Electing to field , Australia bowled out the hosts for 162 in the first innings with Josh Hazlewood picking up 5-31. In response, Australia were led by out-of-form Marnus Labuschagne who top-scored with 90 before a flying Glenn Phillips at gully cut short his knock.

Finishing on 256, Australia took a sizeable first-innings lead of 96. Matt Henry was the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand, taking 7-67 in his 23 overs.

New Zealand started their second innings on day two. After the early wicket of Will Young, senior professionals Tom Latham and Kane Williamson stitched a 105-run second-wicket partnership to bring the hosts back in the game.

Meanwhile, during New Zealand’s second innings, Hazlewood was seen signing autographs for fans in the crowd. With the Hagley Oval in Christchurch having several grass banks, fans have easy access to fielders fielding on the boundary lines.

Hazelwood obliged most requests of autographs from fans. One of them included signing on a piece of yellow sandpaper, referring the infamous ‘Sandpaper-gate’ ball-tampering controversy that happened in South Africa in 2018. The crowd cheered, “Come on, Joshy”, urging Hazlewood to go ahead and sign a piece of sandpaper, who agreed to the request with a cheeky smile on his face.

New Zealand finished day two on 134-2. On the third day, they added another 238 with solid contributions from their middle order, setting a target of 279. Australia fumbled in their run-chase as they lost quick wickets to end day three at 77-4. They need another 202 runs to win the series 2-2.

Watch Josh Hazlewood sign on piece of sandpaper on the boundary line:

Josh Hazlewood aka Poo Bear signing some Yellow Sandpaper is the highlight of this Test so far! pic.twitter.com/oInWIemhlZ

— The ACC (@TheACCnz) March 9, 2024