1st test v Australia, Day 2

Wellington turned on a brilliant day for test cricket yesterday, which was excellent for the many genial visitors from across the Tasman - including Allan Border, who I rubbed shoulders with in the Vance Stand - but perhaps not so brilliant for the New Zealand team, who had to slog through an entire day of perfect batting conditions, picking up only three wickets along the way. It must have been doubly galling to have had to watch Adam Voges' measured, careful ton, given he was spared on 7 in the last over of Day 1 by an incompetent no-ball call from umpire Richard Illingworth. Voges' innings ran on to an impressive 176 not out by the end of Day 2, almost eclipsing New Zealand's feeble first innings single-handed. Class act Usman Khawaja also dominated with a classy 140, the fourth test century he's scored in his last six innings. The only joy for New Zealand supporters was a brief fired-up over from Trent Boult with the new ball, which accounted for both Khawaja (caught LBW by a straightening delivery) and Mitchell Marsh (caught and bowled for a two-ball duck after being denied a wicket by DRS the ball before).

An unsuccessful Mark Craig appeal

Khawaja's ton

Inspecting the wicket block 

Dry summer on the bank