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End of another ruthless performance from the Aussies. They are making a habit of this now. New Zealand, on the other hand, have a lot of thinking to do. They have to come up with a better performance in the last Test. A win is what they would want to salvage some pride and for Australia, they would be eager to whitewash the visitors. It is a dead rubber but still a lot to play for in the final Test which begins on the 3rd of January at 1030 local (2330 GMT Previous Day). Till then, take care and goodbye!

TRAVIS HEAD HAS BEEN NAMED THE MAN OF THE MATCH. Feels amazing to contribute to an Australian win. On the best part for him about that innings. Head feels that temperament was the biggest asset as he was able to get through the hard period without throwing his wicket away - something he was struggling in the first Test. Thanks the coaching staff for their continuous support and trusting in him, especially after words of a possible drop for this game.

Victorious Australian captain, Tim Paine, finds the series win very pleasing. Adds that the whole Test was very satisfying, starting from the batsmen's discipline in spite of losing the toss and then the bowlers strutting their stuff. Is happy that the bowlers are sharing the load equally. On his and Head's knock putting together the missed pieces, Paine refuses to admit that, saying that Australia have been playing well but just need to be a bit more consistent. Calls this wicket as very good one for Test cricket, moving sideways on Day 1 but then getting difficult to bat on once the divots started to appear.

New Zealand skipper, Kane Williamson, admits that once Australia got 400, the match became very difficult for his side. Admits that his side could not make use of the surface, in spite of the sideways and lateral movement. Stresses on the accuracy by the Australian bowlers which made the difference. Hopes to improve those come Sydney. On difficulty in winning in Australia. Willy admits that it is difficult and being against a very good opposition can be even more challenging. But also says that the team needs to rise and learn from mistakes. On Wagner's lion-hearted performance, Kane smiles and says that he never gets tired of bowling. Lauds Blundell as well for registering a Boxing Day century. Wishes that his team can start converting its starts and get partnerships.

The Kiwis started their second innings in a good manner but James Pattinson ran through the top order. There were a few partnerships then, Tom Blundell was a part of every stand, he was probably the only positive New Zealand have had in this series. He showed great resilience, fight, grit and played a knock he would remember for a very long time. However, it was too much of an ask and one task which was impossible for a single player to complete. Also, 4th innings, 4th Day so you would expect Lyon to come to the fore. That was the case as he was the pick of the bowlers as he finished with a four-fer.

In reply, the Aussie pacers bundled New Zealand out for a mere 148. Pat Cummins was the star for them with a fifer but Pattinson and Starc supported him extremely well. Australia then decided to not enforce the follow-on. They batted for around 2 sessions, took their lead close to 500 before declaring on the morning of the 4th Day.

End of another dominating performance by the Australians! They have literally blown aside the Kiwis in both the Tests. It is an emphatic series win for them. The only time Kiwis seemed to be in the game was when Boult got Burns in the first over on the first day after winning the toss and electing to bowl but that was it. After that, it was all about Australia. They managed to post a mammoth score in the first innings courtesy a ton from Head and a good innings from Smith.

70.6

W

OUT! That is clean as a whistle! That is the end of the game! Tom Blundell is the last man to get out. End of an outstanding innings. An innings of high caliber. He was going after every delivery now and departs in the attempt to do so. He steps out and hammers this low towards Lyon at mid off who seems to have taken it. The Aussie players start celebrating, the batsman is seen shaking hands with the Australians. The umpires though want to get it checked. They take it upstairs. The SOFT SIGNAL IS OUT! Replays roll in and they show it is a clean catch. AUSTRALIA WIN BY 247 RUNS!

Is that the end of the game? The players are shaking hands but the umpire takes it upstairs to be sure. The SOFT SIGNAL IS OUT!

70.5

.

Shorter and around off, it is hit hard to covers.

70.4

4

FOUR! Comes down the track and makes it into a full toss. It is dragged through wide mid on and a boundary results.

70.3

.

Blundell uses his feet again and whips it straight to mid on.

70.2

.

DROPPED! That was hit hard but it should have been taken! Blundell comes down the track and hammers it back towards the bowler. Labuschagne seems to have taken his eyes off the ball when he needed to watch it closely and the ball does not stay in.

70.1

4

FOUR! Raining boundaries! A short one outside off, Blundell stays back and slaps it through covers for a boundary.

69.6

4

FOUR! HAMMERED! That bursts through the hands of Lyon. Wagner comes down the track and gets to the pitch of it. Slams it back towards the bowler. Lyon looks to catch it but it bursts through his hands and goes down to the long off fence.

69.5

1

Steps down and eases it down to long on for one.

69.4

.

Lyon changes the angle and fires it outside off, it is left alone.

69.3

4

FOUR! Almost an action replay of the last ball! Another one which is short and asking to be hit. Blundell rocks back and pulls it through square leg for another boundary.

69.2

4

FOUR! Short ball and put away! It sits up to be hit. Blundell goes back and pulls it hard over mid-wicket for a boundary.

69.1

.

Pitches around leg, Blundell pads it away. Lyon appeals but nothing from the umpire.

68.6

.

A touch short from this South African born, spinning in again, the other South African tries to work it to the leg side but misses and is hit on the thigh pads.

68.5

.

Massive turn. Full and outside off, Wagner comes half-forward to defend but misses and is hit on the pads. Labuschagne appeals but that was spinning way down the leg side.

68.4

1

Outside off, punched off the back foot for a single through the off side.

68.3

2

Down the leg side, helped fine for a couple.

68.2

.

Action replay of the previous delivery.

68.1

.

Full and outside off, driven straight to cover.

67.6

.

On middle, it is kept out.

67.5

.

On middle, defended.

67.4

2

A couple! Shorter and outside off, this is slapped through covers for two.

67.3

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

Neil Wagner walks out to bat.

67.2

W

OUT! RUN OUT! Southee is out of here now! That is a big, big mix-up. Not sure what the two were doing. I feel both were ball-watching. Southee taps this towards point and then takes a few steps ahead. Blundell is jogging towards the other end but then, for some reason, both stop. Blundell now decides to turn and run to the non-striker's end. In the end both are running to the bowler's end. Pattinson from point gets to the ball and then throws it to the keeper who whips the bails off. Australia now a wicket away and Lyon needs one for a fifer.

67.1

.

The batsman defends it from within the crease.

66.6

.

On off again, Blundell keeps it out nicely.

66.5

.

On off, it is pushed to covers.

66.4

.

Outside off, left alone.

66.3

.

Outside off, this is guided to point.

66.2

.

Quicker and shorter on off, TB stays back and keeps it out.

66.1

.

Well bowled! This lands on off and then turns away a little. Beats the outside edge of Blundell's bat as he tries to defend.

Well, this is interesting. Tim Paine is up for some experimentation. Marnus Labuschagne has been given the ball. The field is spread far and wide. Probably, he wants to lure Tim Southee into mistiming a slog.

65.6

2

Shorter and outside off, Southee cuts it behind point for two.

Tim Southee comes out to bat.

65.5

W

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! There goes no. 7 and Australia are now only two wickets away. Still a little more than 30 minutes left for Stumps. Four-fer for Lyon. This is flatter and on off, Santner goes back to defend but the ball turns away, kisses the outside edge and Paine takes a good catch. Paine appeals while Erasmus has got his finger raised almost instantaneously. Santner trudges off. An entertaining stand comes to an end.

65.4

.

Loopy ball on off, Santner keeps it out nicely.

65.3

1

Blundell steps out and works it down to long on for one.

65.2

1

Gets it past cover this time and towards wide long off for one.

65.1

.

Tosses it up around off, it is hit hard towards cover.

64.6

.

On the body, it skids through. Blundell is late on the pull and it hit on the body.

64.5

.

A short delivery which has been pulled away.

64.4

.

On the pads, it is worked to mid-wicket.

64.3

1

On the pads, it is worked down to fine leg for one.

64.2

.

Back of a length and on middle, kept out.

64.1

1

100 for Tom Blundell! Take a bow, young man. First Kiwi to score a ton at the MCG. Outstanding stuff. A fighting knock of great character. Also, let me remind you that he is not an opener, he bats lower down the order, this is the first time he is opening in a First-Class game and has delivered. Came in the side for the under-performing Raval and has grabbed the opportunity with both hands. He gets there by working this full ball on middle through mid-wicket for one. He takes his helmet off and the whole stadium is up on its feet to applaud the effort.

Blundell on 99... There is a gap on the off side but the leg side is a bit tight.

63.6

.

On middle, kept out.

63.5

1

Blundell onto 99! He steps out and works it through mid on for one.

63.4

.

Down the leg side, extra bounce there. Blundell looks to flick but misses.

63.3

.

On the pads, Blundell works it to backward square leg.

63.2

.

On middle, Blundell flicks it to short leg.

63.1

.

Comes down the track and whips it from outside off towards mid-wicket.

62.6

.

A short one, Santner ducks under it.

62.5

1

Blundell moves to 98! A short one on middle, TB pulls it through square leg for one.

62.4

.

Another length ball around off, Blundell keeps it out nicely.

62.3

.

On the off pole, Blundell blocks it right under his eyes.

62.2

.

A bumper, Blundell watches it go to the keeper.

62.1

.

This is angled into the batter, TB works it to mid-wicket.

61.6

4

FOUR! One bounce boundary! Really well hit this! Santner sees the flight on this one and his eyes lit up. He plays a lofted shot over mid on and then bags a boundary.

61.5

.

On off, blocked.

61.4

1

In the air... safe! There is glove on it. Blundell comes down the track but does not get to the pitch of it. He tries to defend but it hits the glove, then the pad and lobs over leg slip for a run.

61.3

.

On middle, blocked.

61.2

.

On middle, it is worked to short mid-wicket.

The crowd is getting excited. Blundell in within a shot to reach his second Test ton.

61.1

3

Poor ball this! Way too short and outside off, Santner cuts it behind point and bags three. 200 up for the Kiwis, first time they have reached that mark in this series.

60.6

.

A sharp bouncer outside off, Tom looks to pull but misses. Tim Paine leaps to collect but ends up parrying it to Steven Smith at first slip.

60.5

.

That was a good leave. Back of a length outside off, coming in, TB shoulders arms, trusting the bounce on this deck. That did not miss the off stump by much.

60.4

4

EDGED, FOUR! 96 now. Full and outside off, Blundell pushes at it away from his body and gets a thick outside edge. To his luck, it flies wide of first slip, to the third man fence.

60.3

.

Around off, watchfully played out.

60.2

.

Full on middle, pushed towards mid on.

60.1

.

Landed outside off, left alone.

Mitchell Starc comes back onto the field. Must have gone in to pop some pain-killers. Pat Cummins comes back on to bowl now. 15-4-40-0 so far.

59.6

.

Full on middle, Mitchell punches this straight back. Lyon himself gets across to his left and stops it.

59.5

.

On middle and off, watchfully pushed back.

59.4

.

That is a ripper. Flighted outside off, along with pace - 88.8 kph. Santner lunges to defend but the ball pitches and then whizzes past the outside edge. Good take by Tim Paine too.

59.3

.

Full and flat outside off, watchfully defended.

59.2

1

Comes down the track and flicks it past a diving mid-wicket to the man in the deep. Moves to 92. Every run of his is being cheered.

59.1

.

A touch short around off, Blundell looks to work it to the leg side but the ball spins in and hits him on the thighs.

Starc is seen going off! He had some discomfort in his leg. He has gone off to probably eat some pain killers and get it checked by the physio.

58.6

.

Shorter in length and outside off, Santner guides it to point.

58.5

.

Outside off, not played at.

58.4

.

Back of a length and on off, blocked.

58.3

.

A bumper and on middle, it is ducked under.

58.2

.

Down the leg side, the batter looks to flick but misses.

58.1

.

The ball has been square driven by the batsman.

57.6

1

A single as this is eased down to long off.

57.5

4

FOUR! Powerful shot that! He comes down the track and gets to the pitch of it. He whips it and it races to the fence in a jiffy.

57.4

.

Quicker and on middle, defended.

57.3

4

FOUR! A hit-me ball this! A drag down, short and wide outside off, Santner cuts it through point and the ball races away to the fence.

57.2

.

On off, Santner plays it a touch late towards the off side.

57.1

.

Tosses it up on off, Santner lunges forward and keeps it out.

56.6

.

On middle, it is worked with the angle to mid-wicket.

56.5

.

A short ball on middle, Blundell bails out of the pull shot.

56.4

1

Just evades the man at leg gully. On the pads, Santner flicks it uppishly but wide of Labuschagne there. It goes down to fine leg for one.

56.3

.

Lovely delivery! He angles it into the off pole and then gets it to leave the batter. Santner looks to defend but is beaten.

56.2

1

Looks to bowl a yorker but ends up serving a low full toss, it is hit down to fine leg for one.

56.1

.

On off, Bundell keeps it out.

55.6

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

55.5

.

Full and around off, well defended.

55.4

4

FOUR! Lovely placement. Full and outside off, Santner comes down the track, gets to the pitch of the ball and lofts it cleanly over mid off. One bounce and into the ropes. The stand is worth 10 now.

55.3

.

JUST WIDE! Full and around middle, Mitchell looks to defend but the ball goes off the inside edge. Just eludes short leg.

55.2

.

Full and around middle, defended watchfully.

55.1

.

Landed outside off, punched straight to point. It is an umbrella field for Santner.

54.6

.

On a length agian, Blundell keeps it out nicely.

54.5

.

On the off pole, defended.

54.4

.

Outside off, left alone.

54.3

.

NOT OUT! It is going over! Blundell continues to fight on. Excellent use of the review and to be honest, that never looked out. A short one on middle, it stays low. Blundell looks to pull but misses to get hit on the back thigh. An appeal and up goes the finger. Blundell reviews straightaway. Ball Tracker shows it to be going over.

Does Blundell miss out on a ton? He has been given out LBW. He reviews straightaway. It looks high. Yes. Ball Tracker confirms.

54.2

.

Looks to bowl the yorker but ends up bowling a full toss, it is hit to mid on.

54.1

.

Shorter in length and around off, skids through. Blundell looks to pull but is hurried into the shot. He mistimes it towards mid on.

James Pattinson is back! 9-1-33-3 so far.

53.6

.

On middle, Santner stays back and keeps it out.

53.5

.

The straighter one on middle, Santner looks to defend but it goes off the inner half to short leg.

53.4

4

FOUR! Good shot! The back foot punch, not easy to play those. Shorter and outside off, Santner goes back and punches it through covers for a boundary.

53.3

.

On middle, Santner keeps it out nicely.

53.2

1

On middle, this is worked through square leg for a single. He is into the 90s.

53.1

.

Flatter and on off, Blundell keeps it out.

52.6

.

One more short ball and on middle, Santner stands tall and keeps it out.

52.5

.

BEATEN! Another ball shorter in length and outside off, Santner looks to push at it but misses again.

52.4

.

On the shorter side and outside off, Santner plays inside the line and lets it be.

52.3

.

Back of a length and on middle, MS stays back and keeps it out.

52.2

.

One the shorter side on the body, Santner ducks under it.

52.1

1

One more short ball and on the body, it is pulled down towards fine leg for one.

51.6

.

Floats it up on off, Santner is solid in defense.

51.5

.

On off, kept out.

Mitchell Santner comes in at number 8, replacing de Grandhomme. Around 26 overs left in the day, plus an extra half hour if Australia feel they can win the game tonight.

51.4

W

OUT! Caught! Nathan Lyon gets another one. Australia just the three wickets away now. Colin de Grandhomme comes down the track, it is shorter in length and turning back in. Colin looks to whip it but it goes off the inner half towards backward square leg where Warner takes an easy catch. De Grandhomme came out to enjoy himself. He was playing his shots right from the word go and departs in the attempt to do so.

51.3

.

Dropped? Nope, well short and a good stop. On middle, Colin de Grandhomme works it towards short leg. The fielder makes a good stop.

51.2

.

Quicker and shorter outside off, Colin de Grandhomme looks to cut but is beaten.

51.1

2

Nicely played by Colin! He strides forward, leans into the stroke and hits it through covers for two. Played that against the turn. A good shot.

50.6

.

Down the leg side, Blundell lets it go to the keeper.

50.5

1

Over again! On the body, it is shorter. Colin pulls it over the leg gully fielder and down to fine leg for one.

50.5

1wd

WIDE! Way too short, it goes over the batter's head. Wided.

50.4

4

FOUR! Just over! Good shot in the end! Shorter in length and outside off, Colin de Grandhomme cuts it over the leaping point fielder, Lyon and into the fence.

50.3

1

Top edge but lands short! A short one on off, Blundell looks to pull but gets a top edge, it flies towards Pattinson who runs in from fine leg but it lands short. He does well to put his body in and stop the boundary.

50.2

1

Edged but in the gap! Shorter and around off, Colin de Grandhomme looks to defend but it goes off the outside edge between gully and first slip down to third man for one.

50.1

.

On the pads, Colin works it to leg gully.

49.6

1

Around off, worked through mid-wicket for a run.

49.5

.

Defended off the back foot by the batsman.

49.4

.

Around off, bunted back to the bowler.

49.3

.

Straightaway comes down the track and whips it straight to short mid-wicket.

Colin de Grandhomme walks in at number 7, replacing Watling.

49.2

W

OUT! Caught at leg slip! There comes the wicket and there departs Watling. The footmarks are coming into play now. A lovely delivery by an off spinner. Perfect delivery for his type. First, he gives this plenty of air and seeing that Watling is lured into the drive. He lunges but the ball pitches, landing on the rough created by the footmarks and then spins back in. Takes the inside edge and goes through the gap between bat and pad towards leg slip. Now, credit has to go to Warner here. He would have been blinded but he reacts as swiftly as anyone possibly can and takes a good catch! Made that look simple but trust us, no catch is easy off an inside edge. Australia celebrate but no one appeals. Watling walks off anyway and then umpire Erasmus raises his finger. End of a 72-run stand.

49.1

2

TOP EDGE! SAFE! More luck for BJ. Full and outside off, Watling looks to sweep but the ball spins and bounces off the rough. Takes the top edge but lobs over short fine leg. Two runs taken.

48.6

1

Outside off, Watling mistimes it through covers for one.

48.5

.

One more short ball on middle, Watling evades it nicely.

48.4

.

On the pads, Watling looks to flick but misses to get hit high on the thigh pad.

48.3

1

That almost took short leg's head with it! A short ball and on middle, Blundell hammers the pull, it goes just over short leg and towards mid-wicket for one.

48.2

4

FOUR! Well over! Heart in the mouth moment for Blundell. It is short and on middle, TB looks to pull but gets a top edge, it goes over the outstretched hand of Paine and down to third man for a boundary.

48.1

.

Back of a length and on middle, blocked.

47.6

.

The batsman works it down the leg side.

47.5

.

Changes to over the wicket and lands it on off, defended.

47.4

4

FOUR! Watling getting into the act now! He too comes down the track and works it with his wrists and hits it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

47.3

1

Steps out one more time. Lyon fires a full toss around off, Blundell whips it towards long on for a quick run.

47.2

.

Comes down the track again, does not get to the pitch of it this time. Blocked.

47.1

4

FOUR! Up and over! Excellent use of the feet and gets the desired result. He hits it with the turn over the mid-wicket region for a boundary.

46.6

.

On the pads, it is worked towards mid-wicket for no runs.

46.5

.

On the middle pole, Watling looks to defend but it goes off the inner half to short leg.

46.4

.

Slightly short and angling away from off. Watling drops his hands and lets it go to the keeper.

46.3

.

Full and outside off, left alone.

46.2

1

On the shorter side, Blundell plays the hook shot by getting on top of the bounce. It goes towards fine leg for one.

46.1

.

Back of a length and on off, Blundell defends it onto the ground.

Mitchell Starc is back! He has been a little wayward today, needs to get it right here. 11-3-43-0 so far.

45.6

.

On middle, kept out.

45.5

4

FOUR! Deft! Shorter in length and quicker outside off. Watling plays it late and down towards third man. Cummins from backward point gives it a chase, slides and pushes it back in. The umpires go upstairs to check if the stop is clean and replays show he has touched the ball and the ropes at the same time.

45.4

.

On middle, kept out.

45.3

.

On the pads again, this is worked to the right of the short leg fielder who dives and stops it.

45.2

.

Shorter and on middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.

45.1

.

Flatter and on off, Watling blocks it out.

44.6

.

On the off pole, blocked.

44.5

3

50-run stand up between Blundell and Watling. Consecutive fifty-run stands for New Zealand in this innings. This one though needs to go longer. Full and outside off, Watling drives it through covers and bags three.

44.4

.

Landed outside off, a touch wide, left alone.

44.3

.

Good stop. Full and outside off, BJ drives this down the ground but Matthew Wade at somewhere between a slightly wide silly mid off and a fine short cover makes a half stop, parrying it towards mid on.

44.2

.

A length ball this time, blocked back watchfully.

44.1

.

A bouncer on middle, comfortably ducked under.

43.6

.

Fired outside off, the arm ball, let through.

43.5

.

Full and around middle, defended in front of short leg.

43.4

2

This was coming. Good batting from Blundell but Lyon will not mind. The opener has been stifled for runs post Tea and the Aussies are challenging him to earn his runs. Tom comes down the track, trying to disturb Lyon's rhythm. Gets to the pitch of the ball and whips it over mid-wicket for a couple.

43.3

.

A touch short, whipped straight to backward square leg.

43.2

.

A touch short, punched towards mid on.

43.1

.

Full and outside off, watchfully defended.

42.6

.

Landed outside off, left alone.

Well, what happened there? Nigel Llong signalled the over but was then informed by someone that there is a ball left. Apologizes to the bowler and then smiles.

42.5

.

Full and around off, solidly defended.

42.4

.

Outside off, on a length, played straight to point.

42.3

.

Full and outside off, pushed straight to short extra cover.

42.2

.

EDGED, DOES NOT CARRY! It seems like an edge has come after ages. Full and outside off, Watling pushes at it but the ball takes the outside edge. Goes behind but lands short of Steven Smith at second slip.

42.1

1

A length ball around off, worked through mid-wicket for a single.

41.6

2

'CATCH!' is the cry from Paine. But the ball lands safely. Short and outside off, Watling quickly goes back to pull but the ball comes on faster than his anticipation. Hence, he gets a top edge which lobs over short fine leg. Two runs taken.

41.5

.

Jumps down the track this time, gets to the pitch of the ball and pushes it towards cover.

41.4

.

Full and around off, pretty flat, watchfully defended.

41.3

.

Down the leg side, spinning in, worked straight to short fine leg.

41.2

.

A touch short, BJ goes back and looks to work it through mid-wicket but Matthew Wade at short leg uses his reflexes to get his hand to the ball and parries it to short mid-wicket.

