Last Updated on 7 months by Charbel Coorey

Cricket News: A look at the last time New Zealand won a Test series against Australia

Australia are in New Zealand for a Test series for the first time since 2016. It promises to be an interesting series, with the Black Caps looking to discover their best form while the Australians are out to put the shock loss against West Indies a month ago behind them.

However, while the two nations have fought out some classics in white-ball cricket over the years, the same can’t quite be said in Test cricket. Australia have won seven of the past eight Tests between the teams dating back to 2011, with a single draw on a flat WACA pitch in 2015.

But, the Black Caps will be aiming to end more droughts than one in the upcoming series. Their last Test series win against the Australians (consisting of two or more Tests) was way back in 1986, sealing a 1-0 triumph at home courtesy of Jeremy Coney (292 runs at 146.00) and Sir Richard Hadlee (16 wickets at 24.18) who led the way.

In fact, New Zealand had beaten Australia in Australia just a few months earlier as well. They sealed that series 2-1, with Hadlee taking an extraordinary 33 wickets in three Tests at 12.15.

New Zealand hopeful of winning a Test series against Australia for the first time in nearly 40 years

Since New Zealand’s 1-0 win in 1986, the two teams have played 14 multi-Test series. Australia have won 11 of them, with the latest being a 3-0 whitewash in Australia in 2019/20.

Also, the Black Caps’ last win against Australia on home soil was way back in 1993. Danny Morrison starred with 6/37 in the first innings.

But, this series represents an opportunity for New Zealand. While they haven’t been at their best since winning the 2021 World Test Championship, winning eight of 19 Tests, Kane Williamson comes into this clash with seven centuries in his past seven Tests. Also, Australia’s batting in their recent home summer left a bit to be desired, so the New Zealand attack, despite missing Kyle Jamieson, can make inroads.

Commentator Ian Smith, who was part of the teams that last beat Australia in a Test series, said the Black Caps need to believe they can achieve a win this time.

“This New Zealand side, I would back against most sides in the world on a daily basis,” Smith said.

“But one thing against Australia is that we don’t play often enough and we probably still have not got that belief that we can that often.

“The bowling worries me in terms of longevity. The Southee-Boult combination will no longer be in Test cricket. I’m not quite sure how long they’ve got in cricket actually, so that’s a worry.

“So we need to develop youth and pace and bounce. And somehow we need to develop a Nathan Lyon. Where the hell we get one from, we’ve been trying for over 30 years since I’ve been around but haven’t quite found one of that kind of quality. That is a must for us.”