Alex Carey Leads Australia to Series Sweep with Unbeaten 98 in Second Test Victory Over New Zealand

In this second Test, Australia completed a 2-0 series sweep thanks to wicketkeeper Alex Carey's unbeaten 98 and a 140-run partnership with Mitch Marsh, which saw them win by three wickets over New Zealand.

There were times during the day when each side gained the upper hand. However, it was Carey's steady hand and Marsh's 80-run performance that helped Australia achieve their 14th-highest successful fourth-inning chase in Test history.

In 31 years, the hosts came dangerously close to winning their first Test match against Australia in New Zealand.

With the victory, Australia moved up to the second rank in the World Test Championships (WTC) rankings, surpassing New Zealand. After 12 matches, their percentage points stood at 62.50. India is still at the top of the table (68.51) after winning six of their nine games.

The competition momentarily shifted in favor of the home team when Mitchell Starc got out the very next ball following Marsh's dismissal, with 59 runs needed and three wickets remaining.

Carey, though, kept Australia on course. At 97 off and needing three more to win and reach his century, he swatted a single, and captain Pat Cummins put an end to the chase a few balls later.

"That made me happy," Carey remarked. "I wanted to avoid going on strike once more. It's good to chase those runs down because this morning we were pushed to the limit and they came out and took advantage of us. 

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