41.1

.

Full and around middle, darted in, worked watchfully in front of short leg.

40.6

.

Back of a length and on off, TB pushes it to covers.

40.5

.

Solid drive but straight to the bowler. Full and on off, Blundell hits it back to the bowler.

40.4

.

Just outside off, not played at.

40.3

.

On the fuller side, Blundell drives but to cover.

40.2

.

Another back of a length ball around off, Blundell keeps it out.

40.1

.

Back of a length and on off, Blundell pushes it to mid off.

Pat Cummins to bowl from the other end. 12-3-36-0 so far.

39.6

.

Shorter in length again, this is guided to point.

39.5

.

On middle, Watling stays back and works it to mid-wicket.

39.4

.

Loopy ball outside off, it is driven to covers.

39.3

.

Works it with the turn to mid-wicket.

39.2

.

Is that a drop? Maybe. A tough chance though. It lands on off and it turns back in. It takes the inside edge, then the pads and lobs towards silly point. Labuschagne dives forward with one hand stretched forward but it only brushes the fingers.

39.1

.

On middle, it is worked to short leg.

We are back for the final session! Out come the Australian players and they are followed by the two Kiwi batters Watling and Blundell. 5 wickets is what the Aussies need as Boutl won't be batting to end the game today itself. Will we see a Day 5 in this game? We will have to wait to find out. For now, it is Nathan Lyon who will start proceedings for the Aussies.

... Day 4, Session 3 ...

Kath Loughnan has a chat with Nathan Lyon. On bouncing back to take Nicholls' wicket after being hit for a six on the previous ball, Lyon says that there is not enough on the wicket so it is a challenge for the bowlers to induce mistakes. On whether Australia can push for victory in the final session, Gary says that the Kiwis possess a quality batting line-up but the hosts will try their best.

The session started off with Nicholls and Blundell playing well. The two added a 54-run stand before the former was dismissed to Lyon. Blundell then got to his half ton and after that the opener started playing his shots. He has scored really freely and him and Watling are amidst a good partnership. The two however, need to go on. The Australian bowlers have found it tough in this session. There is hardly any purchase on the wicket. They though need to be patient as they still have the upper hand. To whom will the last session belong?

An excellent session for the Kiwis! The two batters walk out to a standing ovation from their fans. They have really entertained the crowd with some really good shots, albeit they are still way behind in the game.

38.6

.

On a length and around off, blocked. THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 4!

38.5

4

FOUR! Past the dive of the fielder and another boundary! It is full and on off, Blundell transfers his weight onto the front foot and creams it past the mid off fielder for a boundary.

38.4

.

Back of a length and on off, Watling keeps it out.

38.3

.

On the fuller side, it is driven to covers. Two fielders in that region and both catching. So Cummins is bowling to his field here.

38.2

.

On middle, defended.

38.1

4

FOUR RUNNING RUNS! Runs flowing at the moment! On the fuller side outside off, Blundell drives it past short cover-point. The fielder there dives and gets a hand to it. Can't stop the batters from running four though.

37.6

.

Back of a length and around off, Watling guides it to point.

37.5

1

This is angled into the pads, it is worked through square leg for one.

37.4

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

37.3

4

FOUR! Hammered! Take that, Pattinson says Blundell. Shorter and on middle, Blundell picks the length early and pulls it hard behind square on the leg side for a boundary. Consecutive boundaries.

37.2

4

FOUR! Full and on the pads, too straight and Blundell loves it there. It is flicked through mid-wicket for a boundary.

37.1

.

OHHH! This is just outside off, Blundell hangs his bat out and gets beaten. He could have left that, it was quite wide.

James Pattinson comes back! 8-1-24-3 so far.

36.6

1

On the shorter side, Blundell pulls it through square leg for one.

36.5

1

On middle, it is worked towards mid-wicket for another single.

36.4

.

Back of a length and on off, kept out.

36.3

1

Almost! This lands on off and then comes back in. Blundell looks to defend but it goes off the inner half on the leg side. One taken.

36.2

1

On middle, it is worked wide of mid on for one.

36.1

3

On the pads, this is worked through mid-wicket. Starc gives it a chase from mid on and the ball slowing down near the rope making Starc's job easy. Three taken.

Pat Cummins is back! 10-3-21-0 as of now.

35.6

1

The batsman works it down the leg side. One run added to the total.

35.5

.

On middle, kept out.

35.4

.

Catch it is the call but not sure if it is off the bat! Flatter and on middle, it turns back in. Blundell looks to flick but misses to get hit on the body. The ball lobs well wide of short leg.

35.3

.

Blundell comes down the track and defends it into the hands of silly point. He gets back in, the fielder then scores a direct hit at the striker's end.

35.2

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

35.1

.

On middle, kept out.

Nathan Lyon is back! 6-3-11-1 so far.

34.6

4

FOUR! That is some shot to get off the mark! Full and on middle, Watling shows the full face of the bat and creams it through mid on for a boundary.

34.5

.

Back of a length, Watling keeps it out.

34.4

3

Fifty for Blundell! He is fighting a lone battle here. A huge round of applause for him from the crowd and well deserved. His maiden in Tests. Also, the last time he scored a half ton, he went onto convert it into a ton. Needs to do the same here. He gets there by squeezing this through backward point for three.

34.3

2

A little too straight, it is worked through mid-wicket for two.

34.2

.

Outside off, not played at.

34.1

.

Slightly fuller and around off, blocked.

33.6

.

This lands on middle, it jags back in. Watling looks to work it on the leg side but misses to get hit on the pads.

33.5

.

A good short one, the batter ducks under it.

33.4

.

On middle, it is worked to mid-wicket.

33.3

.

On middle, it is kept out.

33.2

.

On a length and around off, it is guided towards point.

33.1

1

Shorter and on middle, it is worked to mid-wicket.

Pat Cummins is back! 9-3-20-0 so far.

32.6

.

A low full toss on middle, Watling works it uppishly but well wide of mid-wicket. BJ wants a run but is sent back.

32.5

.

The change of balls almost does the trick. Fuller and around off, it comes back in. Watling looks to drive but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

New balls please! Australia get their ball checked. The umpire gets the 8-ball gauge out. It does not pass through and the bag of balls has been called out.

32.4

.

Shorter and around off, it is pushed to covers.

32.3

.

Lands outside off and it comes back in. Not enough though to make the batter play.

32.2

.

On a length again and on off, defended nicely.

32.1

.

On a length and around off, blocked.

James Pattinson is back on! 6-0-15-3 so far.

31.6

.

A dot to end as this is blocked out.

31.5

.

Well played in the end! Blundell comes down the track and Lyon slows it up outside off. It seems like Blundell is beaten by the flight but he does well to keep it out in the end.

31.4

.

The batsman defends it from within the crease.

31.3

.

Flatter and on middle, kept out.

31.2

.

Would that have been out? It would have been very close. Blundell comes down the track and hits it hard back towards the bowler. Lyon looks to deflect it back towards the stumps at his end but misses. Watling dives to make it back in. However, judging by the replays, it seems Watling might have been in.

31.1

.

On the pads, it is worked to square leg.

30.6

.

Extremely wide outside off, Watling initially looks to put bat on ball but then seeing how wide it is, lets it go.

30.5

.

Extremely full and on the pads, Watling works it to mid-wicket.

30.4

3

Excellent shot! Fuller and on middle, Blundell strokes it past mid on. He just shows the full face of the bat and uses the pace of the bowler. Gets three.

30.3

.

The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot.

30.2

4

FOUR! Just wide! Shorter and on the body, Blundell looks to pull but the ball kisses the glove and goes just wide of the diving keeper and down to the fine leg fence.

30.1

.

NOT OUT! The pitching is indeed the issue! It is outside leg and you need not look any further. Australia lose a review. It is on the pads, Blundell misses the flick shot. It hits the pad and an appeal goes up. The umpire shakes his head. Paine and Starc have a chat and then the former signals the 'T'. Replays roll in and it shows the on-field call is the right one.

A huge appeal for an LBW has been turned down! Starc and Paine have a discussion and Australia review. It looks to be missing leg. The pitching can also be an issue.

29.6

.

Around middle, well defended.

29.5

.

Full on middle, worked in front of short leg.

29.4

.

On middle, punched back to the bowler

29.3

.

Around off, defended from the crease.

BJ Watling comes in at number 6, replacing Nicholls.

29.2

W

OUT! STUMPED! No wonder why Tim Paine did not appeal. Because the back foot did not come back in at all. Lyon has broken through the 54-run stand. Full and outside off, plenty of flight, Henry lunges to defend but misses. Paine collects and quickly whips the bails off. Does not even appeal and is celebrating in jubilation. The umpire refers it upstairs and replays show that Nicholls did lunge to defend but then could not get his back foot in at all. It stayed on the line. End of a scratchy innings.

STUMPING APPEAL! Is Nicholls gone? Paine is not even appealing. He is supremely confident and is celebrating. Nicholls is walking off. This is referred upstairs and replays show that the foot never came back into the crease. On the line. Gone!

29.1

6

SIX! Clean as a whistle! Full on middle, Nicholls comes down the track and lofts it beautifully, with a straight bat, over long on. Nice way to bring up the 50-run stand. A resistance at last.

28.6

1

One more on the pads, Nicholls works it uppishly but wide of short leg and towards square leg for one.

28.5

.

Short and outside off, not played at.

28.4

.

On off, Nicholls shows the full face of the bat and keeps it out.

28.3

.

On the shorter side and on middle, HN nudges it to mid-wicket.

28.2

1

On the body, it is worked behind square on the leg side for one.

28.1

.

Shorter in length and on middle, it is worked to mid-wicket.

27.6

.

Nicely bowled! Slower through the air and on off, Nicholls comes forward and keeps it out nicely.

27.5

.

On the shorter side, this is worked towards mid-wicket.

27.4

1

From around the wicket now, it lands on off and goes on with the angle. Blundell looks to defend but it goes off the outer half towards short third man for one.

27.3

.

Comes down the track and works it to square leg.

27.2

.

Almost plays it on! Shorter and quicker outside off, Tom looks to defend but the ball hits the bottom, bounces behind him and goes just beside the stumps.

27.1

.

Tosses it up on off, Blundell defends it onto the ground.

26.6

.

Hits the glove! Another short ball on the body, Nicholls looks to flick again but the ball hits the glove and falls on the leg side.

26.5

.

On the shorter side and on the body, Nicholls works it to square leg.

26.5

1wd

WIDE! Way too short, Nicholls ducks under it. Wided.

26.4

.

Another back of a length delivery, HN is solid in defense.

26.3

.

Back of a length and on off, Nicholls keeps it out.

26.2

2

Uppish but safe! Shorter and on the body, Nicholls works it uppishly but wide of backward square leg for two.

26.1

.

Soft leading edge! Angled into the pads, Nicholls looks to work it on the leg side but closes the face of the bat early. A soft leading edge is induced towards cover.

DRINKS BREAK. David Warner is now giving an interview. He says it is always going to be difficutl to get guys out, the two out there are playing well and they are hopeful to force and error and get them out. On the retirement of Peter Siddle he says he has had an excellent career, he is a lovely person and he wishes him all the best for the future.

25.6

1

Direct hit and it would have been very close! Nicholls works it towards mid on and sets off. Cummins there gets to the ball quickly and releases it quickly. Has a shy at the non-striker's end but misses. Even the dive from Nicholls would not have saved him.

25.5

.

Loopy ball on middle, this is pushed back to the bowler.

25.4

1

One more single! Blundell again uses his feet and flicks it past Matthew Wade at short leg, to his right and through square leg for one.

25.3

.

Shorter and around off, Blundell stays back and plays it with the turn to short leg.

25.2

1

On the pads, it is worked towards mid-wicket for one.

25.1

1

Blundell comes down the track and then works it towards mid on for a single.

24.6

.

On a length and around off, it is kept out. End of an eventful over.

24.5

1

15 runs in the over now and a ball to go! This one is flicked through square leg for one.

24.4

4

FOUR! Third boundary in the over! Shorter in length and on the body, Blundell manages to tickle it fine on the leg side for another boundary. So after three maidens, a huge over this for the Kiwis.

24.3

.

Short and down the leg side, it is left alone.

24.2

1

Works this with the angle now towards mid-wicket for one.

24.1

4

FOUR! This is right off the middle! Errs in line and bowls it on the pads, Nicholls flicks it fine on the leg side and a boundary results.

24.1

5nb

NO BALL AND FOUR! Has that hit the stumps now? It would not have mattered though and yes, it has kissed the leg pole. How did the bails not come off there? It is a big no ball from Starc. He bowls it fuller and around off, it swings back in. Nicholls plays outside the line. It goes off the inside edge, kisses the leg pole and down to the fine leg fence. Nicholls starts to walk back, as he assumed he is bowled in hearing the noise. Then, he sees the bails on the stumps and later, understands that it is a no ball as well.

23.6

.

On off, Blundell works it with the turn to short leg. Two maidens in a row for Lyon.

23.5

.

Blundell uses his feet and then works it with the turn to mid-wicket.

23.4

.

Loopy ball on off, Tom is solid in defense.

23.3

.

Floated up on off, Blundell lunges and keeps it out.

23.2

.

Flatter and on off, defended.

23.1

.

Tosses it up and lands it on off, blocked.

22.6

.

A sharp bumper now, Nicholls spots it late and evades it at the very end.

22.5

.

Down the leg side, Nicholls looks to flick but misses.

22.4

.

Slightly fuller and on off, HN keeps it out solidly.

22.3

.

Shorter and on middle, Nicholls stays back and keeps it out.

22.2

.

Back of a length and around off, it is guided to point.

22.1

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

Mitchell Starc is back! So a double change by the Aussies. 6-2-16-0 so far.

21.6

.

On the stumps, it is worked to short leg. A maiden to begin with by Lyon but he was a little too short in this over.

21.5

.

Shorter in length and outside off, Blundell keeps it out.

21.4

.

Quicker and on off, Blundell goes back and keeps it out.

21.3

.

Outside off, not played at.

21.2

.

A little bit of turn! It lands outside off, it is shorter in length. Turns back in. Blundell has enough time to go back and work it to short leg.

21.1

.

Tosses it up outside off, Blundell lets it be.

Spin for the first time in this innings! Nathan Lyon is on.

20.6

.

A bumper to end! Nicholls watches it go to the keeper.

20.5

.

Shortish and on the body, Nicholls works it to square leg. This delivery was bowled at 147 KPH.

20.4

4

FOUR! Lovely timing! On the pads, Nicholls flicks it nicely over the square leg fielder. It is timed nicely and it goes to the fence.

20.3

.

Fuller and on middle, Nicholls works it to mid on. Cummins is trying to get Nicholls in a similar manner he did in the first innings but the batter is not planting his front foot right across.

20.2

.

On the off pole this time, Nicholls keeps it out nicely.

20.1

.

This is angled away from outside off, Nicholls does not play at it.

19.6

.

That stayed low. Outside off, on a length, TB looked to block that from his crease but the ball hit the deck and shot low. Took the bottom edge and went to gully.

19.5

1

Outside off, tapped behind point for a single.

19.4

1lb

Huge shout for LBW, turned down. That looked close. Tim Paine has walked right down to his bowler and they have a chat. But eventually, they do not review. A length ball outside off, this came in a long way and hit Tom on his pads as he got his bat down late to defend. Ball Tracker shows the ball to be going over the top. Meanwhile, out of the corner of our eyes, the batsmen have sneaked in a leg bye.

19.3

.

Around off, tight line and length, solidly blocked out.

19.2

.

A length ball, around off, pushed towards mid on.

19.1

.

Full and outside off, left alone.

18.6

.

Full and around off, Nicholls drives this uppishly and it lands JUST SHORT of the bowler.

18.5

.

Around off, coming in, Nicholls' bat twists in his hands as he looks to play straight. The ball goes off the inner half towards mid on.

18.4

1

A short ball, around middle, Blundell swivels and looks to pull. He does not quite get it cleanly and hence, calls for two on seeing the ball travel slowly to fine leg. James Pattinson has some distance to cover but the batsmen are happy with the single.

18.3

.

Outside off, left alone.

18.2

.

Very full outside off, watchfully dug out towards gully.

18.1

1

Around middle and leg, tucked through square leg for a single.

17.6

.

Great follow-up from Pattinson. He bowls this full and fast outside off. Blundell looks to drive but sans any feet movement. Is beaten all ends up. Late movement caused the ball to miss the bat by millimeteres. So, so close.

17.5

4

FOUR! BOSH! That is a quality cricketing shot. A short ball outside off, Blundell is ready and wants to take him on. Pulls it powerfully through mid-wicket. Travis Head starts to run to his left, aiming to cut it crossways. But then, he realizes that the ball is travelling a bit too fast. So he starts to run backwards now, aiming to cut the ball sideways at some point. But that point never comes. The ball meets the ropes and so does Head. 50 UP FOR NEW ZEALAND.

17.4

.

Full and wide outside off, let through once more.

17.3

.

Around off, coming in with the angle, pushed towards short mid-wicket.

17.2

.

Landed outside off, left alone.

17.1

.

On a length outside off, extra bounce, Blundell hops and defends.

16.6

.

Fuller and on off, Nicholls drives but to mid off.

16.5

.

A short one and on middle, Nicholls ducks under it.

16.4

.

Back of a length and on off, Nicholls stands tall and keeps it out.

16.3

.

Length this time and on middle, HN keeps it out.

16.2

2

Fuller and aiming for the pads of Nicholls. He gets it out of the way and works it through mid-wicket for two.

16.1

.

Just outside off, HN does not play at those.

15.6

3

Up and over for three! Shorter and on middle, Nicholls goes back and pulls it over square leg. Takes three.

15.5

.

Back of a length and on off, Nicholls looks to defend but it gets big on him. It goes off the splice on the off side.

15.4

.

On more short ball on the body of Nicholls. He nudges it towards square leg.

15.3

1lb

On the pads, Blundell looks to flick but misses. It hits the pad and rolls on the leg side. A leg bye taken.

15.2

.

Back of a length and on off, Blundell plays it late towards gully.

15.1

1

A short one and on the body, Nicholls manages to pull it towards fine leg. Not sure if it was controlled. A run is taken.

14.6

.

On off, defended.

14.5

.

A stifled appeal! That swung a long way. It starts outside off and then comes back in. Blundell looks to flick with the swing but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

14.4

.

Outside off again, not played at.

14.3

.

OHHH! That has gone over the off pole. He left that on length. It is slightly shorter and around off, it comes back in. Blundell lets it be. He left that on height.

14.2

.

Way too wide outside off to make the batter play.

14.1

.

On the fuller side, Blundell creams it but to mid off.

Pat Cummins to bowl from the other end. 5-2-12-0 so far.

13.6

.

Pattinson comes from around the wicket and serves this full and around off, Latham strokes it nicely but to wide mid off.

13.5

.

Just outside off, not played at.

13.4

.

On middle, Nicholls hops and works it to square leg.

13.3

.

On the shorter side, Nicholls stays back and keeps it out on the leg side.

13.2

1

Another one on a length and around middle, Blundell works it towards mid-wicket for one.

13.1

.

Good length and on off, Blundell keeps it out.

We are all set for the game to resume! The Aussie players make their way out to the middle. They are followed by the Kiwi batters Tom Blundell and Henry Nicholls who will resume their innings. James Pattinson to start proceedings for the hosts. Here we go...

... Day 4, Session 2 ...

Pattinson does not get to bowl the one he wanted to! The Kiwis will be relieved they are walking off for a much-needed break. Paine however, is seen having a discussion with the umpire as he feels there could have been one more over bowled. Nevertheless, it has been a tremendous session for the Aussies. Three wickets after declaring and that too Williamson, Taylor and Latham - they just could not have asked for anything better. However, the Kiwi openers started off really well, they looked solid and determined. The introduction of Pattinson though changed things as he ran havoc and blew away the top order. All Australia now need is someone to support Pattinson and they and we could have a day off tomorrow. The Kiwis need a big stand, a mammoth effort from the batters to salvage something out of this game. Their first aim will be to go wicketless in the next session. Can they do so? We will have to wait to find out.

12.6

1

A single to end the over! Short and on middle, this is nudged through square leg for one.

Interesting. Pattinson wants Starc to hurry up. 'Mitch, are you looking at the clock?' He wants to bowl one more over.

12.5

.

Shorter in length and around off, Blundell keeps it out.

12.4

.

Down the leg side, Blundell looks to flick but misses.

12.3

1

Nicholls is off the king pair! Starc goes full and around middle, Nicholls strokes it towards the bowler who gets a hand to it. The ball rolls behind the stumps at the non-striker's end. A single is taken.

12.2

1

One more short one, Blundell continues to take it on. He hits it nicely through square leg for one.

12.1

.

Almost another one! A short one and on the body, Blundell looks to pull but is hurried into the shot. It goes off the glove but lands short of backward square leg. That is the plan for TB, they want to get him caught in that area.

Henry Nicholls walks in on a king pair. 6 minutes to go to Lunch.

11.6

W

OUT! CHOPPED ON! Yes, they do get another! Pattinson is breathing fire here. He has got three in the two overs he has bowled and three huge wickets - Latham, Williamson and Taylor. Another poor shot by a Kiwi batter. This is short and there no width on offer. Taylor goes after it as he tries to cut it. That shot is just not on. He gets an inside edge and the ball hits the stumps. New Zealand in dire straits now. Australia will be sensing a win today itself now. A double-wicket over comes to an end.

11.5

2

Another one on the pads, it is worked down to fine leg for two. Taylor is off the mark.

11.4

.

Taylor had to hit that! It is full and around middle and off. Taylor flicks it to mid-wicket. Had he missed that, he was a goner.

11.3

.

This is angled into the pads, Taylor works it to mid-wicket.

The best batsman is gone for New Zealand. The next batsman is out there. Ross Taylor comes in with 10 minutes to go to Lunch.

11.2

W

OUT! Umpire's call! It is just about clipping the leg pole. 'Boooo' goes the crowd here as that is a harsh decision. Williamson could consider himself unlucky here. Australia won't care at all though as they have got the big fish for a duck, he slowly trudges back as he knows his team needed a mammoth effort from him. He does not take a review along though. Pattinson gets the opposition's skipper twice now. This lands on middle and then angles into the pads. Williamson looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. An appeal and up goes the finger quickly. Kane reviews after a chat with his partner and then goes for the review. Replays roll in and it shows the ball to be clipping the leg pole but only by JUST! Two wickets down now and both for Pattinson. Still some time left before Lunch, can Australia get another?

Kane Williamson has been adjudged LBW! Big moment in the game. Looks to be missing leg to the naked eye. He has taken the review.

