there should be," Nathan Lyon said after stumps on Sunday. "We've still got world-class batters at the crease.

"With Heady and Marshy, the way that they bat - and then you've got Alex (Carey) coming in next - anything is possible. We've been able to tick off a couple of totals in the past. There's a lot of confidence within our batting group, and us bowlers ... pride ourselves on our batting. So we'll give it our best chance if it comes down to that."

RELATED:

• Marnus Labuschagne silences critics amid epic act from Pat Cummins

• Steve Smith sinks to ugly 10-year low amid Test opener backlash

A loss for Australia would have heightened concerns over their ageing team, which has failed to fully fire in recent times despite a golden run. Australia have won just two one of their past five series, but only India have managed a series victory over the Aussies in their last 16 series since 2019.

with AAP

Sign up to our newsletter and score the biggest sport stories of the week.