Day 2 at Hobart: Some Days, the Pigeon

The pitch has dominated all discussion on this test so far, but the overhead conditions have been equally influential. Apart from Peter Siddle possibly, the quick bowlers in this game have all benefited from the swing on offer, and it's made life that much harder for the batsmen. NZ pretty much did what they could manage yesterday, and I thought the events on day 2 proved it.

Anyway, today was that rare thing - a day when New Zealand actually had much the better of an entire day's test cricket (against a top side). It also means we go into the business end of a test against Australia on equal footing, something that hasn't happened for longer than I care to remember. Bloody brilliant, though NZ are only just in front.

Yesterday, I noted how things almost entirely went Australia's way; today it was very much NZ who enjoyed the rub of the green (pun highly intended). It's no secret Australia have been very shaky against the moving ball, and NZ's pace quartet was thankfully equal to the task in dream conditions. While Tim Southee seems to be down on intensity (although the manner in which he dismissed Ponting was priceless), the rest were excellent. Martin's success so far on this tour is one big raised finger to those who insisted he pack it in right away, Trent Boult added much-needed left arm variety to the attack and bowled with superb control, and Doug Bracewell learnt from his mistakes at the Gabba and reaped the rewards. Getting Michael Clarke bowled in that manner was the icing on the cake.

When NZ batted, the top three disappointed again, yet McCullum and Guptill played a vital hand in seeing off the new ball. The conditions were still very much in favour of the bowlers but Siddle and Pattinson suddenly lost their radar and seemed flat; they then briefly got it right, but didn't wreak havoc when they could have. Ryder's dismissal was once again due to a brain-fade (and some terrific work from Haddin), but I salute the guy for willing to come out at no.3 and shield Kane Williamson. Taylor and Williamson have so far responded very well - captain grumpy benefited a lot from having a partner who pushed the singles really well. Where was all this application in Brisbane?

Great day all around, but NZ shouldn't be looking too far ahead. While the conditions have eased out there's still something in it for the bowlers; a couple of quick wickets and that handy lead will start to look thin, and there's no Vettori to shield a feeble last five. The batsmen will somehow have to find a balance between occupying the crease, and maintaining scoreboard pressure. Also, Australia will likely enjoy good batting conditions when their turn comes, and everything will depend on the new ball.

Ian Smith reckons a lead of at least 300 is needed, I'm picking Williamson to top score with 70-odd and NZ to set 260.