11.1

.

OHHH! This is on a length and around off, it straightens after pitching. Williamson looks to defend the original trajectory but is beaten.

Change of ends for James Pattinson now.

10.6

.

Back of a length and on off, Tom guides it to point.

10.5

.

Nicely flicked but to backward square leg. Full and on the pads, it is hit to backward square leg.

10.4

.

One more ball outside off, not played at.

10.3

.

Shortish and outside off, left alone.

10.2

.

Top shot but for no runs! Fuller and around off, Blundell creams it but straight to covers.

10.1

.

BEATEN! Lovely delivery! This lands just outside off and then angles away. Blundell looks to defend but is beaten. The angle almost does him in there.

Mitchell Starc is back! Change of ends for him.

9.6

.

On the fuller side and on middle, Williamson pushes it to mid on.

9.5

.

Williamson gets squared up there! This lands on off and then straightens. Williamson gets opened up as he tries to defend. The ball goes off the outer half towards gully.

9.4

.

A good short one on middle, Williamson sways out of the way nicely.

9.3

.

Just outside off again, left alone again.

9.2

.

Outside off, not played at.

9.1

1

On the pads, it is worked down to fine leg for one.

8.6

.

Good length and on off, Williamson stays back and keeps it out. End of a successful first by Pattinson.

8.5

.

On the fuller side on off, Williamson strokes it to mid off.

Kane Williamson comes out at number 3, in one of his toughest battles. For now, he has to survive 27 minutes.

8.4

W

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Latham should be gutted with himself there. Almost a carbon copy of the way he got out in the first innings but this is an even poorer delivery. It is full and wider outside off, Latham goes after it but the ball kisses the outside edge and goes low to the left of Paine who dives and takes it. The bowling change works wonders and Pattinson strikes in his first over itself. However, Latham is the one to be blamed here. He is such a good leaver of the cricket ball, not sure why did he go after this one and not once but in both the innings he has been dismissed on deliveries which should have been left. Maybe this time around he got bogged down by Cummins, he finally sensed an opportunity to score and went after it and paid the price. The budding opening stand has been cut short.

8.3

3

Clipped nicely! Blundell seems a strong player off his pads. Also, really good running that. Blundell clips this through mid-wicket. Mitchell Starc from mid on gives it a chase. Now, the batters complete two when the pacer picks the ball up. They now take one for the throw and complete the third.

8.2

.

Back of a length and on off, Blundell guides it to point.

8.1

.

Just outside off, not played at.

James Pattinson is on now!

7.6

.

The last ball is outside off, it is left alone.

7.5

2

Cummins drags his length back and bowls it short. Latham works it through square leg and takes two.

7.4

4

FOUR! Cracking shot! Absolutely beautiful. A shot which can give you so much of confidence. Full and on middle, Latham plays it with the angle. Does not look to hit it too hard, just uses the pace of the bowler and strokes it through mid on for a boundary.

7.3

1

Back of a length and on middle, Blundell works it wide of mid-wicket and gets to the other end.

7.2

.

Once again, slightly shorter, this one is outside off too. Easy leave.

7.1

.

OHHH! Just short of a length and on off, it comes back in sharply. Blundell looks to defend but misses to get hit near the box. Cummins needs to be a touch fuller. Right now, he is slightly shorter.

6.6

.

BEATEN! It seems like Latham hasn't watched his dismissal from the first innings. He fell to a similar shot. A shot which can be avoided. It is full and outside off, shapes away late. Latham goes after it but this time he gets beaten.

6.5

.

Good length and on off, Latham goes back and keeps it out.

6.4

4lb

FOUR LEG BYES! Very straight and on the pads, Latham looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. It races down to the fine leg fence.

6.3

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

6.2

.

Way too wide outside off, left alone.

6.1

.

Good length and around off, Latham keeps it out.

5.6

.

Wide outside off, left alone.

5.5

.

A mild shout for LBW. Turned down. Height was the issue. A length ball outside off, coming in a long way, Blundell looked to defend but missed, to get hit on the pads. Ball Tracker confirms it to be going over the top.

5.4

.

Landed outside off, a touch wide, let through.

5.3

.

Full and outside off, driven straight to short extra cover.

5.2

.

Brave leave. THIS was not far away from the off stump. Cummins bowls this on a length, in the corridor of uncertainty. Normally, batsmen are confused whether to play or leave balls in this corridor. Blundell chooses the latter. The ball comes in a long way and just about misses off stump!

5.1

.

A length ball outside off, coming in with the angle, left alone.

4.6

1

Goes for the yorker but misses it by a little. TB works it through square leg and keeps strike.

4.5

2

Nicely clipped! On the pads again, Blundell flicks it towards backward square leg. Cummins runs to his left, dives, collects the ball and lobs it to the fielder running to his right from square leg. The two save two runs for their side.

4.4

1lb

Right on the arm! A leg bye taken by Latham seems in a little pain as he completes the run. A short one and on the body, does not bounce a lot. Hits Latham on the elbow as he ducks. It lobs towards the leg side and one is taken. Latham looks in pain but then does not any sign of it.

4.3

1

Straighter in line this time, gets it to come back in also at 146 KPH. Blundell gets his bat down in time and works it wide of mid on for one.

4.2

.

Just outside off, Blundell does not play at it.

4.1

.

Back of a length and on off, Blundell stays back and keeps it out.

3.6

.

On the fuller side this time, Latham pushes it to mid off. Maiden over by Cummins.

3.5

.

Slightly shorter and on middle, this one jags back in. Latham looks to flick but misses to get hit on the thigh pad.

3.4

.

A sharp bumper, it is on the body, Latham ducks under it.

3.3

.

Just outside off, Latham makes a good leave by covering his off pole.

3.2

.

On the off pole, Latham is solid in defense.

3.1

.

Outside off, left alone.

2.6

.

Back of a length again, Blundell defends it onto the ground.

2.5

.

On the shorter side, Blundell guides it to point.

2.4

.

On a length and around off, Blundell keeps it out nicely.

2.3

1

One more ball on the pads, Latham works it down to fine leg and gets to the other end.

2.2

.

Third appeal in the three overs bowled. None have gone Australia's way. On the pads, Latham looks to flick but misses. It brushes the pads and goes Paine. An appeal but turned down.

2.1

.

On a length and around off, Latham defends it onto the ground.

1.6

4

FOUR! Up and over! Slightly shorter and around off, Blundell picks the length early and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary. He played that nicely, transferred his weight quickly onto the back foot and then got on top of the bounce.

1.5

.

Another appeal and not given again! This seems too high. It lands on off and then comes back in. Blundell looks to work it on the leg side but misses to get hit on the pads.

1.4

.

This one zipped through and there was also extra bounce. It is on a length and just outside off, Blundell looks to leave it but there is steep bounce on this one. It hits the elbow of Blundell. That must have hurt. He walks up to his partner, probably for a breather as it must have stung.

1.3

.

And again! A back of a length delivery is played quite easily by Blundell by going on the back foot.

1.2

.

Outside off, left alone. After seeing the first two deliveries by Cummins, it seems like the pitch has slowed down. Cummins is not getting the ball to skid through like he did in the first innings.

1.1

.

On middle, Blundell keeps it out.

Pat Cummins to bowl from the other end.

0.6

3

Another full toss! Blundell works it through square leg and picks up three. 8 from the first over. It could have easily been a wicket in it but it turns out to be a good one for the Kiwis.

0.5

.

Outside off, left alone.

0.4

4

FOUR! And a few deliveries like this one too! A full toss on the pads, Blundell is off the mark in style as he clips it and the ball races away.

0.3

.

An appeal but the umpire shakes his head! Missing leg probably. Starc though once again gets some nice shape. It starts on middle and then tails back in. Blundell looks to defend but does so outside the line. The ball hits the pad. Tim Paine and Starc do have a discussion but then don't review. Guess what? Ball Tracker just shows three reds. An early let off, one can say for Blundell. Can he make use of this life? This is probably the kind of a let off a batter who is in need of some runs need.

0.2

.

Down the leg side, Blundell looks to flick but misses.

0.1

1

Some swing for Starc first up but well played too! It is fuller and around off, shapes away a touch. Latham just uses the pace, puts bat to ball and strokes it through covers for one. New Zealand and Latham are underway.

The players are out in the middle. Tom Latham and Tom Blundell will open for New Zealand. It is that man, Mitchell Starc, to start off proceedings to Latham. Here we go...

A mountain to climb for New Zealand then. 488 is the target, in a minimum of 168 overs. Highly unlikely that one will see this being hauled down but sometimes, the pitch at the MCG tends to get better in the final innings. The Black Caps of course, will be looking to see off hour by hour and then look at how they are placed. Around 78 overs left today - a decent day's batting should see them get close to 200 - if they forget that they are chasing a target and just focus on playing normal Test cricket. Stay tuned for the final innings.

Describing the innings, it is pretty much similar to how a second innings scorecard looks. No one scoring a half century and everyone throwing away his wicket. Plenty of starts not converted but that was because the batting was done with a sole purpose of giving some rest to the Aussie bowlers. New Zealand toiled hard again and it was that man Neil Wagner, who topped the bowling charts with 3 scalps. Full marks to Trent Boult as well, for coming out to bowl in spite of an injured hand yesterday.

Right. So 31 runs in 9.2 overs this morning. Tim Paine just wanted to have New Zealand out in the middle for some time. Not much progress for Australia today, because they were not able to score quick runs and get to that elusive lead of 500.

54.2

W

OUT! TIMBER! Head has been bowled round his legs. All eyes at the Australian pavilion and there is the signal! AUSTRALIA HAVE DECLARED! Wagner on the other hand, gets his third. It is on the leg pole. Head looks to flick but misses it and the ball hits the leg pole. NEW ZEALAND HAVE A TARGET OF 488!

54.1

.

On the shorter side around off, Head guides it towards point.

Paine is seen taking his pads off so the declaration seems nearby.

53.6

1

Carved away! Full and outside off, Head gets it over point, there is a man in the deep so just one.

53.5

.

Hits this off the middle but finds the fielder at cover.

53.4

1

Another short one down the leg side, Wade pulls it down to fine leg for one.

53.3

1

Another mistimed stroke! Slower short one on middle, Head looks to pull but it goes off the toe-end down to long on for one.

53.2

.

Full and wide outside off, Head looks to go after it but misses. Head is losing his shape everytime he is trying to hit the ball. He is going too hard out there.

53.1

.

Slower short ball outside off, Head is early in the pull, it goes off the bottom half towards the left of the bowler.

52.6

1

One more slower short ball on the body, Head looks to nudge it on the leg side, it goes off the glove though towards the leg side for a single.

52.5

1

On off, Wade guides it to point for one.

52.4

.

Now a bumper, Wade evades it.

52.3

1

Head misses out again! A slower one and it is a full toss. Head swings but the ball dips right at the end. It goes off the inner half through mid-wicket for one.

52.2

.

Outside off, Head strokes it nicely but straight to covers.

52.1

.

A slower short ball on the body of the batter, Head lets it go over him. Watling collects it on the bounce.

51.6

1

On a length and around off, Head guides it through backward point and picks up a single.

51.5

.

On the fuller side, Head strokes it nicely but finds covers.

51.4

.

Slower one outside off, Head is guilty of going too hard at it. He mistimes it towards cover.

51.3

.

On the shorter side, Head tries to pull but the ball does not bounce as much as he expected it to. Gets beaten and it goes over the stumps.

51.2

1

On the shorter side and around off, Wade pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for one.

51.1

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

50.6

.

Landed outside off, played straight to point.

50.5

.

Very full, almost a yorker, driven straight to mid off.

50.4

1

Dropped short, pulled through square leg for a run.

50.3

1

A length ball, around off, coming in with the angle, Travis looks to tuck but gets a thick inside edge onto his hips. The ball drops down and the batsmen take a quick run.

50.2

1

Landed outside off, dabbed to third man for a single.

50.1

.

On the shorter side and on middle, Wade ducks under it.

49.6

1

A short ball and on middle, it is pulled through square leg for one.

49.5

1

Just short again! Good stop in the end by Henry, the sub. Shorter and outside off, Head once again throws his bat at it. The ball flies off the outside edge towards Henry at fly slip. He runs in but the ball then falls just ahead. He puts his body on the line as he dives forward and stops it. One taken.

49.4

.

Head misses out! Shorter and outside off, Head cuts it but can't beat point.

49.3

.

Well bowled! A slower yorker outside off, Head is completely foxed. His feet go nowhere as he tries to put bat on ball but misses.

49.2

1

On the fuller side outside off, Wade strokes it towards cover and takes off. Taylor has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Wade tries to take another run but it is not on.

49.1

1

Slightly shorter and outside off, once again it takes off after pitching. Head does well though to gently guide it through point for one.

48.6

.

One more short ball outside off, it is left alone.

48.5

.

Outside off, left alone.

48.4

1

In the air... short! One more short ball on the body, Head looks to sway away but realizes it is too late to do so. He plays an upper cut which lands short of Ross Taylor at fly slip for one.

48.3

.

A good short ball, it zips through and is right on the body of the battter. Head hops to defend but then realizes it is getting big on him. Avoids it in the end.

48.2

1

The batsman has stood up on his toes to play that one. The batsmen have run through for a single.

48.1

.

A short one and on middle, Wade ducks under it.

47.6

4

FOUR! Streaky! First boundary of the day. Short and very wide. Head reaches out for it. The ball takes the outside edge and flies over the slip cordon and into the third man fence. 150 UP FOR AUSTRALIA. Lead is 469.

47.5

1

On a length and around off, this one straightens a touch after pitching. Wade manages to guide it towards point for one.

47.4

.

BEATEN! Extra bounce! Shortish and outside off, Wade looks to force it through the off side. He is taken by surprise by the steep bounce. The outside edge of the bat is beaten.

47.3

.

Takes a few steps down the track and then ends up leaving this ball outside off.

47.2

2

Carved away! Full and outside off, Wade opens the face of the bat and squeezes it through backward point. Two taken.

47.1

.

Shuffles right across but Tim Southee smartly bowls it wide outside off. Wade lets it go in the end.

46.6

.

A slower full toss outside off, Head mistimes it to mid on. He may not have picked the slower one there. Lost his shape while hitting that one.

46.5

.

Shortish in length and on middle, Head stays back and keeps it out.

46.4

1

On the leg side, this is worked down towards deep backward square leg for one.

46.3

2

Pulled and done so nicely! Shorter and on middle, Wade gets on top of the bounce nicely. Pulls it all along the ground through mid-wicket for two.

46.2

.

A yorker now and on middle, Wade gets his bat down in time and jams it out.

46.1

.

A bumper but down the leg side, Wade lets it go.

Neil Wagner to bowl from the other end. 13-1-39-2 so far.

45.6

2

Cut nicely! Head has come out with an aggressive approach here. He sees this is short and there is width on offer, slashes, gets it behind point and the batters pick two.

45.5

1

Back of a length around off, Wade taps it towards covers and takes one. His first run today.

45.4

1

Nicely hit but just for one! Fuller in length and outside off, Head gets it right off the middle. Mid off is slightly deep, it runs to his right and keeps it down to one. So New Zealand are already on the defensive. Australia are underway on Day 4!

45.3

.

On the fuller side around off, Head strokes it to covers.

45.2

.

Fuller in length, driven straight back to the bowler.

45.1

.

A good length around off, coming in with the angle, Head dabs it towards point.

We are all set for the day to begin. The players are out in the middle. Tim Southee to start off proceedings to Travis Head. Matthew Wade is the other batsman. Here we go!

For the numbers, Australia lead by 456 runs. The plan might be to try and bat till Lunch and then declare. The Kiwis will be a bowler short, given that Trent Boult has been ruled out of the series. They will hope that Neil Wagner gets a few quick wickets and earns a 5-fer.

Right. On that note, let us now focus to the match on hand. Where is it heading? Probably well beyond New Zealand's reach. The million dollar question would be when would Australia declare. Runs are not an issue, it is the time Tim Paine feels he needs to give his bowlers to take 10 wickets. Scorchers are expected on Sunday and Monday, so bowler management would be on top priority.

Well, normally, we would begin a day by citing the equations, the match situation, the plans, etc, etc, etc. But we shall adopt a different approach today. Because a breaking news has just come from Down Under. PETER SIDDLE HAS JUST ANNOUNCED THAT HE WILL BE RETIRING FROM INTERNATIONAL CRICKET, with immediate effect. A real champion, a real trier. Thank you, Sidders...

... DAY 4 ...

Right. What will be Australia's plan on Sunday? Declare overnight? Or come out, bat for an hour, score some quick runs and then declare? There is some forecast of rain on Monday, so Paine would be mindful of that. In all likelihood, Sunday could be the final day of international cricket in Australia this year. Join us on 29th December, 2019 at 10.30 am local (2330 GMT, previous day). ADIOS! TAKE CARE!

Australia got off to a decent start in their second innings but have ended up losing 4 wickets before close. Cannot say that the bowling was overly good because runs do not matter at this stage. The batsmen are playing purely for time, to give their bowlers sufficient rest. The talk of the evening would be Neil Wagner slowly getting into the list of bowlers having a wood over Steven Smith. 4/4 in this series!

It all happened in the first hour. Pat Cummins and James Pattinson blew the Kiwi middle order away and they never recovered. Tom Latham fought but that was only as far as keeping the deficit to 319. Only, did we say? Well, it did work in terms of delaying the inevitable as Tim Paine chose to bat again, given the extreme conditions in this Test and also, less gap between this one and the New Year's Test.

An action-packed day then. 4 wickets in the first session, 4 in the second and 4 in the third. An overall tally of 12. The match has progressed rapidly and Sunday might well be the final day of this game.

Phew. That guy was panting. He may not admit it, but Neil Wagner does look tired. But it has just been him who has defined New Zealand's bowling. Single-handedly, he has given them some respectability in this one-sided Test.

Neil Wagner is having a chat with Kath Loughnan. On him having a wood over Smith, with the record reading 4/4, Wagner still feels he does not have the wood on the best batsman in the world, but is thrilled to have dismissed him. Mentions it is a special occasion to take the 200th wicket on this ground and in front of this crowd. He feels sore now and he would want a good sleep and come back fresh on Day 4. Is amazed to see so much of Kiwi support here and hopes to keep fighting and make the fans proud. Is looking forward to coming back on Sunday and give it his best.

44.6

.

Full on middle, pushed towards mid on. STUMPS ON DAY 3, AUSTRALIA LEAD BY 456!

44.5

1

He is giving it his all though. A short ball, banged in the middle of the deck, generating extra bounce, Travis looked to hook but got a top edge which did not carry to fine leg. A run taken.

44.4

.

Around middle, defended watchfully.

Isa Guha on air remarks that probably for the first time, Neil Wagner is looking a bit tired. Strong statement. Just 3 more balls and then he can get a good massage.

44.3

.

Very full, around off, almost a yorker, dug out.

44.2

.

This one is down the leg side and the batsman leaves it alone.

44.1

.

A length ball on middle, Head defends it watchfully.

43.6

.

Outside off, left alone again.

43.5

.

Outside off, not played at.

43.4

2

Short and on middle, Wade pulls it through mid-wicket and bags a couple.

43.3

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

43.2

4

FOUR! Too short and width on offer, it has been put away. Short and outside off, Wade cuts it behind point and it races to the fence.

43.1

1

A length ball, down the leg side, tucked through square leg for a single.

42.6

1

A length ball, down the leg side, Head hops and tucks it past short leg, through square leg for a run.

42.5

.

Down the leg side, flick shot missed.

42.4

.

This one holds off the deck, from a length, TH initially looks to pull, with a hop but then adjusts at the last moment, pushing the ball back down the track.

42.3

.

A bouncer now, ducked under.

42.2

.

A short ball, down the leg side, Head looks to pull but misses.

42.1

1

Full on middle, driven through mid on for a single.

41.6

.

Fuller and on middle, it is driven to mid on.

41.5

4

FOUR! Up and over! Short again, Head waits for it and then at the end, upper cuts it over the keeper and to the fine leg fence.

41.4

.

A yorker now on middle, Head jams it out towards mid-wicket.

41.3

.

Shorter and on off, Head hops and guides it towards gully.

41.2

1

On middle, it is worked through square leg for one.

41.1

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

40.6

1

A quick run as this is worked towards mid-wicket.

40.5

.

On the pads, Wade works it to mid-wicket.

40.4

.

Another bumper, Wade evades it.

40.3

.

On the shorter side again, it is on the body. Wade fails to move out of the way and gets hit on the elbow. Wade is quite tough as that is a sensitive spot but he shows no signs of pain.

40.2

1

On the pads, this is worked fine on the leg side for one.

40.1

.

One more short one and on middle, Head ducks under it.

39.6

.

Down the leg side, Wade looks to flick but misses.

39.5

1

Shorter and around off, Wade pushes it through covers for one.

39.4

1

Very full and on the pads, it is worked towards fine leg for one.

39.3

.

On the shorter side now and on middle, Wade lets it go over him.

39.2

1

Good length and outside off, Head strokes it through covers and takes one.

39.1

.

This is on middle, it is pushed to mid on.

Trent Boult is back into the attack. Just the 6 overs for him so far.

38.6

.

A full toss to end down the leg side. Wade misses the flick.

38.5

.

Bouncer! The batsman ducks under the bouncer at the last moment.

38.4

1

On the body, Head nudges it around the corner and takes one.

38.3

.

Shorter and on the body, Head works it to backward square leg.

38.2

.

On off, Head stays back and blocks it.

38.1

1

Back of a length around off, it is kept out towards cover for one.

37.6

.

Outside off, left alone.

37.5

.

On the middle pole, Head keeps it out.

37.4

.

Outside off, left alone.

37.3

.

On middle, it is worked towards mid-wicket. Wade wants a run but is sent back.

37.2

.

Outside off, not played at.

37.1

3

Wade takes a few steps down the track and squeezes it through gully. Matt Henry, the sub, in the deep, runs to his right, slides and saves a run for his side.

36.6

1

Uppish but safe! A short one which hurries onto the batter. Wade looks to pull but ends up miscuing it towards fine leg for one.

36.5

.

One more short one on middle, Wade sways away from it nicely.

36.4

.

On the pads, it is worked to mid-wicket.

36.3

.

A bumper, Wade ducks under it.

36.2

1

On the pads, this is worked towards fine leg for one.

36.1

.

Outside off, not played at.

35.6

.

Fullish in length again, this is pushed to the man at mid off.

35.5

.

Back of a length and on off, Wade keeps it out.

35.4

.

Slower one on off, Wade strokes it but finds cover.

35.3

.

This starts outside off, seeing that Wade thinks of leaving it but then it tails back in and Wade defends it at the very end.

35.2

.

This is angled into the batter, Wade blocks it.

35.1

.

Outside off, left alone.

Tim Southee is back into the attack!

34.6

.

Fuller and on middle, Head stays back and defends it out.

34.5

.

Looks to bowl a yorker but ends up bowling a full toss. Head plays it out towards mid on.

Travis Head walks out to bat. A century in the first innings, what is in store for him here?

34.4

W

OUT! TAKEN! 200th TEST WICKET for Wagner and it is of one of the best batters going around. Also, he is the second fastest Kiwi behind Sir Richard Hadlee to get to that milestone. Wagner gets Steven Smith yet again. 4th time in this series. Do we finally have someone who can call Smith his bunny? Well, Wagner may just say that. Once again it is the short ball. Smith looks to pull but ends up miscuing it towards backward square leg. Southee takes a good catch there. Two wickets in quick succession for the visitors.

34.3

.

One more short ball on the body, the batter ducks under it.

34.2

.

Smith goes for another flat-batted swat. This time though he hits it a lot a squarer then he would have liked. It goes to mid-wicket.

34.1

.

Goes short straightaway. Smith lets it go over him.

Matthew Wade comes out to bat now. And Neil Wagner returns to bowl! What timing. 7-0-30-1 so far. Meanwhile, Steven Smith is giving an interview to Mark Howard on the spider cam. On being asked about what would he do in such situation, Smith puts on an innocent baby-looking face, almost as if to say, I don't know. But then, he says that he will aim to play positively with 48 minutes left for the day. On his Tennis forehand short, Steven says that in a situation like this he would want to enjoy himself.

33.6

W

OUT! Caught behind! That was a very late decision from the umpire. Shorter and outside off, not far from the off pole. Burns looks to run it down fine but it is a little too close to the ball to play that shot. It brushes the glove and goes into the mitts of the keeper. There is an appeal, Burns stood his ground, the umpire did not raise his finger but eventually did. Maybe Erasmus thought the edge was pretty obvious and Burns would walk but that did not happen. He had to lift his finger in the end. Burns walks back after a start and Santner gets his first.

33.5

.

On middle, it is kept out.

33.4

1

Slower through the air outside off, it is pushed through covers for one.

33.3

.

Smith comes down the track now and works it with the angle to mid-wicket.

33.2

1

Takes a few steps down the track and hits it down to long on for one.

33.1

.

Flatter and on off, it is pushed to covers.

32.6

.

Another short ball on the body, Smith moves out of the way.

32.5

.

One more short one on middle, Smith lets it go.

32.4

.

Shuffles right across expecting a short one and gets one. He pulls but to leg gully.

32.3

4

FOUR! Smashed! Flat-batted, a lot like a Tennis forehand. It is short and on middle, Smith clears his front leg and hammers it to the wide long on fence.

32.2

2

Shortish from around the wicket and on the hips of Smith. He works it wide of leg gully and takes two.

32.1

1

On the pads, it is worked down to fine leg for one.

31.6

1

On the pads, it is worked through square leg for one.

31.5

.

Turn and bounce! Australia won't mind this. Santner slows it up and lands it on middle, it pitches and then turns away. Burns looks to defend but it goes off the glove, then hits the shoulder and through the vacant first slip region.

31.4

.

Quicker and on middle, Burns goes back to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

31.3

.

Flatter and on off, it is pushed to covers.

31.2

.

Down the leg side, Burns misses the sweep.

The master replaces the disciple. Steven Smith comes out to play in an 'Who-cares-how-I-play' scenario.

31.1

W

OUT! He indeed is quite short. For once, Labuschagne gets out for a low score. He works it towards square leg and takes off. Tom Latham picks the ball up and fires it to Santner who collects the ball in front of the stumps and then dislodges the bails behind. An appeal and the umpire takes it upstairs. New Zealand do not seem that excited but they do get excited after watching the replays as it shows that Labuschagne is short. Even the dive does not save him. He walks back disappointed.

Labuschagne seems short! New Zealand do not seem excited but by the first look, it seemed like Marnus is short.

30.6

.

Shorter in length and outside off, evaded.

30.5

1

This is angled into the pads, it is worked through mid-wicket for one. 100 up for the Aussies, they lead by 419.

30.4

.

On the fuller side, Labuschagne pushes it to short cover.

30.3

.

Fuller and on off, it is pushed to mid off.

30.2

.

One more delivery outside off, it is left alone again.

30.1

.

Outside off, left alone.

29.6

.

A shorter ball to end the over, Burns gets right back to block.

29.5

.

Bit of revolutions on this one, pitched outside off, pretty full and then turning away. JB reaches out and pushes it to guess where - point again.

29.4

.

Fuller outside off, draws Joe forward, who comes but loosely plays this with an open bat-face towards point.

29.3

.

Quicker, flatter and shorter, around off, Burns goes back and punches it straight to point.

29.2

.

Landed outside off, pushed straight to cover.

29.1

1

Full and outside off, driven through the covers for a single.

DRINKS!

28.6

.

On the shorter side, Burns pulls it to mid-wicket. A good over for the hosts.

28.5

4

FOUR! Burns might have decided to step on the gas here! Short and outside off, Burns slashes and gets it behind point for a boundary.

28.4

.

Slightly fuller and on off, Burns strokes it to covers.

28.3

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

28.2

.

Nearly chops it on! It goes just over! Length and around off, Burns looks to defend but gets an inside edge. It then hits the pad and then changes directions and goes over the stumps. Lucky escape that.

28.1

6

SIX! All the way! That is some shot. Yes, it is right in the arc but it is a glorious shot. Full and on middle, Burns lofts it straight back over the bowler's head for a biggie.

27.6

1

Another single towards cover, this time for Burns.

27.5

1

A direct hit and it could have been interesting! This is pushed to the left of cover and the batters take off. Williamson picks the ball up and has a shy at the keeper's end but misses. Replays show even if he hit, Burns would have been in.

27.4

.

On middle, defended.

27.3

1

Outside off, Burns pushes it towards cover for one.

27.2

.

Flatter and on off, the batter goes back and keeps it out.

27.1

1

Shorter and on middle, Labuschagne pushes it down to long on for one.

26.6

.

One more leave outside off to end the over.

26.5

.

Wide outside off, let through.

26.4

.

Full and outside off, driven straight to mid off.

26.3

1

Smart from Southee but Marnus is prepared. The bowler goes gun barrel straight, expecting the batsman to go across but the Protea stays where he is and flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

26.2

.

And again. Gets across, shoulders arms and then pulls through vacant air.

26.1

.

A length ball outside off, Labuschagne gets a long way across and then plays his pull-cum-leave.

Tim Southee returns. 4-2-2-0 so far.

25.6

.

Flatter and on middle, Burns goes back and blocks it out.

25.5

.

On off, blocked.

25.4

3

Brings out the sweep shot, plays it through backward square leg. The man in the deep makes a lot of ground to his right and keeps it down to three.

25.3

.

Tossed up on off, ML strokes it to covers.

25.2

.

Flatter and on off, Labuschagne pushes it to covers.

25.1

2

Works it with the angle behind square on the leg side. Calls for two and gets two.

24.6

2

Good running! On the pads, this is worked towards deep square leg. It is slightly away from the fielder and two is taken.

24.5

.

Looks to bowl the yorker but slips it down the leg side, Burns looks to flick but misses.

24.4

1

Another short ball and on the body, this is pulled through square leg for one.

24.3

1

This is worked down ti fine leg for one.

24.2

.

A short one, it hurries into the batter, Burns mistimes his pull shot towards mid-wicket for one.

24.1

3

Goes very full now, it is the knuckle ball. Labuschagne strokes it through mid off for three.

24.1

1wd

WIDE! Way too short and on middle, it goes way over the batter's head. Wided.

23.6

1

Another floated delivery on off, ML pushes it down to long off for another run.

23.5

.

On middle, Labuschagne pushes it back towards the bowler.

23.4

1

One more ball on the pads, Burns works it towards short fine leg for one.

23.3

.

On the pads, it is worked to short fine leg.

23.2

.

Quicker and on middle, kept out.

23.1

1

This is angled into the pads, Labuschagne works it through square leg for one.

22.6

.

A slower short ball outside off, the batter cuts but to point.

22.5

.

A huge shout but that seems to be going down with the angle. Replays show that there was an inside edge too. Full and on the pads, Burns looked to flick but missed to get hit on the pads.

22.4

1

Shorter in length and on the body, this is pulled down to fine leg for one.

22.3

.

Goes full now, ML keeps it out.

22.2

.

One more short ball around off, Labuschagne looks to pull but misses.

22.1

.

Brute of a ball that! It is short and on middle, gets big on Labuschagne. He hops and defends it onto the ground.

21.6

.

Full and outside off, Burns looks to drive this on the walk but the ball takes the outside edge. A defensive field placement and a lack of self-confidence means that there is no slip. This would have carried. The ball goes to backward point.

21.5

1

Arrowed in on off, worked through square leg for a run.

21.4

.

Short and outside off, cut straight to point.

21.3

.

Landed around off, no loop, not much revolutions, no pace, bunted back to the bowler.

21.2

1

Punches this in front of point now, for a single.

21.1

.

Landed around off, punched towards point.

20.6

.

Slower short one on off, ML works it to mid-wicket.

20.5

1

A low full toss on middle, it is worked through mid-wicket for another one.

20.4

1

Shorter and on middle, it is pulled through square leg for one.

20.3

.

On off, blocked.

20.2

.

Welcomes the new batter with a yorker, Labuschagne gets his bat down in time and works it to short fine leg.

Marnus Labuschagne comes in at number 3. 30.5 overs left tonight.

20.1

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Wagner is amongst the wickets again. Warner falls on the first shot he plays out of aggression. It is short and around middle, Warner makes room and slaps it hard but straight to Blundell at cover. Wagner is delighted. Warner will feel a touch unlucky. He had nailed it but straight to the fielder. Australia are effectively 381 for 1.

19.6

1

Flatter and outside off, Warner looks to guide it fine on the off side. Ends up guiding it so fine that it hits the boot of the keeper and then rolls behind towards third man for one.

19.5

1

The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot. They pick up a single.

19.4

1

Comes down the track and then whips it towards wide long on for one.

19.3

.

On off, it is worked to mid-wicket.

19.2

.

Slower through the air, Warner initially looked to play the slog sweep but then defends it out.

19.1

1

A full toss to begin with, it is eased down to long off for one.

Mitchell Santner is on now!

18.6

1

A single to end the over! On the pads, it is worked through mid-wicket.

18.5

1

On the off pole, Warner drops it on the off side and takes one.

18.4

.

Another short one, Warner ducks under it.

18.3

.

On the shorter side again, Warner stays back and defends it onto the ground.

18.2

.

One more short ball but it is down the leg side. Warner looks to help it on its way but misses.

18.1

.

On the shorter side, Warner works it to square leg.

17.6

.

On the stumps, Burns works it to mid-wicket.

17.5

.

Extremely full and outside off, Burns strokes it past the diving cover fielder but to mid off.

17.4

.

Another delivery on a length and around off, blocked.

17.3

.

Just outside off, not played at.

17.2

1

On the off pole, Warner taps it towards cover and takes one.

17.1

.

Outside off again but this time a little closer to the off pole than the last one. Left alone again.

17.1

1wd

Way too wide outside off, left alone. It has been signaled as a wide.

16.6

.

Lovely ball. Full and around off, swinging in a long way. But Burns is upto it and watchfully plays it towards cover.

16.5

4

FOUR! BOOM! Fractionally short, around off, Burns swivels and pulls this over mid-wicket! Moves to 11, the lead is now 373.

16.4

.

Outside off, driven towards mid off.

16.3

1

50-RUN OPENING STAND UP. Full and outside off, Warner taps it towards cover and takes the single. The wonderful opening combination continues for the hosts.

16.2

.

On a length around off, coming in with the angle, watchfully blocked out.

16.1

.

Landed outside off, swinging away, pushed towards mid off.

15.6

.

Full and outside off, blocked towards mid off.

15.5

.

Outside off, left alone.

15.4

.

Landed outside off, Joe guides it towards gully.

15.3

.

Around off, defended solidly.

15.2

1

Full and outside off, pushed through the covers for a single.

15.1

4

FOUR! Down the leg side, short in length. Warner looks to pull but gets it very fine, just wide of the diving BJ Watling, to the fine leg fence. Moves to 32 from 49 balls.

14.6

.

Full and outside off, Burns looks to defend but the ball swings away and takes the outside edge. Lands just short of gully.

14.5

1

Dropped short, around off, David pulls it through mid-wicket for one.

14.4

.

Full and outside off, this one does not swing. Watchfully pushed back down the track.

14.3

4

EDGED, THROUGH! FOUR. Full and outside off, swinging away, Warner reaches out to push at it. The moving ball takes the outside edge and goes towards second slip. Tim Southee flings himself full stretch to his left but the ball bounces well in front, beats him and races to the third man fence. The lead is now 362.

14.2

1

On middle and leg, tucked through mid-wicket for a run.

14.1

1

A length ball, around leg stump, tucked towards square leg for a single.

13.6

3

Good fielding! Full and wide outside off, Warner hits it through covers. The fielder in the deep, Santner, runs to his left, slides and saves one for his side.

13.5

.

Nicely driven but for no runs! Fuller and on off, Warner strokes it but finds mid off.

13.4

.

One more delivery on a length, it comes back in a touch. Warner pushes it to the left of the bowler.

13.3

.

On off, Warner keeps it out.

13.2

1

This is on middle, Burns looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It rolls on the leg side for one.

13.1

.

Fuller and outside off, Burns shoulders arms to this one.

Colin de Grandhomme to bowl from the other end.

12.6

1

He has flicked that off middle. Needed to get bat on ball there. It goes through mid-wicket for one. That swung a long way in.

12.6

1nb

NO BALL. Wagner oversteps. It is on the pads, Burns looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. It is a massive overstep as well.

12.5

.

Lands it on a length and around off, Burns keeps it out nicely.

12.4

.

Just outside off, left alone.

12.3

.

On middle, Burns defends it on the leg side.

12.2

3

Gets it past the diving fielder and gets three! Slightly shorter and around off, Warner guides it past point and the batters run one less than four.

12.1

.

Starts off with a very full ball on off, Warner strokes it to mid off.

We are back for the final session! 39 overs left in the day so we are in for a long session. The Kiwi players stride out and they are followed by the Aussie openers who will resume their innings. Neil Wagner to start the proceedings for the visitors. Here we go...

... Day 3, Session 3 ...

It has been slow going from the Australian batters after not enforcing the follow-on! The two openers have took their time and have shown no rush to score quickly. That probably gives you an idea that the declaration may not be coming today. However, it will be interesting to see if they continue in the same manner after the break or opt for a more aggressive approach. New Zealand on the other hand, will try and not let Australia score quickly and for that, they will hope to take wickets at regular intervals. Will the last session go their way or will Australia have another session to their name?

11.6

1

A single to end the session! On the pads, it is worked through backward square leg for one. TEA ON DAY 3, AUSTRALIA LEAD BY 347!

11.5

1

Very full this time and on middle, Burns works it towards fine leg and takes one.

11.4

.

Angles this one into the pads, Burns works it to mid-wicket.

11.3

.

Shorter and around off, Burns pushes it to covers.

11.2

.

One more ball outside off, it is not played at again.

11.1

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

10.6

.

Outside off, Warner is tempted to cut but then bails out.

10.5

4b

FOUR BYES! No chance for the keeper! Short and on middle, Warner evades it. It keeps moving away after passing the batter. Watling dives to his right, he gets a hand to it but can't stop it from going to the fine leg fence.

10.4

.

Back of a length and on off, defended.

10.3

4

FOUR! Timed beautifully! A half volley but it still has to be put away. Warner creams it through covers and it races away. First boundary of this innings.

10.2

2

A little too straight, Warner works it through square leg and takes two.

10.1

.

On the middle stump, Warner keeps it out.

9.6

.

On the fuller side, Burns strokes it firmly but back to the bowler.

9.5

.

On the pads, Burns works it to mid-wicket.

9.4

1

On the shorter side, Warner cuts it through point for one.

9.3

.

On off, Warner keeps it out.

9.2

.

Good length and on off, it is pushed to the cover fielder.

9.1

.

On the off pole, blocked.

Colin de Grandhomme is on!

8.6

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

8.5

1

On the pads, it is worked through square leg. There is a fielder in the deep so just a single.

8.4

.

Extremely full this time, Warner strokes it to the man at mid off.

8.3

.

Back of a length again, this is guided to the man at point.

8.2

.

Well played! This is on middle, there is extra bounce. Warner does well to take one hand off the handle and defend it.

8.1

.

Jaffa! Unplayable! This is on a length and around off, it moves away a little. Warner looks to play the original trajectory but gets beaten.

7.6

.

On a length again, this is kept out nicely.

7.5

.

The batsman works it down the leg side.

7.4

.

On the fuller side around off, Burns defends it easily.

7.3

.

Outside off, Burns shoulders arms to this one.

7.2

.

One more ball on a length and around off, Burns keeps it out.

7.1

.

Wide outside off, not played at.

6.6

2

Slightly shorter in length and outside off, Warner slaps it through covers. it is not right off the middle but hit well enough to get two.

6.5

.

One more ball outside off, not played at.

6.4

.

Outside off, left alone.

6.3

1

Misfield and a run! Burns pushes it towards cover, Santner misfields and a run is taken.

6.2

.

Almost chops it on! Shorter in length and around off, Burns pushes it at it away from the body. The ball goes off the inside edge, close past the off pole.

6.1

.

This is just outside off, Burns has a poke at it and gets beaten.

5.6

1

A short ball, pulled through mid-wicket for a single.

5.5

.

Around off, this is the inswinger, watchfully kept out.

5.4

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

5.3

.

Full and outside off, watchfully pushed towards cover.

5.2

.

Outswinger outside off, fuller in length, shouldered arms to.

5.1

.

A friendly full toss down the leg side, Burns misses his flick.

4.6

.

Good bowling! After taking a few away, he gets this one to angle back in. Warner realizes that late but does well to get his bat down and keep it out.

4.5

.

One more ball and outside off, Warner initially looks to play but then tries to leave it. Too late though as the ball hits the bat and rolls on the off side.

4.4

.

On the shorter side, Warner hops and keeps it out.

4.3

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

4.2

.

Played that with soft hands! This is on a length and around middle, it moves away. Warner looks to defend with soft hands. It goes off the outer half towards gully.

4.1

1

Burns is off the pair! He pushes at this ball outside off, it goes off the outer half towards gully. The fielder there dives to his right and makes a half-stop. Can't stop the single.

3.6

.

Fullish again, Warner pushes it firmly to the man at covers.

3.5

.

Fuller in length and on off, Warner pushes it to the man at covers.

3.4

.

Goes back to bowling length on off, DW keeps it out.

3.3

.

On the fuller side, Warner strokes it to mid off.

3.2

.

Gets it to shape back in from outside off, does not get it in enough to make the batter play.

3.1

.

NOT OUT! There is an inside edge! New Zealand lose a review quite early. Southee starts this from outside off and then comes back in. It stays a tad low. Warner looks to defend but does so with his bat close to the pad. A huge appeal as Southee feels it is pad first. The umpire shakes his head. Tim really likes it and wants it to be reviewed. Williamson does so. Replays roll in and they show that it is bat first.

Williamson signals the 'T'! Time for a review. A huge appeal for an LBW has been turned down. Southee likes it. Warner is the man in question. There might be an inside edge and the first replay suggests that too.

2.6

.

Another dot as Burns flicks this to mid-wicket.

2.5

.

Still not off the pair is Burns! He gets one on the pads, JB works it to square leg.

2.4

.

Well bowled! Gets it to tail back in from off. Burns gets his front pad out of the way but by just and works it to mid-wicket.

2.3

.

Angles this away from the right-hander. Burns looks to defend but it goes off the outer half towards gully.

2.2

.

On the middle pole, Burns defends it nicely.

2.1

3

Three! A low full toss on the pads, Warner works it wide of square leg and takes an easy three.

1.6

.

Another gentle delivery on the stumps, kept out by Burns.

1.5

.

Outside off, not played at.

1.4

.

On the fuller side, it tails away nicely. Burns keeps it out.

1.3

.

Fuller and around off, Burns pushes it towards cover.

1.2

1

Angled into the pads, it is worked towards mid-wicket for one.

1.1

.

Starts outside off and then gets it to seam back in. Warner keeps it out.

Tim Southee to bowl from the other end.

0.6

4lb

FOUR LEG BYES! Almost got Burns on the first ball again. This starts on middle and then tails back in. Burns looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. It beats the keeper and goes down to the fine leg fence. An appeal from the bowler but nothing from the umpire.

0.5

1

Gets this one to angle into the batter, Warner looks to block but it goes off the inner half towards fine leg for one. Australia are underway.

0.4

.

Lovey delivery! This starts on off and then moves away a long way. Warner looks to defend but is beaten.

0.3

.

On middle, Warner strokes it to mid on.

0.2

.

Good length, it starts on off and then moves away. Warner stays back and keeps it out.

0.1

.

Starts off with a length ball just outside off, Warner lets it be.

32.1

2nb

Full and on the pads, Colin de Grandhomme works it through square leg for one. It is a no ball as Starc overstepped.

The players are back out in the middle. 51 overs left in the day. How long will Australia bat? Will they declare tonight itself and get around 10-15 overs at the Kiwis? David Warner and Joe Burns walk out to the middle. Good signs for the Kiwis with Trent Boult taking the new ball. Here we go then... Warner to face.

The Test continues to go from bad to worse for the visitors. They had a miserable Day 2 and have had nothing much for them so far today. To add to their woes, Trent Boult seems to be injured and he will be a big miss, if he does not bowl in this inning. Will he be fit in time for the New Year Test?

A good day's work for the hosts with the ball. They were fired up right from the start, with Cummins setting the tone right, removing Ross Taylor pretty early. There was barely any fight or any partnership, barring the gritty 50 from Tom Latham. Okay... Colin de Grandhomme hung around just enough to force the Aussies to bat again. That 6th wicket stand read 39 from 65 balls. Cummins strut his stuff, taking his 5th Test 5-fer. A thorough professional bowling performance, in spite of Josh Hazlewood not being present. Pattinson bowled his heart out, taking 3 scalps.

A bit surprising but not shocking. That is the norm these days. Teams generally do not enforce the follow-on given the hectic workload. AUSTRALIA ARE GOING TO BAT AGAIN.

The hero of the moment, Pat Cummins, is down for a chat with Kat Loughnan. Cummins says that he felt he had been bowling well, though he was not amongst the wickets. Praises Pattinson for his constant support especially after what he has gone through in the last 2 years.

54.5

W

OUT! KABOOM! There you go, one ball Starc bowls full and on the stumps, he knocks Boult over. Trent moves right across and tries to flick but misses. The ball clips the leg pole. Starc though is appealing as he does not realize that but Boult starts walking back. AUSTRALIA GET A LEAD OF 319!

54.4

.

Angled into the body again, Boult looks to work it but misses to get hit on the pads.

54.3

.

One more short one on middle, Boult looks to upper cut it but misses.

54.2

.

Shorter and on off, Boult guides it to point. Boult is in serious pain here. His right hand is really giving him some troubles.

54.1

.

Good length and outside off, Boult clears his front leg and looks to guide it on the off side but misses.

53.6

6

SIX! That is a big hit! These boundaries are not small here but Wagner has cleared one with ease. He comes down the track and swings. He connects brilliantly and it clears the mid-wicket fence.

53.5

2

Off the glove and goes over first slip! The reverse sweep comes out from Wagner. It goes off the glove and over first slip. It goes towards third man for two. The two batters are enjoying themselves at the moment.

53.4

1

In the gap! Boult once again comes down the track but this time does not get to the pitch of it. He still swings. It goes off the inner half away from the fielder at deep mid-wicket and a run is taken.

53.3

.

The batsman dances down the track but decides to defend it.

53.2

6

SIX! Boult nails it this time! First of the innings and it comes from the number 11. Boult uses his feet again and swings it high and handsome over the long on fence.

53.1

.

Boult comes down the track but gets too close to the pitch of the ball. It is hit back to the bowler.

Nathan Lyon is brought back on.

The physio is out to have a look at Boult's hand. Time for the magic spray to do its bit. Like always, it does its job and we are fine to continue.

52.6

.

A bouncer to to end the over, Wagner ducks.

52.5

4

FOUR! SUBLIME! Full and outside off, Wagner stays leg side of the ball and drives it through the vast vacant real estate through mid off!

52.4

1

Well played! Gets a long way across, does Boult and flicks this behind square leg for a single.

52.3

.

Where is the ball? Between the pad and the right thigh. No one knows where the ball is. Full and around leg, Boult looks to flick but misses and gets a thick inside edge onto his pads. Now, Mitchell Starc slips, hence he does not see the ball. Matthew Wade at short leg is searching for the ball. No one behind knows where it is. Eventually, the ball drops down off the pads. Everyone is smiling.

52.2

.

Oops! A length ball on middle, rises sharply, follows the batsman down the leg side, Boult just plays it with a vertical bat and the ball lobs in the air - but wide of short leg.

52.1

.

A short ball outside off, Boult looks to hook but misses.

Mitchell Starc is back! 11-4-25-1 is how his figures read.

51.6

.

On off, it is pushed towards covers.

51.5

.

The batsman goes for the hook but misses the line of the delivery.

51.4

.

In the air... safe! A short one and on middle, Wagner looks to clear the mid-wicket fence. He is once again very early in the pull shot. It goes off the toe-end and lands safe in the extra cover region. Starc overruns it but no runs taken. Maybe if Starc would have gathered the ball properly, there could have been a run out opportunity as Boult had taken off for a run but was sent back.

51.3

.

Back of a length and on off, Santner guides it to point.

51.2

4

FOUR! Off the back of the bat! One more short ball, Wagner is way too early in the pull. The ball hits the back of the bat when he completes his swing and goes over the slip cordon for a boundary.

51.1

.

Outside off, Wagner slashes but misses.

Trent Boult is the last man in.

50.6

W

OUT! Fifer for Cummins! His 5th Test fifer. Excellent effort from the pacer. Proving why he is the number one Test bowler at the moment. It is shorter and outside off, Southee pokes at it away from the body, the ball goes off the outside edge and to the keeper. Just one wicket needed for Australia. Given that they have bowled a shade over 50 overs, a follow-on might be on the cards.

50.5

.

Another short one, Southee guides it towards gully. The fielder misfields but no runs taken.

50.4

.

Another one on the shorter side outside off, Southee looks to cut but misses.

50.3

.

Shorter and outside off, Southee looks to put bat on ball but fails to do so.

50.2

1

Uppish but wide! Shorter and around off, Wagner goes after it. It goes uppishly but well wide of gully for one.

50.1

.

Nasty! A short one and on the body, Wagner looks to fend but fails to get on top of the bounce. It hits the glove and rolls towards leg gully.

49.6

.

Whizzes past the outside edge! Shorter and outside off, Southee looks to push at it but misses.

49.5

1

Fuller and on middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

49.4

.

Edged but short! A short one, Wagner looks to pull but is early in the shot. It goes off the bottom edge but lands well short of the keeper.

49.3

.

Short and outside off, Wagner ducks under it.

49.2

1

On the pads, it is worked towards fine leg for one.

49.1

4

EDGY FOUR! Between the gully fielder and second slip fielder! Not sure why there is not another slip. Fuller and on middle, Southee looks to drive but it shapes away. It goes off the outside edge and to the third man fence.

48.6

.

The batsman defends it from within the crease. End of a nasty over from Cummins.

48.5

.

One more ball angled into the pads, Cummins looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.

48.4

.

DROPPED! It went to him quickly but he did get two hands to it so should have hung on. Cummins continues banging it short. Wagner looks to play at it but the ball goes off the glove towards Wade at short leg. He looks to take it with his finger pointing upwards but his hand gets stuck in the grill and by the time he gets them sorted, the ball hits the fingers and pops out.

48.3

.

One more short ball, Wagner ducks under it again.

48.2

.

One more short ball on the body, Wagner ducks under it.

48.1

1

Confusion but safe! That should have been a run out! Southee taps this length ball towards point who is onto the ball quickly. Southee sets off for a run but then hesitates, he eventually goes for it. Lyon picks the ball up and has a shy at the wrong end which is the striker's end and misses. Southee was the one to hesitate so the throw should have been at his end.

Neil Wagner walks out. Will Mitchell Starc come back on? The short stuff is coming...

47.6

W

OUT! Another one bites the dust! Once again it is pair of Cummins and Pattinson which is running havoc. Mitchell Santner is walking back now and Australia just the two wickets away from bowling the visitors out. This is another excellent delivery by Pattinson. It is on a length and it threatens to come back in with the angle. Santner defends but does so inside the line as the ball straightens. Kisses the outside edge and goes into the hands of Paine. Third one for Pattinson.

47.5

.

Another short one and on middle, Santner spots it early and ducks under it.

47.4

.

This is angled into the middle pole, Santner works it to mid-wicket.

47.3

.

Steams in and lands it on off, Santner keeps it out nicely.

47.2

.

A short one and on middle, Santner evades it.

47.1

.

A yorker on off, Santner jams it out.

46.6

4

FOUR! Excellent picked up! Southee walks right across and this is bowled on the stumps. Southee flicks it in the gap between deep square leg and fine leg for a boundary.

46.5

.

Just wide! Slighly fuller and on off, Southee pushes at it, it goes uppishly just wide of Cummins' hand and falls short of mid off.

46.4

.

Almost gets his fifth! A short one and on the body, Southee looks to fend but then awkwardly evades the delivery.

Tim Southee walks out to bat.

46.3

W

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Latham does not last for long after the break and New Zealand are 7 down now. A loose stroke from Tom, he fails to continue after getting to his half ton. It is slightly fuller and outside off. Latham goes after it away from his body. He has been beaten twice or thrice playing this shot but this time it takes the edge and goes to the keeper who makes no mistake. The last recognized batter is out of here. 4th one for Cummins.

46.2

.

Continues landing it on a length and around off, Latham is solid in defense again.

46.1

.

On a good length and around off, Latham confidently strokes it to mid off.

45.6

2

Good running. On a length around off, Santner plays that with an open bat-face, getting it past David Warner at gully. Warner runs after it, gets to the ball, slides and then returns a good throw to the keeper but Santner is quick to come back for the second. Direct hit might have been interesting though.

45.5

.

A bouncer now, on middle, MS ducks.

45.4

.

Full and fast, around middle, pushed towards mid on

45.3

.

On a good length outside off, Mitchell looks to defend but the ball lands and then seams away off the deck to beat the outside edge.

45.2

.

Full and around off, Santner looks to defend but gets a thick inside edge onto his box.

45.1

.

Full and outside off, Santner drives it straight to point.

44.6

.

Full and wide outside off, left alone.

44.5

.

A bouncer now, Latham ducks.

44.4

.

EDGED, SHORT! More luck for Latham. Full and outside off, TL looks to defend but the ball moves away and takes the outside edge. Falls short of a diving Marnus Labuschagne at third slip.

44.3

.

A touch short outside off, Tom looks to tap and run to the off side but aborts the thought as Cummins gets to the ball quickly.

44.2

.

The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through again.

44.1

.

A length ball outside off, shouldered arms to.

43.6

.

That is a jaffa. On a length outside off, MS looks to block but the ball pitches and then straightens to beat the outside edge.

43.5

.

Full and around off, Mitchell looks to defend but the ball goes off the inner half of the bat towards mid on.

43.4

.

Around off, defended watchfully.

43.3

3

16TH TEST FIFTY FOR LATHAM! It has been an excellent batting display against a world class bowling attack. He has taken a lot of time, 135 balls, to get to this landmark, which is also his third slowest half century but he will not care. He was given a life this morning but only Steven Smith would be remembering that now. Gets to his half century with a squeeze behind point. Three runs taken. The deficit is now 357.

43.2

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

43.1

.

Around off, defended watchfully.

James Pattinson to bowl from the other end. 10-1-19-2 so far.

42.6

.

Is that a wicket? Not according to Marais Erasmus. There was a noise as the ball went past the bat. Tim Paine looks confident. The slips come charging towards the umpire. Paine has a chat with his bowler. Cummins is not sure. Eventually, no review taken. Full and outside off, coming in with the angle from around the wicket, Santner looked to defend but missed. There seemed to be a sound once the ball went past. Ultra Edge detects it coming off the pad. Top decision.

42.5

1

Down the leg side, tucked towards fine leg for a single.

42.4

.

A bouncer now, but down the leg side, comfortably ducked under.

42.3

.

Outside off, solidly defended.

42.2

.

Full and just around off, watchfully defended.

42.1

4

EDGED, FOUR! Fortuitous start for Latham after the break! Full and outside off, Tom looks to defend but the ball zips back in, takes the inside edge and goes past the stumps to the fine leg fence!

The afternoon session is upon us. The players are out in the middle. Tom Latham and Mitchell Santner take their positions. Pat Cummins to start off proceedings to Latham. Here we go...

... DAY 3, SESSION 2 ...

4 wickets is what Australia need to end the innings. Will Tim Paine be thinking about the follow-on? If his bowlers wrap this up in the next hour, he might enforce it. But if this Latham-Santner stand digs in, then the follow-on may not be enforced. The temperatures are in the high 40s and remember, there is not much gap between the second and third Tests. Join us back at 1.10 pm local (0210 GMT).

It was the introduction of Matthew Wade which released the pressure. New Zealand had scored just 19 runs in 11 runs in the first hour, but the first over after the Drinks Break went for 13. That inserted some confidence into Latham who was crawling around like a snail till then. Starc did manage to get de Grandhomme before Lunch but he has not been at his menacing best.

Cummins and Pattinson continued their wonderful combination this morning, bowling fast fiery spells and reaping rewards. Cummins made the batsmen hop and used the 2-card trick to perfection, mixing his lengths and getting 2 wickets in 2 balls for the 8th time in his Test career. Pattinson was unlucky, with Tom Latham being dropped off his bowling by Steven Smith. But he fought hard and earned the wicket of BJ Watling.

A session which has probably determined this match and series for Australia. 24 overs, 4/58 with the first hour doing most of the damage. The Kiwis are on the mat with the last recognized batting pair at the crease.

41.6

1

Latham uses his feet again, he does not get to the pitch of it. Latham tries to defend but the ball hits the pad, then the bat and goes towards cover for one. There is an appeal by the keeper but nothing. A single to end the session. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 3!

41.5

.

Slower through the air on middle, kept out.

41.4

.

Turn and bounce! Flatter on off, Latham goes back and tries to defend but the ball turns away and there is also extra bounce. Latham goes back and tries to defend but is beaten.

41.3

.

Latham comes down the track but does not get to the pitch of the ball. It is played to mid on.

41.2

.

On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.

41.1

.

Flatter and around off, Latham guides it to point.

40.6

.

Ouch! That will hurt! Fractionally short and on the body, Santner again drops his hand but fails to move out of the way. The ball hits him on his bicep.

40.5

.

One more short one but down the leg side, left alone.

40.4

.

Well played! A short one again, Santner does well to drop his hands and let it go to the keeper.

40.3

.

On the shorter side again, Santner stands tall and keeps it out.

40.2

1lb

A rib-tickler. Latham looks to flick but misses. It hits the thigh pad and rolls towards fine leg for one.

40.1

.

Outside off, it is not played at.

39.6

.

Slower through the air this time and lands it on off, blocked.

39.5

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

39.4

.

BEATEN! Lyon lands it in a length where Santner is not sure whether to come forward or stay back. He gets it to turn away a little. Santner looks to defend staying rooted to his crease. Gets beaten.

39.3

.

On middle, Santner comes forward and keeps it out.

39.2

.

Gives it a lot of air and lands it on off, blocked.

39.1

.

Floats it up on middle, Santner keeps it out.

38.6

.

Back of a length and on middle, Latham stays back and keeps it out nicely.

A late pull out by Latham. He got distracted by Starc's towel which fell down while he was charging in.

38.5

.

Shorter in length and outside off, Latham evades it.

38.4

.

Slips this one down the leg side, it is left alone.

38.3

.

Shortish again, Latham hops and works it to short leg.

38.2

.

Back of a length and on off, Latham stands tall and keeps it out.

38.1

1

Shorter and on the pads, Santner works it through square leg for one. 100 up for the visitors.

37.6

.

That is a better length but not a great line. Much fuller from Lyon, inviting the drive but too wide outside off. Left alone.

37.5

.

Fractionally shorter than full, outside off, left alone.

37.4

2

Short and outside off, punched through the covers for a couple.

37.3

.

Comes down the track, takes the ball on the full and flicks it towards short fine leg.

37.2

.

Full on middle, Tom comes down the track and looks to flick but gets a leading edge. Does not carry to cover.

37.1

.

Full and around off, Latham lunges and defends.

36.6

.

This is angled into the pads, Santner works it to mid-wicket.

36.5

.

Another bumper, Santner lets it go to the keeper.

36.4

.

One more bouncer, this time it is ducked under.

36.3

.

NOT OUT! No conclusive evidence to overturn that and it remains not out. That could have gone either way to be honest. Paine has a chat with the umpire and rightly so, replays did suggest that it brushed the wrist band which is a part of the glove but the third umpire feels different. It is a short one and on the body. Santner looks to fend it by taking his eyes off the ball. It goes off some part of the arm towards Head at leg gully. He takes it and there is an appeal. The umpire shakes his head. After a discussion between short leg, silly point and the keeper, Paine reviews. Quite a few replays have been watched. It seems to indicate that the ball has hit the wrist band. However, Aleem Dar gives it in the favor of the batter. It was a tough decision so can't blame the umpire there. Australia lose a review.

Have Australia got another? The umpire has turned down the appeal for a catch. They review. Australian players do not feel confident.

36.2

.

Outside off, not played at.

Mitchell Santner walks out to bat now.

36.1

W

OUT! TAKEN! There goes number six and now Starc is amongst the wickets. The budding stand has been cut short. This is on a length and around off, it is angling away. Colin de Grandhomme looks to defend but it goes off the shoulder of the bat towards gully where Warner takes it. Around 25 minutes to go before Lunch, can we see the Kiwis being bundled out?

35.6

1

In the air... short! Colin de Grandhomme looks to go big. He also tries to play it with the turn. Tries to whip a ball from outside off. It is not off the middle though and hence, lands well short of the deep mid-wicket fielder. One taken.

35.5

.

Loopy ball outside off, it turns back in. De Grandhomme works it with the turn to mid-wicket.

35.4

.

Quicker on off, it turns back in. Colin keeps it out.

35.3

3

Three now! Slightly shorter this time and width on offer. Latham stays back and guides it through backward point for three.

35.2

4

FOUR! Lovely use of the feet and it is hit brilliantly. Latham comes down the track and gets to the pitch of the ball. Drives it through mid on for a boundary. Excellent shot as it was against the turn.

35.1

.

Top nut! Flatter and on off, maybe Latham should have played this on the front foot but he goes back and looks to keep it out. Gets beaten as it turns away.

34.6

1

On the pads, it is worked down to fine leg for one.

34.5

.

Outside off, not fiddled at.

34.4

.

On middle, Latham stays back and keeps it out nicely.

34.3

.

Outside off, not played at.

34.2

.

Another short ball and on the body, Latham once again lets it go over him.

34.1

.

On the shorter side outside off, Latham lets it go to the keeper.

33.6

.

Outside off, de Grandhomme defends watchfully.

33.5

.

Full and around off, Colin looks to flick, plays it a bit uppishly but it does it carry to short mid-wicket.

33.4

1

Outside off, eased through the covers for one.

33.3

1

Down the leg side, helped throughb square leg for a run.

33.2

.

Around off, watchfully defended.

33.1

1

Full on middle, Latham comes down the track and works it through mid-wicket for a single.

32.6

.

On off, kept out.

32.5

.

Direct hit and Colin de Grandhomme is a goner! Back of a length and on off, Latham drops it towards point and takes off. It is a risky run. Lyon picks the ball up and has a shy at the striker's end but misses. Colin was too casual there, he maybe thought that Lyon would go for the bowler's end and not his end.

32.4

1

Outside off, left alone.

32.3

.

Overthrow! On middle, Latham looks to defend but it goes off the inner half towards short leg. Wade there fumbles, he spots Latham did move out of his crease for a second so has a shy at the stumps. Misses, no one backing up and the batters take two. Starc's not happy but can't blame Wade to have a shy. Wouldn't have mattered had he hit though as Latham did get back in.

32.2

.

Back of a length and on off, Latham works it to mid on.

32.1

.

The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot.

31.6

.

Loopy ball on the off pole, Tom lunges forward and defends it onto the ground.

31.5

.

On off, Latham once again goes back and keeps it out.

31.4

.

Flatter and on off, Latham stays back and keeps it out.

31.3

.

An appeal but just in hope! Latham comes down the track and looks to flick but misses the full toss. He is hit on the boot. An appeal but not given.

31.2

.

On middle, it is on the shorter side. Latham stays back and works it to short leg.

31.1

4

FOUR! No one down there and a boundary! A loosener to begin with. Down the leg side, Latham sweeps it fine on the leg side and bags a boundary.

Time for some spin now! Nathan Lyon is on. So just the one over for Wade. Not sure why that one over was given.

30.6

.

A hat-trick of plays and misses! Outside off, on a length, slightly slower in pace, Colin pushes but misses.

30.5

.

Lift off the surface. Fuller, outside off, Colin has a poke but the ball rises off the deck and beats his attempt.

30.4

.

Loose. Outside off, de Grandhomme looks to steer it to third man but does not bother moving his feet. Is beaten.

30.3

.

Outside off, played straight to Nathan Lyon at backward point.

30.2

.

A length ball, swinging in, Colin looks to flick but misses and is hit on the pads.

30.1

.

Oops! Almost a run out! Excellent stuff from Matthew Wade. Around middle, de Grandhomme tucks it through the leg side. By reflex, he is out of his crease, looking for that single. But by that same reflex, Wade is quick to stop the ball at short leg. He collects and releases the ball quickly, at the striker's end but misses. Waiting for the replay to show where was CdG when the throw was fired.

29.6

1

On the pads, de Grandhomme works it towards mid on for one. A pressure relieving over from Wade. He concedes 13, while his fast bowlers had conceded just 19 in 11 overs this morning.

29.5

4

FOUR! Second boundary in the over. Easy pickings for Colin de Grandhomme. A full toss wide outside off, Colin just guides it through backward point and it races away to the fence.

29.4

.

Fuller and on middle, Grandhomme strokes it back to the bowler.

29.3

1

Follows the boundary with a single as this is worked towards mid-wicket.

29.3

5nb

NO BALL AND FOUR! Played that late! It is shorter and outside off, Latham waits for it and guides it through backward point. The fielder in the deep runs to his right and dives but in vain. Wade has also overstepped.

29.2

1

Slightly shorter and on off, Colin is hurried into the pull shot. It goes towards wide mid on for one.

29.1

1

On the shorter side, Latham guides it through point for one.

Interesting. Matthew Wade is on to bowl!

Pat Cummins is giving an interview to the on-air commentators. Is happy with the current situation Australia are in. On being asked about how he is always ready from the first ball, Cummins says that he starts to warm up 15 minutes prior to match start. Feels lucky that he got the wickets.

DRINKS! Australia all the way in this first session! They literally have the Kiwis on the mat. The trail is still over 400 and the hosts are into the all-rounders of the opposition. More of the same is what Paine would ask for. Kiwis on the other hand, need a big stand, not sure where it is going to come from as no batter has looked comfortable out there but they need it. Is there a fightback ahead or will the same story continue?

28.6

.

Around off, de Grandhomme guides it to point.

28.5

.

Nice shot! This time gets the flick shot right off the middle but to the man at mid on.

28.4

.

Inside edge saves Colin! This is full and on middle, de Grandhomme looks to flick but gets an inside edge on the pads.

28.3

.

On middle, de Grandhomme pushes it to mid on.

28.2

.

Some inswing for Starc but the line is a little too straight. He looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.

28.1

.

Down the leg side to begin, a loosener. Colin looks to flick but misses.

Mitchell Starc now is into the attack! So no respite again for the Kiwi batters. Cummins goes out, he is replaced by someone who is going to bowl around 150 kph.

27.6

.

That was left on length! It was slightly shorter and around off, jags back in. Latham leaves it and it goes over the stumps.

27.5

.

Another one outside off, Latham shoulders arms to this one.

27.4

.

Just outside off, not played at.

27.3

1

De Grandhomme works it with the angle through square leg for one.

27.2

.

In the air... safe! This is angled into the pads. Colin looks to put bat to ball but it hits the face of the bat. Goes uppishly but well short of mid on.

27.1

.

Slashes but misses! Outside off and shorter in length. Colin throws his bat at it but is beaten.

26.6

.

Good stop! This is angled into the batter and then Cummins gets it to hold its line. Latham looks to defend but it goes off the outside edge towards gully where the fielder dives to his right and stops it.

26.5

.

Punched off the back foot by the batsman.

26.4

.

On the middle stump, Latham manages to block it out nicely.

26.3

.

A bumper, Latham lets it go over him.

26.2

.

On off, Latham lunges and keeps it out.

26.1

.

Just outside off, left alone.

25.6

.

A length ball but a bit too straight, CdG looks to flick but misses and is hit on the pads. A fiery over from Patto.

25.5

.

A length ball outside off, Colin wants to have a feel of it, plays at it away from his body and misses.

25.4

3

A short ball, around off, Latham gets on top of the bounce and pulls it all along the ground through mid-wicket. The batsmen take two and then one more on the throw. De Grandhomme is a bit slow off the blocks but makes it in time.

25.3

1

Down the leg side, helped through square leg for a single to get off the mark.

Into the all-rounders now. Colin de Grandhomme is the first of them.

25.2

W

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! This is a brute of a ball. Just cannot help remembering Ian Chappell time and time again. If he was on air, he would have definitely said - 'Had the batsmen run two, Watling would not have been out, because he would not have been on strike!' But a terrific ball from Patto. He has been steaming in from yesterday, desperate to make his presence felt and he gets his second scalp. This is absolutely unplayable. Pattinson bends his back and lands this back of a length outside off. BJ is forced to play at it but suddenly, the ball kicks off. It keeps on rising and takes the glove, lobbing to Joe Burns at first slip. 3/12 in 32 balls this morning.

25.1

1

Full and outside off, Latham pushes it through the covers and takes a single. Both batsmen return for the second but after taking a couple of steps, Latham stops and sends Watling back, as he feels he would not have made it in time. BJ has to apply the brakes and then go back. Gets back in time.

24.6

.

Just outside off and Watling does not play at it. Another excellent over by Cummins. 9 in his 4 overs today and 2 wickets for him.

24.5

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

24.4

.

OHHH! Cummins seems like taking a wicket on every ball he bowls. This is on off, it is on a length. It skids through. Watling looks to defend but gets an inside edge which bounces behind the batter and then on the leg side. Watling though was alert to kick it away had it been rolling towards the stumps.

24.3

.

Just short! That seemed a late decision by Watling to play at it. It is shorter in length and on the body. It seemed like Watling initially looked to move out of the way but then tries to fend at it. It goes off something towards third slip but lands short of Labuschagne who dives forward to take it. Replays later on show that it was off the shoulder.

24.2

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

24.1

1

Drop and run! Shorter in length and on off, Latham plays it towards cover for one.

23.6

1

Good shot for one! Slightly fuller again, Latham just puts bat to ball and gets it past mid off for one.

23.5

.

Loose stroke! Not sure that is the right shot by Latham, especially since he edged one early on. This is not that full and it is outside off, Latham goes after it but gets beaten.

23.4

.

Back of a length and on off, Latham pushes it towards mid off.

23.3

.

Just outside off, not played at.

23.2

.

A nice short one by Pattinson! Latham looks to defend but there is extra bounce on this one. It hits the glove and luckily for Latham, it falls on the ground.

23.1

.

On the off pole, Latham keeps it out.

22.6

.

Solid shot but for no runs! On the fuller side again, Watling plants his front foot forward and hits it nicely to mid off.

22.5

.

Lovely delivery! On a length and around off, gets it to straighten after pitching. Watling looks to defend but the ball whizzes past the outside edge.

22.4

2

A couple now! Off the outer half though. Fuller in length and around off, Latham looks to drive but the bat turns in his hands. It goes off the outer half through covers for two.

22.3

.

Good leave! This is in the 5th stump channel. Watling knows where his off pole is and lets it go through to the keeper.

22.2

.

Length delivery and outside off, it is left alone.

22.1

.

Good shot! On the fuller side around off, Watling strokes it nicely but finds mid off.

21.6

.

Outside off, not played at. End of an over which could have seen another wicket fall but that is not the case. Still a top over this.

21.5

.

Outside off, left alone.

21.4

.

On the fuller side on middle, Latham works it to mid-wicket.

21.3

1

On the pads, this is worked down to fine leg for one.

21.2

1

EDGED AND DROPPED! Steven Smith is the culprit. He probably should have just let the first slip fielder take it as it was straight to him. This is on a fuller length and around off, Latham looks to drive but does so inside the line. It flies off the outside edge between first and the second slip fielders. It is a lot closer to the former than the latter. Smith though dives to his right and looks to take it but fails to hang on. It goes towards third man for one. That would have been dreadful for New Zealand. Latham would want to make this count now. Also, you have to feel bad for Pattinson, he could have easily had three wickets by now but only has one.

21.1

.

There is no respite for the Kiwi batters! Cummins just bowled an amazing over and now Pattinson starts the other with a beauty! It lands on off and on a length and then moves away. Latham does nothing wrong as he looks to defend the original trajectory but is beaten.

20.6

.

Cummins now goes wide and outside off, not played at. What an over by Cummins, two wickets in it. New Zealand still 416 runs away.

20.5

4

FOUR! First shot of authority by a Kiwi batter today! It is full and around off, Watling leans into it and strokes it down to the long off fence. A good shot to get off the mark. Should give him a lot of confidence. 50 UP FOR NEW ZEALAND.

20.5

1wd

WIDE! Way too short and it goes well over the batter who ducks under it.

20.4

.

Another one on middle, Watling is solid in defense.

20.3

.

No hat-trick. Watchfully negotiated. Good ball though. It is on middle, Watling lunges and keeps it out nicely.

BJ Watling walks out to face the hat-trick ball.

20.2

W

OUT! Umpire's call! It is clipping the top of leg pole! Cummins has two in two and Nicholls bags a first-baller. A horrible start this for Kiwis. They have lost two wickets in the 14 balls bowled today and they are staring down the barrel now. Cummins from around the wicket bowls it full and on the stumps. Nicholls shuffles right across and misses the flick shot. He is hit flush on the front pad right in front of the stumps. A huge shout and up goes the finger. HN reviews. Replays roll in and they show that the on-field call is the right one. JUST ABOUT. Because the impact is in line but the angle is taking the ball down the leg side, clipping the leg stump on height as per Ball Tracker! Nicholls trudges back, New Zealand do not lose a review though. Cummins is on a hat-trick for the 8TH TIME in his Test career.

Nicholls is a goner! He has been given out LBW. He reviews. Only an inside edge can save him here.

Henry Nicholls walks in at number 5, replacing Taylor.

20.1

W

OUT! Edged, dropped, no it has been taken! Taylor is out of here. This was coming. Australia have been on the money right from the first ball this morning and they have their first scalp of the day. Cummins bowls this fuller and around off, it straightens a touch. Taylor pushes at it with hard hands. It goes off the outside edge. It goes quickly towards Labuschagne at third slip who is quite low in his stance. He stretches his arms upwards to take the catch but fails to hang on. The ball though pops up just behind first slip. Burns is alert to that, he moves towards the ball and takes it. The Australians are delighted. Early wicket for them, just the start they would have wanted.

19.6

.

Poke and beaten! Shorter in length and on off, it angles away. Latham looks to push at it away from the body but gets beaten. Two good overs to begin with by Australia.

19.5

.

On middle, blocked.

19.4

1

Pattinson is getting the ball to move both ways! Angles it in this time, Taylor works it down to fine leg and gets to the other end.

19.3

.

BEATEN! Beauty again. This lands on off, it pitches and moves away again. Taylor defends the original trajectory but the ball whizzes past the outside edge.

19.2

.

Lovely delivery! The last time it came back in and this one goes away. It lands around middle and it is on a length. Taylor looks to defend but misses to get hit high on the pads.

19.1

.

Slightly shorter and on middle, it jags back in. Taylor looks to flick but misses to get hit high on the pads.

James Pattinson to bowl from the other end. 5-1-9-1 so far.

18.6

.

'Definitely two noises' says Wade at short leg but Paine does not review. Great decision to not review as replay shows that there is no bat involved. Cummins this time angles it into the middle pole. It lands just behind a length. Latham looks to defend but misses to get hit high on the front pad. The ball lobs towards gully where Warner dives forward and takes it. A huge appeal but the umpire is unmoved. There is a discussion between the Australians but they do not review. Rightly so as replays show there is not bat and Ball Tracker shows it to be going over. End of a testing first over by Cummins.

18.5

.

That is a beauty! He angles it in from wide of the crease from around the wicket. Lands it on off, Latham looks to defend but it straightens and then whizzes past the outside edge. Not a lot you can do there but just hope it misses the outside edge.

18.4

1

First run for today! Slightly fuller on middle, Taylor works it through mid-wicket for one.

18.3

.

Lands another one on a length and around off, Taylor once again is solid in defense.

18.2

.

Fuller in length and on middle, Taylor strokes it back to the bowler.

18.1

.

Uppish but short! On a length and around off, Taylor looks to keep it out but does so with hard hands. It goes uppishly but well short of short extra cover.

We are all set for the action to begin! The Aussie players make their way out to the middle. Ross Taylor and Tom Latham stride out to resume their innings. Pat Cummins will start the proceedings for Australia. He will be bowling to the right-hander. Three slips and a gully in place. Here we go...

Cracks are starting to appear on the pitch and it will be interesting to see how Nathan Lyon and the seamers make use of it. They too, would want to take wickets at frequent intervals, else, they could face the same problems as the Kiwi bowlers in this heat.

With a deficit reading 423, the Black Caps would logically be approaching this in small steps. First aim would be to avoid the follow-on, though in this 40 degrees Celsius heat, doubt whether Tim Paine would even enforce it, should he get the chance. But that is a long way. Bat hour by hour, session by session and try and keep Australia on the field for the whole day. Runs are not a premium right now, but if they do bat the whole day, they will be in a very good position to save this game.

The moving day, as they call it, in cricket. The third day in a 5-day Test. Day 2 caused a lot of 'head pain' for the Kiwis, as Travis Head and Tim Paine possibly batted them out of this Test. And then, the wicket of Kane Williamson before Stumps added an icing on the cake. But as we all know, New Zealand are a team of fightbacks. What type of fightback are we gonna witness today? Hello and a warm welcome.

... DAY 3 ...

New Zealand had to survive a little more than half a session but they could not do so unscathed. They lost Blundell early and then the biggest wicket, Williamson. Taylor was also given out but he made good use of the review. Latham and Taylor now need to build a big stand here or New Zealand's hope of getting close to Australia's total will be very difficult. Australia on the other hand, will look to continue the good work of Day 2 and strengthen their hold on the game even more. Do join us for all the action at 1030 local (2330 GMT, previous day). Till then, take care and goodbye!

A dominating performance by the hosts right from the start on Day 2! They batted majority of the day to post a mammoth total. They lost Smith early but Head and Paine took charge. The two accounted for a big stand with the former scoring a ton and the latter notching up a fluent half ton. It was slow going in the first two sessions but then they looked to score some quick runs in the third. Trying to do so they lost wickets in a heap and were bundled out for 467.

Travis Head is the man who leads his side off the field! Rightly so, the day belongs to him. Majority of the credit has to be given to him as it is because of his ton, Australia are in the position they are in at the moment.

17.6

1

Tosses it up outside off, Taylor strokes it through covers for a single. A run from the last ball! THAT WILL BE STUMPS ON DAY 2!

17.5

.

On middle, Taylor works it to mid-wicket.

17.4

.

Good amount of turn for Lyon there! It lands on off and comes back in. It works it to square leg.

17.3

.

Flatter and outside off, it turns back in. Taylor works it to square leg.

17.2

.

This lands outside off and it turns back in. Taylor shuffles across and looks to flick but misses to get hit high on the pads.

17.1

.

Floats it up on off, Taylor works it towards square leg for nothing.

16.6

.

One more ball outside off, Latham does not fiddle with it.

16.5

.

Outside off, Latham shoulders arms to this one.

16.4

2

This is angled into the batsman, Latham works it through square leg and takes two.

16.3

.

One more delivery outside off, Latham does not fiddle with it.

16.2

.

Outside off, it is not played at.

16.1

.

A low full toss on off, Latham strokes it to covers.

15.6

.

Outside off, full and going straight on, let through.

15.5

.

Around off, watchfully blocked out.

15.4

.

Full and outside off, driven straight back to the bowler.

Lot of chirping going around. Tim Paine certainly has got some confidence after his knock earlier today and he is constantly into the ears of Ross Taylor. Normally, he is a very quiet guy behind the stumps.

15.3

.

Around middle, worked towards short leg.

15.2

.

Full and outside off, watchfully defended.

15.1

1

An edge straightaway! Yes, there is turn and bounce. Full and around off, Latham looks to defend but the ball spins away, bounces and takes the outside edge. But well wide of Steven Smith at first slip. A single taken.

Here comes the GOAT. Can he get some fodder tonight? Mitchell Santner got turn and bounce earlier in the day. Will NATHAN LYON get any? He has got probably 2-3 overs to find out.

14.6

.

A short ball on middle, Taylor ducks under it.

14.5

.

Back of a length and on off, it is kept out.

14.4

.

This is angled into the pads, Taylor is a touch late in the shot. He ends up pushing it back to the bowler.

14.3

.

Goes for a yorker but slips it down the leg side. Taylor misses the flick.

14.2

.

NOT OUT! That is going over! Did not see that coming. Excellent review by Taylor and the crowd erupts. Not sure if the game is being played in New Zealand or Australia. Pattinson steams in and angles it into the middle pole. Taylor plants his front foot way too across and tries to flick but misses. It hits the pad and a confident appeal is made. Up goes the finger. Taylor reviews immediately. Replays roll in and they show that the ball is going over. The Kiwi fans and players will breathe a huge sigh of relief.

Taylor is a goner! He has been given LBW but he reviews. Looks out.

14.1

.

Dropped! Difficult to call that one though, he needed to react really quickly. It is angled into the pads of Taylor. He flicks it right off the middle. It hits the leg of Wade. He got no time to react there.

13.6

.

On middle, Latham keeps it out nicely.

13.5

.

On a length and around off, it straightens again. Beats the outside edge again. This is testing times for Latham. He needs to show a lot of character and fight out of this period.

13.4

.

On the pads, the batter looks to flick but misses to get hit high on the pads.

13.3

.

OUCH! That must have hurt. Slightly shorter and outside off, it jags back in sharply. Latham looks to leave but does not account for the movement. He gets hit on the bicep first and then on the chest.

13.2

1

Taylor is off the mark! He pushes this short ball wide of mid off and gets to the other end.

13.1

.

Good length and on off, defended.

12.6

.

That is a beauty! The change of angle almost does the trick. Comes around the wicket and lands it on off, it straightens after pitching. Latham looks to defend but is beaten. End of a lovely over by Pattinson. He also got the big wicket of Williamson.

12.5

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

12.4

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

12.3

.

A yorker now, Latham jams it out.

Ross Taylor has come out at number 4. No night watchman? Well, with less than half hour to go to Stumps, one would have imagined that the Kiwis might have been interested in protecting one of their main batsmen. Brave move.

12.2

W

OUT! In the air... taken! Huge, huge wicket and the Australians know it. Their celebration says it all. Williamson has played a false stroke, just what New Zealand did not want. The Kiwi supporters are shocked. It is a short ball around off, Williamson looks to drag his pull but ends up getting a top edge as there is steep bounce on it. It goes high on the leg side. Paine runs after it, settles under it and takes a good catch. Another low score for Williamson.

12.1

4

FOUR RUNNING RUNS! Seen that done by the Australian batters and now the Kiwi batsmen do so. A full ball outside off, there is a hint of away movement on that delivery. Williamson leans into the stroke and hits it through covers. The ball slows down as it gets to the ropes. Lyon hares after it from point and by the time he chases it down. The batters run four.

11.6

.

One more ball outside off, Latham does not fiddle with it.

11.5

.

BEATEN! Lovely nut again! Angles it into the off pole and then gets it to straighten right at the end. The ball whizzes past the outside edge.

11.4

.

Extra bounce and extra zip! Shorter around off, it skids through and also takes off after pitching. Latham does well to bail out of the defensive stroke.

11.3

.

Another appeal but it is going down leg! Cummins angles this into the pads. Latham looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. A huge shout but nothing from the umpire.

11.2

.

This is angled into the off pole. Latham stays back and keeps it out.

11.1

2

On the fuller side, Latham just puts bat to ball and strokes it through cover-point for two.

10.6

.

Too high! Slightly shorter and around off, it jags back in. Williamson looks to work it on the leg side but misses to get hit high on the pads.

10.5

1

On the shorter side, Latham gets on top of the bounce and pulls it through backward square leg for one.

10.4

.

Another back of a length delivery on off. Latham looks to keep it out but gets an inside edge onto the body.

10.3

.

On the pads, Latham looks to flick but misses to get hit on the thigh pad.

10.2

.

A short one on middle, Latham ducks under it.

10.1

1

This is angled into the batter, Williamson looks to defend but it goes off the inner half through mid-wicket for one.

9.6

.

Once again cuts him into half! A good nut to end a good over. On a length and outside off, it jags back in sharply. Goes between the gap of bat and pad as Latham tries to block it.

9.5

.

A length delivery around off, Latham once again leaves it on length.

9.4

.

Looks to bowl the yorker but ends up bowling a full toss down the leg side. It does take Latham by surprise as he tries to flick but is late on the shot. Had it been on target, it could have been a wicket.

9.3

.

Another ball outside off, it is not played at.

9.2

.

Outside off, not played at.

9.1

2

A bit of a loose drive that from Latham. It is fuller in length. He plays it ahead of his body and hence, it is not timed well. Still goes through covers for two.

8.6

1lb

On the pads, Latham looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. Pattinson is appealing but he is the only one doing so. The ball rolls on the leg side. A leg bye is taken.

8.5

.

Another delivery on a length and on off, Latham prods forward and blocks it solidly.

8.4

.

On the pads, Tom Latham works it to mid-wicket.

8.3

.

Just outside off, Latham makes a good leave.

8.2

1

Another back of a length delivery, Williamson plays it late again and gets it through backward point for one.

8.1

.

Shorter and on off, Williamson guides it to point.

James Pattinson is on now! He is making a comeback into the side so he would want to make an impression straightaway.

7.6

.

Outside off, Latham shoulders arms to this one.

7.5

.

That cuts him into half! What a delivery. It lands outside off and Latham looks to defend. He leaves a gap between bat and pad. The ball jags back and sneaks through that gap.

7.4

.

Slightly shorter and around off, Latham leaves it on length.

7.3

.

Angles it into the off pole, Latham keeps it out nicely. Cummins is hoping one ball to straighten after pitching. That has not happened yet.

7.2

.

Back of a length and on off, Latham keeps it out off the back foot.

7.1

.

Cummins comes from aroundthe wicket to the left-hander. He bowls it on off, Latham keeps it out nicely.

6.6

.

Length to end on off, Williamson is solid in defense.

6.5

.

Goes back to bowling it short. Williamson does not play at it.

6.4

.

Top class stuff from Starc! After two bumpers he bowls a yorker now on off, Williamson is up for the challenge as he jams it out.

6.4

1wd

Another bumper! Williamson ducks under it again. This though is signaled as a wide for height.

6.3

.

A good bumper, Williamson spots it early and evades it.

6.2

.

Just short! Williamson goes after this full and very wide delivery. It goes off the outer half but lands just short of Warner at gully.

6.1

.

Full and outside off, Williamson shoulders arms to it. Good carry to the keeper.

5.6

3

Williamson's away! He opens the face of his bat on this length delivery and guides it through backward point. They take two quickly and go for the third. Complete it. Good running. End of a successful over for Australia.

5.5

.

Outside off, left alone.

Skipper Kane Williamson comes in at number 3, replacing Blundell. 18.2 overs left in the day.

5.4

W

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Pat Cummins draws first blood and Blundell's return into the team is not a good one. Cummins goes full and around off, it is not a driving length delivery. The ball holds its line a touch. Blundell goes for the drive but the ball goes off the outside edge and to Paine who makes no mistake. Early wicket for Australia. New Zealand trail by 444 runs.

5.3

.

The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.

5.2

.

Shorter in length and outside off, Blundell looks to push it through the off side but it goes off the underedge and on the bounce to second slip.

5.1

.

Outside off, not played at.

4.6

.

Around off, pushed towards point.

4.5

.

Another one in the 140s, watchfully defended.

4.4

.

Down the leg side, Latham misses his flick.

4.3

3

Nice shot. A length ball outside off, extra bounce but TB rises with the bounce and plays it beautifully, placing it between gully and backward point. Three runs taken.

4.2

.

Landed outside off, let through again.

4.1

.

Very good awareness from Tom Blundell. Before this ball, Starc had two men deep on the leg side for him. But Tom expected that this might be a double bluff. And it was. Mitchell bowled it at pace, 145.7 kph, probably expecting Blundell to play at that. But Tom let it through.

3.6

.

An ambitious appeal! This lands on middle and then jags back in. Latham looks to keep it out but misses to get hit high on the pads. An appeal but it is too high.

3.5

.

One more delivery outside off, Latham does not fiddle with it.

3.4

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

3.3

.

A good bumper, Latham sways out of the way at the very end.

3.2

.

On the fuller side and on middle, Latham keeps it out nicely.

3.1

.

Back of a length and on off, kept out.

2.6

4

FOUR! This is a positive start for the Kiwis! Another boundary. On the pads, it is flicked fine on the leg side and the ball races away to the fence. Three boundaries in this over. 12 from it in total.

2.5

.

Still no movement! On a length and on off, Blundell keeps it out.

Change of balls as this one hits a camera when it went to the boundary. It must have lost its shape. Australia would hope the new ball offers some movement.

2.4

4b

FOUR BYES! That has taken off out of nowhere! It is a length delivery outside off, Blundell lets it be. It keeps rising after going past the batter. Paine hops but fails to collect it and it goes to the fence behind.

2.3

4

FOUR! That is a lovely shot by Blundell! It is shorter this time and outside off, Blundell gets on top of the bounce and guides it through point for a boundary. First of the game and it is a quality shot. A back foot punch to someone of Starc's pace is not easy.

2.2

.

Very full and straight, Blundell mistimes his drive back to the bowler. That was delivered at 148.7 KPH. Starc is really bowling quick here.

2.1

.

Outside off, looking to curl it back in. It does not. Easy leave for the batter.

1.6

.

BEATEN! Very full and outside off, Latham goes for a booming drive but is beaten. The length was not quite right to play the drive.

1.5

.

One more ball outside off, Latham shoulders arms to this one.

1.4

.

Outside off again, it is not played at. The Australian bowlers haven't got the same movement as the Kiwi bowlers.

1.3

.

On the off stump, Latham is solid in defense.

1.2

.

Outside off, left alone.

1.1

.

In the air... but safe! That was right off the glove! A short one and on the body. Latham looks to work it on the leg side but fails to get on top of the bounce. It hits the glove and lobs behind but lands short of the keeper.

Pat Cummins to bowl from the other end.

0.6

.

BEATEN! That was quick. That even took Paine aback as he collected the ball. It is full and around off, Blundell is beaten for pace as he looks to drive. Paine collects it in front of his face and almost loses balance.

0.5

2lb

Two leg byes now! A little bit of movement for Starc. Inward movement. The line is very straight though. Blundell looks to flick but misses. It hits the pads and rolls on the leg side. Two taken.

0.4

2

Another couple! This is fuller again and on middle, Blundell works it past square leg and takes two more.

0.3

2

On the pads, Blundell is off the mark now as he works it through mid-wicket and takes two.

0.2

.

A huge appeal from the slip cordon but nothing from the bowler! This is full and on off, Blundell looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

0.1

.

Back of a length and on off, it is guided to gully.

0.1

2nb

No ball! So the wait continues for Australia to bowl their first legal delivery in this game. Latham is also off the mark. It is a length ball around middle, Latham pushes it towards mid on and takes off. The fielder picks the ball up and has a shy at the striker's end but misses. Also, that is a big no ball by Starc. He may have missed his run-up.

24 overs left in the day. How many wickets can Australia snare? Can the Kiwis see off the day without any damage? The players are back out in the middle. Tom Latham and Tom Blundell will open up for the Black Caps. Mitchell Starc will start off proceedings to Latham. Here we go!

Coming to the Kiwi bowling, did Kane Williamson call it wrongly at the toss? Or did his bowlers not use the conditions to the best of their ability? Or did Australia just simply play well? One would guess the third option. Looking at the 10 mm grass on the pitch, it would have been a no-brainer to field. The Kiwis bowled well throughout on Day 1 but they were kept at bay. It was only on Day 2 that their bowling let them down. Australia played traditional Test cricket, seeing off the new ball, batting patiently and scoring off the bad balls. Neil Wagner was the bowler who bowled with venom, even when things were not going for him or his team. He got 4 wickets with the best of those being the brute to Steven Smith and ironically, with one wicket left in the innings, it was Wagner who took the catch to have Australia bowled out.

Travis Head says that it is always good to contribute to what has been a good couple of days for Australia and hopes they can continue to do well. Further adds he has been playing well and he is happy to convert the start he got on Boxing Day into a big one.

For once, the headlines will not have a Steven Smith or a Marnus Labuschagne. Travis Head and Tim Paine will hog it. How well did the skipper play? His 72-ball half century is his quickest in Tests, which asserted that he was out there to counter-attack and not bow down. That lifted Head up as he went on to score a century and held the innings together. Here he is, talking to Kat Loughnan.

When Trent Boult dismissed Joe Burns with a ripper of an inswinger on the 4th ball of a match, little did we expect that Australia would cross 100 4 times. But this is exactly the type of scorecard that any batting skipper would want. 5 consecutive 50-plus run stands from 1/1, with the last one reading 150. Yes, Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne scored but for a change, they were not the only ones. Warner played a very good hand in seeing off the new ball in testing conditions while Matthew Wade did well to ensure that there was no collapse after the Labuschagne dismissal.

So nothing much post the Tea break for Australia. 36/5 in 8.1 overs. Ouch. In a normal scenario. It's okay. In this scenario. To make an overall summary, a phenomenal batting display by the hosts.

155.1

W

OUT! Wagner takes the catch! No fifer for him but AUSTRALIA HAVE BEEN BOWLED OUT FOR 467! A short one on middle, Lyon pulls it nicely, but it does not have the power behind it to clear the long boundaries here. It goes towards fine leg where Wagner takes a good catch.

154.6

2

Misfield and two! A slower one, fuller outside off, Pattinson strokes it towards cover where the fielder does not stop it. Two taken.

154.5

.

A short one on middle, Pattinson ducks under it.

154.4

1

On the pads, it is flicked through square leg for one.

154.3

.

On the fuller side on off, Lyon strokes it to covers.

154.2

1

A full toss on middle, Pattinson works it through mid-wicket for one.

154.1

.

A yorker on middle, Pattinson does well to jam it out.

153.6

.

On the stumps, NL plays it towards mid on.

153.5

.

Back of a length and on off, Lyon keeps it out.

153.4

.

On off, Lyon blocks it nicely.

Nathan Lyon is the last man in.

153.3

W

OUT! Taken! Cummins bags a duck! Another batter dismissed off a full toss. Southee bowls a slower one, it is a low full toss. Cummins is a touch early in the flick and hence, it goes uppishly towards mid-wicket. Latham there times his jump and takes a good catch with both his hand stretched upwards.

153.2

1

Southee lands this on a length and outside off, Pattinson plays it late through point for one.

153.1

4

FOUR! Up and over! Tim Southee has now gone for 100 runs. A short one on middle, Pattinson pulls it over mid-wicket. No one in the deep so a boundary results.

152.6

.

A full toss on middle, it is worked towards mid-wicket. A wicket maiden for Wagner.

152.5

.

A short one now, Cummins looks to play the upper cut but does not connect.

152.4

.

Confusion but safe! On a length and around off, Cummins strokes it towards Williamson at covers. He misfields. Cummins wants a run but is sent back. Rightly so as had they gone for it, it would have been very risky.

152.3

.

On the fuller side, Cummins strokes it to covers.

152.2

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Wagner gets his fourth. However, the first thing he does is after picking a wicket is walks upto Head and shakes his hand. Now all the Kiwi players do so. Head walks off to a standing ovation from the crowd. End of an excellent innings from him. He too falls in the attempt to score some quick runs. He makes room again and Wagner bowls a full toss. He looks to go big but ends up splicing it towards cover where Santner takes an easy catch. Australia though continue to bat on.

152.1

.

A yorker on the stumps, Head squeezes it out towards point.

151.6

1

Another short one, Head pulls it hard but very close to the fielder at mid-wicket. A single taken.

151.5

.

On the shorter side, closer to the body of Head. He looks to upper cut it but misses.

151.4

1

Fuller and on off, this is hit down to long off for one.

151.3

.

A muted appeal! This is angled into the batter. Pattinson keeps it out with his bat and pad close to each other. Southee appeals as he feels it is pad first but nothing from the umpire.

151.2

1

On the shorter side outside off, Head cuts it behind point. The fielder in the deep runs to his right and makes a diving stop. Only the one taken.

151.1

1

On the pads, it is worked towards fine leg for one.

150.6

4

FOUR! Crunched! Back-to-back boundaries! Head clears his front leg and this is bowled full and on middle, it is hammered through covers for another boundary. 10 from the over.

150.5

4

FOUR! Nicely played! A short one and on off, Head plays the upper cut. It goes very fine on the off side for a boundary. 450 up for Australia.

150.4

.

A bouncer, right at the head of Travis, he just about ducks in time.

150.3

.

Full on middle, driven straight to mid on.

150.2

.

A lovely follow-up. Head backs away to the leg side and Wagner follows him with a yorker on leg stump. Head just about gets his bat down on time to push it towards mid on.

150.1

2lb

NOT OUT! Umpire's call it is! That was very close. It could have gone either way to be honest. Wagner runs in and lands it on middle, Head shuffles right across and looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. The ball rolls towards fine leg as the batters run two. The bowler in the meantime makes a huge appeal but it is turned down. After a discussion, the Kiwi players review. Replays roll in and it shows the ball to be clipping the top of middle and leg. New Zealand do not lose their review. The umpire after everything signals leg byes.

Review time! A huge shout for an LBW has been turned down. New Zealand review. Head is the man in question. Looks close.

149.6

4

FOUR! Lovely shot to get off the mark! It is just behind a driving length around off, Pattinson creams it through covers. Latham gives it a chase and also puts in a dive but his effort goes in vain.

149.5

.

Full and wide outside off, Pattinson goes after it but misses.

149.4

1

Back of a length and on off, Head guides it towards point for one.

149.3

4

FOUR! 100 for Travis Head! Takes his helmet off and raises both his hands one holding the helmet and the other the bat. The crowd is up on its feet and so are his teammates applauding the knock. It is his second in this format. A very patient innings by him. He gets a gift to get there. Full and wide outside off, Head squeezes it through point and bags a boundary. We will now probably see him change gears here.

149.2

.

Full and very wide outside off, left alone.

James Pattinson is the new man in.

149.1

W

OUT! In the air... taken! Starc fails to make an impact. He was sent to score some quick runs but falls in the attempt to do so. Southee bowls a slower one, it is fuller in length. Starc looks to go over mid off but fails to get the correct connection. Williamson takes an easy catch. Two wickets in two overs for the Kiwis.

Tim Southee is back now!

148.6

.

Misses out again! Full and around middle, flicked straight to square leg. Head stays on 99.

148.5

.

Full and outside off, stays low, Travis looks to punch but ends up chopping it on the bounce towards first slip. The fielder dives to his left to stop.

148.4

.

Whoa! That is a good surprised ball. Wagner bowls a high full toss, which dips on its way towards the batsman. But Travis is watchful, sees the ball till the last moment and defends.

148.3

1

There is the single. The crowd applauds, not for Starc getting off the mark but because Head gets back on strike. Full and down the leg side, tickled towards fine leg for a single.

148.2

.

Full and down the leg side, left alone.

Mitchell Starc comes in at number 8, replacing his skipper.

148.1

W

OUT! LBW! Wicket for Wagner but everyone looks surprised. That review seemed to be more out of desperation but it has struck gold. A length ball, outside off, Paine gets across to work it to the leg side but misses and is hit on the pads. Wagner appeals instantly but umpire Marais Erasmus does not react. Now, here is the interesting thing about the review. The men behind the stumps are not too keen about the referral but Wagner wants it. Williamson agrees and signals the 'T'. To the naked eye, the impact looks outside off and given that Paine has been hit on the knee roll, the height seems to be an issue as well. But here comes Ball Tracker. The impact is in line and the projection is shown to be hitting the stumps! Even Marais Erasmus is surprised by that. But Paine has to go after a wonderful knock. The 150-run stand has been broken at last.

An LBW review against Tim Paine! To the naked eye, it seemed like the impact was outside off. Here comes Ball Tracker. Goodness me, impact in line and ball hitting the stumps! What a review!

Neil Wagner to partner Mitchell Santner. A real workhorse. 34-10-70-2 so far.

147.6

1

Full and outside off pushed towards cover for a quick single.

147.5

.

Turn and bounce there. Outside off, Tim initially looks to leave but then attempts to cut. Is beaten.

147.4

.

Outside off, Paine drives it towards long off but Santner dives to his left to stop.

147.3

.

Full on middle and leg, pushed towards mid on but short mid-wicket intercepts.

147.2

1

Moves to 99. Full and outside off, head presses this with soft hands towards cover and sets off for a run.

147.1

1

Full on middle, pushed through mid on for a single.

We are into the final session of Friday. 33 overs left. How long will Australia bat? 10 overs? 15 overs? Out come Travis Head and Tim Paine. The former is on 98 while the skipper will be on strike. Mitchell Santner to start off proceedings. Here we go...

... DAY 2, SESSION 3 ...

Nothing much is happening off the deck. Expect the Aussies to come out all guns blazing post Tea with a 'nothing-much-to-lose' attitude. They may potentially look at playing till Drinks, get as close to 500 as possible and then declare. That could well pave way for some cheap wickets for the Kiwis. Join us back at 3.30 pm local (0430 GMT). 33 overs left in the day.

Is the match gone out of bounds for New Zealand? Well, if India, England or South Africa might have been batting next, they might have even covered the deficit up, with some fast scoring. But the Black Caps, barring Ross Taylor and Colin de Grandhomme, are not known for scoring briskly. So, assuming our calculations are correct, it is going to be close to 2 days before they even get to Australia's score, let alone surpass it. But if they manage to do that, they can at least save the match.

The counter-attack continued from Head and Paine post Lunch and though the Kiwis tried to curtail the run rate, the partnership kept growing at a steady rate of 3.5. Both the batsmen have looked unperturbed and nothing much has troubled them off the pitch either.

A session which has probably ensured that the match and series will not go away from Australia. 95 runs in 30 overs, without losing a wicket. The hosts will be very, very happy and aiming for a declaration post Tea now.

146.6

.

Boo!!!!!! goes the crowd. the break. Full and around off, Head just pushes it towards point. TEA ON DAY 2!

146.5

.

Excellent work by Tom Latham! Full on off, Heads works it towards long on. Or, tries to. But cannot get past Tom Latham who dives to his right from short mid-wicket to stop it!

146.4

.

Full on middle, Head gets across and works it towards short mid-wicket.

146.3

.

Landed outside off, Travis dabs it towards gully where the fielder leaps to stop.

146.2

.

Ohhhh....opportunity missed. Boult gives a length ball on the pads and Travis Head has the full leg side part of the ground for his century. But he works it to the only man in front of square on the leg side - short mid-wicket!

146.1

.

A length ball around middle, moving away, Head pokes it towards gully.

145.6

1

Short and outside off, punched through the covers for a run. Moves to 98. Got an over now, to try and get that century before Tea.

145.5

.

A touch short, TH gets across and nudges it to the leg side.

145.4

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

145.3

.

Short and outside off Travis looks to cut but gets a bottom edge towards point.

145.2

1

Good awareness from Tim Paine. He sees that the Kiwis are a bit deep for him, as opposed to when Travis Head is on strike. Just works it through square leg, looks at Head and calls him through for a run.

145.1

1

Full on middle, Head comes down the track and pushes it towards long on for a single. Moves to 97.

144.6

4lb

FOUR LEG BYES! Boult gets swing but loses his radar. Full in length, but down the leg side. Paine misses his flick but the ball goes off his pads, well wide of the diving Watling, to the fine leg fence.

144.5

.

Outside off, dabbed straight to gully.

144.5

1wd

WIDE! That is short but a bit too high. It is generated at good pace too, but Paine just watches it sail past, over his head. The stand is worth 140 now.

144.4

1

Around middle, angling in, turned towards deep backward square leg for a single.

144.3

.

Full and outside off, swinging in, driven straight to short extra cover.

144.2

.

On a length, around off, Head hops and pushes it towards mid on.

144.1

.

Full and fast swinging in, worked towards short mid-wicket.

143.6

.

On middle, defended.

143.5

1

Slower through the air but shorter in length. Head slaps it through covers for one.

143.4

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

143.3

.

On off, TH goes back and keeps it out.

143.2

2

The arm ball outside off, Head looks to defend but does so inside the line, it goes off the outer half through short third man for two.

143.1

1

Very full and on off, this is squeezed out towards cover for one.

142.6

.

One more quick bumper, it gets Head hopping as he looks to fend it. The ball hits the higher part of the bat and lands on the off side. A good over comes to an end by Boult.

142.5

.

Boult looks to follow the bumper with a yorker but ends up bowling a low full toss which Head dugs out towards mid on.

142.4

.

Good ball and well played! A quick short ball and it is keeps rising. Head does well to hop and lower his arms to let it go.

142.3

1

Close! On a length and around off, this is tapped towards the point fielder and the batters take off. Nicholls gets to the ball, picks it up and has a shy at the striker's end but misses.

142.2

.

Outside off, let alone.

142.1

.

Angled into the pads, it is worked to mid on.

141.6

.

Fired on the pads, Head looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. There is an appeal from the bowler but the umpire shakes his head. Ball Tracker shows it would have clipped the leg pole. So it was a lot closer than we thought.

141.5

1

It is hit through covers for a single.

141.4

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

141.3

1

On the shorter side outside off, Head slaps it through covers for one.

141.2

1

On middle, this is eased down to long on for one.

141.1

.

Flatter and on middle, it is defended back to the bowler.

140.6

.

Slightly shorter and outside off, Head looks to cut but that shot is not on. He ends up chopping it on the off side. TH wanted a run but is sent back.

140.5

.

Another delivery on the stumps, kept out.

140.4

.

On off, defended.

140.3

1

On the shorter side, this is pulled on the leg side for one.

140.2

2

Lovely shot down the ground! It deserved a boundary but the batters get two. Fuller and around off, Paine shows the full face of the bat and hits it through mid off. Williamson from that position tracks it down and saves two for his side.

140.1

.

Back of a length and on off, blocked.

Trent Boult is back! 27-2-85-1 so far.

139.6

.

On middle, it is worked to mid-wicket.

139.5

.

Flatter and on off, TH keeps it out.

139.4

.

On off, blocked.

139.3

1

Quicker and just outside off, Head looks to cut but ends up chopping it on the off side.

139.2

.

Loopy ball on off, Santner pushes it towards cover for one.

139.1

.

Defended off the back foot by the batsman.

138.6

4lb

FOUR LEG BYES! A little too straight and slightly shorter. Head looks to flick but misses. It hits the pads and rolls down to the fine leg fence.

138.5

1

On the bounce! One more short one, Paine takes on the challenge of pulling. He does not get on top of the bounce completely. It goes uppishly but well short of fine leg. One taken.

138.4

.

Back of a length and on off, Paine pushes it to covers.

138.3

.

From around the wicket, he bangs it short, TP lets it go over him.

138.2

.

On the shorter side and on off, Paine keeps it out.

138.1

.

A short one on middle, Paine ducks under it.

137.6

1

Full and down the leg side, Paine flicks it through square leg. A run taken.

137.5

1

Comes down the track but then Santner drops it short. Travis adjusts quickly, goes back and dabs it towards point for a quick single. The stand is now worth 120.

137.4

.

Short and outside off, punched straight to short extra cover.

137.3

1

Outside off, turning away, short in length, punched through the covers for a single.

137.2

.

Full and outside off, driven straight to cover.

137.1

.

Full and around middle, flicked towards short mid-wicket.

136.6

1

Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. They pick up a single.

136.5

.

On the body, Paine looks to leave it but is hit on the body.

136.4

.

Paine comes down the track and Wagner bangs it short. Paine watches it go over him as he ducks under it. Strange from Paine there, not sure one would want to give Wagner the charge.

136.3

.

Another bouncer and another pull shot! To the man at short fine leg.

136.2

.

On the shorter side, Paine pulls it towards mid-wicket.

136.1

.

Bouncer! The batsman does well to evade it.

135.6

.

Outside off, not played at.

135.5

.

On middle, this is worked to the fielder at mid-wicket.

135.4

1

Gives it a lot of air and lands it on off, Paine strokes it through covers for one.

135.3

1

A single now as this is pushed towards cover. 400 up for the Aussies.

135.2

.

Another tossed up ball, it is played to the man at cover.

135.1

4

FOUR! Australia one short of 400 now! A full ball around off, Head loves it there, he creams it through covers for a boundary.

134.6

1

Shorter and on off, TH plays it towards cover and a single is taken.

134.5

1

Paine now plays a good pull shot through the leg side for one.

134.4

1

A short one down the leg side, Head helps it on its way down towards fine leg for one.

134.3

.

Slower one and on off, kept out.

134.3

1wd

A good bumper this one, Head ducks under it. Wide signaled but it was a decent short ball.

134.2

.

A short one and on middle, Head hops and keeps it out.

134.1

.

On the shorter side and on the body, Head looks to flick but it hits the glove. Luckily for Head, it rolls towards short fine leg.

133.6

.

On off, Paine stays back and pushes it to covers.

133.5

1

Flatter and around off, it is guided through point for one.

133.4

1

On the pads, it is worked through square leg for a single.

133.3

.

On middle, defended nicely.

133.2

.

Fired on the pads, it is worked to mid-wicket.

133.1

.

Fuller and on off, it is pushed to covers.

Change of ends for Mitchell Santner. 12-1-57-0 so far.

DRINKS! Australia continue to strengthen their position in the game! They have managed to score quickly, Head is nearing his ton and Paine will start to think of getting one too. The stand between the two has crossed 100. It will be interesting to see how much more will the Aussies add. The story is the same for the Kiwis, they need wickets which they aren't getting at regular intervals. Will the hosts continue to dominate or will we see a change?

132.6

.

On the body of Head, he nudges it on the leg side.

132.5

.

A good bumper, Travis ducks under it.

132.4

2

Good running! On the pads this time, Head works it wide of the fielder at fine leg and takes two.

132.3

.

Down the leg side, Head looks to flick but misses.

132.2

4

FOUR! One bounce and over the rope! 100-run stand comes up. Finally the Australians manage to covert a parntership into something significant. Also, Head moves into the 80s now. A short one by Wagner outside off, Head upper cuts it for a boundary in the third man region.

132.1

.

On the shorter side, it is worked to mid-wicket.

Neil Wagner is brought back in! 30-10-58-2 are his figures so far.

131.6

.

Full and outside off, tempting Paine to drive, he walks into the shot but shoulders arms.

131.5

.

Full and straight, watchfully defended.

131.4

1

Full and outside off, Head leans and steers it through point for a run.

131.3

1

Full and straight, Tim gets across and dangerously flicks it across the line. Would have been plumb LBW had he missed. But he manages to get it wide of mid on for a single.

131.2

.

Full and around off, watchfully defended.

131.1

1

Outside off, punched off the back foot for a single.

130.6

4

FOUR! Full and down the leg side, Paine gets across and looks to paddle. He nearly misses it but the ball takes the under edge and goes past the keeper. Ross Taylor at first slip tries to get across but the ball beats him. Paine moves to 60.

130.5

.

Fractionally short outside off, played with an open bat-face towards backward point.

130.4

.

Full and down the leg side, flicked straight to short mid-wicket.

130.3

.

Similar ball, well blocked out.

130.2

.

Quick, on the stumps, Paine defends it solidly.

130.1

1

Full and outside off, driven through the covers for a single.

129.6

.

Outside off, not played at.

129.5

4

FOUR! Cracking shot! This was so pleasing to the eye! Yes, it is a alf volley but you still need to put it away. Paine leans into it and creams it through covers for a boundary.

129.4

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

129.3

.

Colin looks to shape it from the leg pole to the off pole, no swing and Paine works it to mid-wicket.

129.2

.

Outside off again, Paine does not fiddle with it.

129.1

.

An outswinger outside off, left alone.

128.6

.

A full toss now, this is eased down to long on for one.

128.5

.

Head comes down the track and looks to work it past the bowler from his left. Santner moves quickly and stops it.

128.4

1

Another floated delivery around off, Paine strokes it through covers for one.

128.3

.

Tosses it up on off, it is driven to covers.

128.2

1

The batsman has played it to the point region. One run added to the total.

128.1

.

Ohhh! Brave leave! This lands just outside off, it goes on with the arm. Head lets it go. That was risky. If it would have turned in, Head could have been in trouble.

127.6

1

Shorter in length and outside off, TH cuts it through point for one.

127.5

.

On the off pole, Head keeps it out.

127.4

.

Back of a length and on off, it is pushed back to the bowler.

127.3

.

Very full outside off, Head is guilty of going way too hard at it. He mistimes it towards mid off.

127.2

.

Good stop! Slightly fuller and on off, Travis strokes it on the up towards cover. The fielder dives to his right and stops it.

127.1

.

Loose stroke this! It is a length delivery outside off, Head pokes at it away from his body and gets beaten.

126.6

.

Paine looks to innovate. He brings out the reverse sweep but find the man at point.

126.5

.

Flatter and on off, Paine keeps it out with ease.

126.4

.

On middle, Paine lunges and keeps it out.

126.3

1

Inside edge! This lands outside off, Head looks to push it against the turn through the off side but the ball turns back in. It takes the inside edge and goes between his legs towards fine leg for one.

126.2

.

Flatter and on off, Head goes back and works it on the leg side.

126.1

.

Very full on middle, Head hits it towards mid-wicket.

Mitchell Santner is back on! 9-1-49-0 so far. Meaning, 8 of his overs have gone for runs. This is his 6th spell. Clearly, the captain is not happy with his bowling at all, which is why he is not getting long spells. Lacking self-confidence perhaps.

125.6

1

Good running! Fuller and on off, Travis strokes it towards mid off for a quick run.

125.5

.

Lovely delivery! This lands just outside off, now due to the around the wicket angle, Head looks to play at it. The ball straightens and beats the outside edge.

125.4

.

Slightly fuller and outside off, TH hits it nicely but to the man at covers.

125.3

.

Angles another delivery on the middle pole, blocked.

125.2

.

Good length and on off, defended.

125.1

.

On the fuller side, Head strokes it to covers.

124.6

4

FOUR! Superb batting! Excellent use of the field placement. Just before this ball, Southee got square leg up. He then dished in a short one. But Paine was ready. Swivelled on the back foot and pulled it all along the ground, exactly through that region where the man at deep square leg was on the previous ball! An important HALF CENTURY for the captain. A pretty decent strike rate as well.

Square leg comes up now.

124.5

.

Another bouncer, down the leg side, Tim initially thinks of ducking but looking at the line, does not bother.

124.4

.

A bouncer now, the captain ducks.

124.3

1

Outside off, tapped through point for a single.

124.2

.

A bouncer, on middle, Head ducks.

124.1

.

Landed outside off, played straight to backward point.

123.6

.

LEADING EDGE, SAFE! Full and around off, Paine looks to flick, on the walk, but the ball takes the leading edge. Luckily for him, it does not carry to Henry Nicholls at gully. Probably that shot on the walk saved him. A happening over.

123.5

.

Outside off, left alone.

123.4

1

Not in control of that one. Full and around off, Head looks to flick but gets a leading edge through the covers. A single taken.

123.3

.

Nearly a wicket. De Grandhomme had been bringing the balls back into Head in his previous spell. Hence perhaps, Travis thought about flirting with this one. But this one moves away and beats the outside edge as TH looks to steer it towards third man.

123.2

.

Full and around middle, pushed towards mid on.

123.1

.

A length ball, around leg stump, defended towards the leg side.

Pickle juice coming in for Tim Paine. Probably suffering from cramps. New Zealand meanwhile, are done with the Tom Blundell experiment. The very reliable Colin de Grandhomme comes back on. 25-5-58-2 so far.

122.6

.

On the stumps, Paine pushes it back to the bowler.

122.5

.

Back of a length and on off, TP keeps it out.

122.4

.

A short one outside off, Paine lets it go.

122.3

2

A couple now! He moves to 47. Shorter and outside off, Paine slaps it through covers, not right off the middle but hit well enough to get two.

122.2

4

TOP EDGE AND FOUR! A good short one this, it is outside off and also bounces at a good height. Paine looks to pull but fails to get on top of the bounce. A top edge is produced which lands very fine on the leg side and goes for a boundary in the fine leg region.

122.1

.

On the fuller side and around off, it is hit to mid on.

121.6

.

Head comes down the track, Blundell fires in a full toss. TH hits it towards mid on.

121.5

4

FOUR! Slapped! Short and width on offer, Head pounces on it as he slaps it hard through covers. Need not run for that.

121.4

.

On middle, defended.

121.3

1

A short ball and on the body, it is pulled towards deep square leg for one. 350 is up for the hosts.

121.2

.

Paine misses out there! A full toss on off, Paine hits it hard but to covers.

121.1

1

On the shorter side again, Head pulls it towards deep backward square leg for one.

Blundell seems to have missed his run-up! He pulls up at the very end.

120.6

.

Similar ball, well kept out.

120.5

.

Fuller from Southee, outside off, watchfully defended.

120.4

.

Nicely done. Another short ball, around middle, Tim gets into position to pull. But then realizes that he is getting cramped for room and lets it pass.

120.3

4

FOUR! BOOM! Paine continues to attack. Short and around off, the skipper swivels and pulls it all along the ground through square leg! Moves to 40 from 56 balls. His 5th boundary.

120.2

.

Around off, solidly defended.

120.1

.

Full and around off, driven straight to mid off.

119.6

.

Defended off the back foot by the batsman.

119.5

.

Well bowled! Slows it up nicely and lands it outside off, Head watches it and lets it go.

119.4

.

Shorter in length and outside off, Head stays back and slaps it hard to the cover fielder.

119.3

.

This time punches it nicely but straight to the man at covers.

119.2

.

Quicker and around off, Head goes back and mistimes his punch on the off side.

119.1

1

Shorter in length and outside off, Paine cuts it through point for one.

118.6

1

Goes wide of the crease and angles it into the pads, this is worked towards square leg for one. Just the single from the over.

118.5

.

On the off pole, Paine keeps it out nicely.

118.4

.

On the fuller side again, Paine strokes it back to the bowler.

118.3

.

Another very full ball and on middle, Paine strokes it to the man at mid on.

118.2

.

On the fuller side on off, Paine strokes it to mid off.

118.1

.

Full and outside off, it is shaping away. Left alone.

Tim Southee to bowl from the other end. 26-6-69-0 so far.

117.6

.

On the stumps, defended. Blundell's first over in Tests goes for 6.

117.5

1

One more short ball, it is pulled through square leg for only one this time.

117.4

1

Loopy ball on off, it is hit through covers for one.

117.3

.

Finally gets it right and beats the bat! It lands on off, Head looks to defend but the ball turns away and whizzes past the outside edge.

117.2

4

FOUR! A freebie and Travis Head puts it away nicely! Short and on middle, Head goes back and pulls it behind square on the leg side for a boundary. Also, that brings up 1000 Test runs for Head.

117.1

.

Flatter and on middle, it is shorter in length. Head works it to short fine leg.

We are back for the afternoon session! Out come the Australian batters Time Paine and Travis Head to resume their innings. Tom Blundell to start proceedings for the visitors. The away side trying something different. Here we go...

... Day 2, Session 2 ...

Australia are slowly reaching a score from where they will believe they cannot lose. Another 60 runs and they will be in firm control of this Test. The pitch is starting to break up, so Nathan Lyon is gonna be a handful. New Zealand need to come out after Lunch and try and dismiss the Aussies quickly. Join us back at 1.10 pm local (0210 GMT).

Neil Wagner is down for a chat with Kath Loughnan. On having the wood over Smith, Wagner feels that Smith is a class player and he played really well. On the dismissal, Wagner says that he had been trying everything and is lucky that this one went to hand. Praises Nicholls for that wonderful catch. On his relentlessness, Neil says that he just tries his best.

To be honest, the Black Caps did not bowl all that well in this session. They tied the Aussies before Drinks and the pressure showed - Smith was gone after the break. But then, in came Paine and started to attack. Head joined in and all of a sudden, runs started to flow.

79/1 in 27 overs. 52 of those came in the last hour. Australia would be pretty much happy with that. New Zealand threatened to bounce back into the game with the wicket of Steven Smith but this unbeaten 52-run stand between Travis Head and Tim Paine, that too, in just 74 balls, has pushed the Kiwis back again.

116.6

2

A couple! Short again and on the pads, it is pulled fine on the leg side for two. An expensive over this. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 2!

116.5

4

FOUR! Through the off side this time! Short and outside off, Paine is quickly onto the back foot. He cuts it and it races to the backward point fence. 5th consecutive fifty-run stand is up in this innings.

116.4

.

Flatter and on off, Tim keeps it out nicely.

116.3

.

Floats it up on off, Paine keeps it out.

116.2

2

Another shorter one and on the pads, it is hit through square leg, in the gap for two.

116.1

4

FOUR! Too short and put away! It sits up to be hit, Paine goes back and pulls it through mid-wicket and it races away to the fence.

115.6

1

Fuller in length, Paine strokes it past the diving short over fielder, then past the diving cover fielder but can't get it past mid off who moves to his left and keeps it down to one.

115.5

.

Good bowling! Lands it on the length once again, it is kept out nicely.

115.4

.

On a length and outside off, Paine shoulders arms to this one.

115.3

1

Shorter in length and outside off, Head cuts it through point, there is protection in the deep and a single is taken.

115.2

.

Outside off, left alone.

115.1

.

On middle, Head pushes it to mid on.

114.6

.

Very full and on middle, Paine works it to mid-wicket.

114.5

2

Slightly shorter in length, Paine rocks back and guides it through cover-point. Two taken.

114.4

.

On off, Paine pushes it to mid off.

114.3

.

Flatter and just outside off, Paine makes a leave. There was extra bounce there and hence Watling too failed to collect it cleanly.

114.2

1

On the pads, Head works it through square leg and a single is taken.

114.1

.

Starts off with a low full toss so the spin is out of contention. It is played to mid on.

Mitchell Santner is into the attack now. First signs of spin today. There are quite a few cracks on the wicket, it will be interesting to see if he gets some purchase.

113.6

1

Good length again and outside off, Head guides it behind point and takes one.

113.5

1

On middle, it is worked towards mid-wicket for one.

113.4

.

Back of a length and on off, Paine stays back and keeps it out.

113.3

1

On the fuller side and on off, Travis strokes it through covers for one.

113.2

.

Outside off again, it is left alone.

113.1

2

On the shorter side and outside off, Head plays it late and behind point for two.

112.6

1

A quick run! On the off pole, Head drops it towards cover and a single is taken.

112.5

.

Another one on off, TH works it to mid on.

112.4

.

Back of a length on off, Head pushes it to covers.

112.3

1

Another good effort in the field! Shorter and on middle, Paine pulls it over square leg. The fielder in the deep dives to his right and stops it. A single taken.

112.2

.

Ouch! Paine cops a blow! A short one and Paine fails to get away in time. It hits his shoulder. He shows no pain though.

112.1

.

A short one just outside off, Paine once again thinks of pulling it but he realizes again that it is a little too quick. He bails out again.

111.6

.

Outside off, not played at.

111.5

.

Outside off, not played at.

111.4

2

Nicely driven! Fifty for Head! 8th in Test matches. He has been short of runs and it is a much-needed half ton for him. He has a chance to score big here. He gets there with a fluent drive past the diving cover fielder for two.

111.3

.

Outside off, not played at.

111.2

.

Slashes and misses! This is shorter and outside off, there is some extra bounce. Head looks to cut but misses.

111.1

.

Good length and around off, Head stays back and keeps it out.

110.6

.

Another bumper to end! Paine sits under it.

110.5

.

One more bumper! Paine looks to leave it but is hit on the thigh pad.

110.4

4

EDGY FOUR! This is a length delivery around off, Paine opens the face and looks to run it down, the ball though goes off the outside edge and down to the third man fence.

110.3

.

On a length and around off, Tim Paine is solid in defense.

110.2

.

On the fuller side again, Paine strokes it to mid off.

110.1

3

Nice shot! Slightly fuller and around off, Head shows the full face of the bat and strokes it through mid off and takes three.

109.6

.

The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.

109.5

.

Outside off, not played at.

109.4

.

Length delivery and on off, Paine keeps it out nicely.

109.3

.

On the fuller side, Paine strokes it to mid off.

109.2

.

On the middle pole, Paine keeps it out nicely.

109.1

1

This starts outside off, it comes back in. Head pushes it towards point for one.

Colin de Grandhomme is on now!

108.6

.

Another bouncer! Paine may not have been expecting this one. He fails to get away in time. Luckily it just about misses his body.

108.5

.

Just about kisses the glove! A bumper down the leg side, Paine looks to pull but misses.

108.4

.

Nasty stuff! One more bumper, this is on the body of the batter. Paine looks to pull but then realizes it is a little too quick. Paine pulls out of the shot.

108.3

.

Bends his back on this one and it is a good short ball! Paine lets it go through to the keeper.

108.2

.

On the shorter side again and on middle, Paine pulls it nicely but to the man in front of square.

108.1

.

Back of a length and around off, Paine pushes it to point.

107.6

4

IN THE AIR... CATCH MISSED! FOUR! Oh dear... could that have been taken? Short and wide outside off, Head throws his bat at it. The ball flies towards point where Mitchell Santner is perhaps a touch late in going for the catch with his left hand. The ball whizzes past.

107.5

.

Down the leg side, flick shot missed.

107.4

.

Around off, solidly defended.

107.3

3

Lovely ball, but wonderful shot. Boult gets this really full and makes it to swing back in from outside off. Paine flicks it with the swing, past mid on. Colin de Grandhomme gives it a chase but Mitchell Santner gets to it from deep mid-wicket. Three runs taken.

107.2

4

FOUR! PRISTINE! Full and outside off, Paine reaches out and drives it through the covers. No soul moves! The stand moves to 11 from 16 balls.

107.1

.

A short ball outside off, Paine pushes it towards cover.

106.6

1

A short one and down the leg side, it is pulled down to fine leg for one. Another exciting over comes to an end.

106.5

.

Another snorter! There is half an appeal but nothing! Another short one and around off, it gets big on Paine. He looks to fend at it but the ball whizzes past the outside edge. Snicko confirms there is nothing.

106.4

1

Head is into the 40s! On the pads, it is worked through the legs of the fielder at short leg and a single is taken.

106.3

.

A good short one and well played in the end! It is on the body, Head does well to take one hand off the handle and play it towards short leg.

106.2

3

Brilliant by Boult! Just bowled an over and he putting in so much just to save a run, brilliant from the pacer. Excellent commitment. A short one by Wagner and Paine pulls it this time through square leg. Boult makes a lot of ground to his left and inches before the ropes, he dives and pushes it back in. Saves a run for his side.

106.1

.

A short one again, Paine keeps it out.

105.6

.

Another brute of a bumper! It bounces at a good height. Head hops and tries to fend but the ball hits the higher part of the bat. Luckily it falls onto the ground. End of a testing over by Boult.

105.5

.

Fuller and on middle, Head strokes it to mid on. Probably the first ball off the middle after the wicket of Smith.

105.4

1

Direct hit and it would have been close! On a length and around off, Paine taps it towards point. There is a yes and no situation and the batters eventually go for it. Nicholls from gully gets to the ball and has a shy at the striker's end but misses. HN probably picked the wrong end. Head was in even if that would have hit the stumps. Paine's end is where he needed to go.

105.3

.

Another good delivery! Also, that zipped through. The Kiwis have their tails up at the moment. On a length and around off, it angles away and also takes off a touch. Paine looks to defend but is beaten.

105.2

1

Inside edge but past the leg pole! All of a sudden things have started to happen here. It is on off, Head looks to drive but does so ahead of his body. The ball goes off the inside edge and down to fine leg for one.

105.1

.

Close! This is on off and it comes back in. TH looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

104.6

.

Length and on middle, Paine works it to mid-wicket. A successful over for Wagner.

104.5

.

BEATEN! Paine was late in the shot there. It is a low full toss outside off, Paine may have been expecting a bumper. He is late on the drive and is beaten.

The skipper Tim Paine comes out to bat now. That first hour, which did not see much good bowling from the Kiwis, might just help them. 284/5 - bang bang - 300/7?

104.4

W

OUT! In the air... and that is an excellent catch by Henry Nicholls! Wagner who had been troubling Smith throughout has got him finally. Another brute of a delivery by him. Short and on middle, it gets big on Smith who looks to fend at it. It hits the handle, then the glove and lobs towards gully. Nicholls takes a few steps back, times his jump to perfection, stretches one hand upwards and takes it nicely. Wagner is pumped up. Smith's long, long innings comes to an end and he falls 15 short of a ton. Half the side back in the hut for the Aussies. New Zealand now have a chance to keep Australia in check.

104.3

.

Another one on off, Smith keeps it out nicely.

104.2

.

One more short one and on the body, Smith ducks under it.

104.1

.

Continues bowling it short but this one is down the leg side. It is not played at.

DRINKS BREAK. Not a great hour for the Kiwis. Their bowling is slowly going awry. The pitch is starting to get slower and lower and we might have got to the stage where the frustration might be setting into the bowlers. They have conceded just 27 runs in this hour in 14 overs but that does not really mean the bowling has been terrific.

103.6

.

An appeal but nothing from the umpire! This lands just outside off, it jags back in. Head looks to keep it out but gets an inside edge onto the pads. Boult makes an appeal but the umpire shakes his head.

103.5

1

One more delivery is played with the angle by Smith through mid-wicket. This is wide of the fielder and hence a single is taken.

103.4

.

Smith works it with the angle to the man at mid-wicket.

What happened? Boooooo goes the crowd. Boult comes charging in but Smith backs away. He then indicates sightscreen disturbance.

103.3

.

One more ball outside off, the batter shoulders arms to this one.

103.2

.

Outside off, the batter does not fiddle with it.

103.1

.

On a good length and around off, Smith stays back and keeps it out.

102.6

.

On the body again, Travis Head works it to leg gully.

102.5

.

Good fielding! On the shorter side and on the body, Head works it to the left of short leg. Latham dives and makes a good stop.

102.4

.

On the fuller side now, Head is committed to the back foot but does well to play this one out.

102.3

.

One more good bumper, this one skids through. Head though ducks under it with no control of his bat. Also, it was pointing upwards, not the right way to duck.

102.2

2

On the pads, Travis Head works it fine on the leg side and the batters take two.

102.1

.

On the shorter side, Head nudges it on the leg side.

101.6

.

Good shot but for no runs! Slightly ahead of a length and around off, Smith strokes it on the up but finds the cover fielder.

101.5

.

Wide outside off, Smith does not play at that.

101.4

.

Another one on off, Smith stays back and keeps it out.

101.3

1

On a length and it is on the stumps, shapes away a touch. Head looks to defend but it goes off the outer half through point for one.

101.2

4

FOUR! Slapped! A boundary off the bat after 71 balls. A poor delivery this, it is short and outside off. Travis Head slaps it through covers for a boundary.

101.1

.

Fuller and on off, it is driven to mid off.

Trent Boult returns. 23-2-66-1 so far. Change of ends for him. Meanwhile, Wagner is rushing off the field. We suspect it might be for a bathroom break.

100.6

.

That almost fell on the stumps! A nasty bumper this. It is quick and on the body, Smith does not have time to move out of the way. He cops a blow on his chest, it then gets stuck between his body and his hand. He realizes it late, tries to clasp the cheery but then lets it go. It falls beside the stumps! Shouldn't that be handled the ball? Close call that. Reckon no one realized it.

100.5

.

The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads.

100.4

.

This bumper seemed slightly quicker, it is well-directed again. Smith evades it nicely.

100.3

.

A short one and on the body, Smith ducks under it.

100.2

.

Back of a length and on off, blocked.

100.1

1

Wagner bangs it short from around the wicket, Head works it wide of short leg and down towards fine leg for one.

99.6

.

Fuller and on middle, Smith strokes it to mid off. Just the wide from the over.

99.5

.

A bumper and on middle, Smith sways out of the way.

99.4

.

On the fuller side around middle, Smith mistimes his shot to mid off.

99.3

.

A yorker this time and on middle, it is jammed out.

99.2

.

On the fuller side around middle, Smith keeps it out.

99.1

.

Another delivery outside off, not very wide this time. Smith lets it be.

99.1

1wd

Way too wide outside off, Smith lets it be. It has been wided.

98.6

.

A good length ball, around middle, blocked down the pitch.

98.5

.

Around off, watchfully defended.

98.4

1

Around middle, Smith tucks it through square leg for a single.

98.3

.

Full and down the leg side, flicked straight to leg gully.

98.2

.

Down the leg side, left alone.

98.1

.

A short ball outside off, Smith gets across and looks to push but suddenly the ball rises. He manages to fend it towards point.

97.6

.

Another full one, Head finds the man at wide mid off as he drives.

97.5

.

Back of a length and on off, Head pushes it to mid off.

97.4

.

On the fuller side and it tails back in a long way. Head strokes it to mid on.

97.3

1

On the pads, Smith works it through square leg and gets to the other end.

97.2

.

Another length delivery and on off, SS is solid in defense.

97.1

.

On the fuller side and on off, Smith strokes it to mid off.

96.6

.

One more short ball, Head pushes it to mid on. 6 short balls in Wagner's first.

96.5

.

A rib-tickler now, the southpaw nudges it towards short leg.

96.4

.

One more short one but down the leg side, Head does not play at it.

96.3

.

On the off pole, TH stays back and keeps it out.

96.2

.

Down the leg side, Travis looks to flick but misses.

96.1

.

A short one to begin, it is on the body. Head ducks under it.

Neil Wagner is on now!

95.6

.

Close! Southee bowls it around leg. Smith looks to pad it away but fails to do so. The ball goes close past the leg pole.

95.5

.

Back of a length and on off, Smith stays back and keeps it out.

95.4

.

That is lovely bowling! He comes from around the wicket, he lands it on off and then gets it to move away further. Smith looks to defend but gets beaten.

95.3

.

Down the leg side, left alone.

95.2

3

A comfortable three! Excellent pull shot. A short one around off, Head gets on top of the bounce and pulls it through square leg. Boult from fine leg runs across and stops it before it crosses the ropes. Three taken.

95.1

.

On the fuller side outside off, it tails back in a little. Head strokes it to mid on.

94.6

.

Ohhh! Smith was caught in two minds there! Shorter in length and outside off, Smith looks to push it at first but then bails out of the shot.

94.5

.

A short one on the body, Smith ducks under it.

94.4

.

Good length and on off, Smith goes back and keeps it out.

94.3

1lb

On the pads, Head misses out as he fails to flick it. The ball hits the pad and rolls on the leg side. A leg bye is taken.

94.2

1

Boult angles this into the pads, it seemed like Smith initially looked to flick but then plays it with a straight bat towards cover for one.

94.1

.

Boult goes around the wicket to the right-hander, he lands it on a length. Smith keeps it out.

93.6

.

Well fielded! Fuller and on off, Head creams it back towards the bowler. Southee sticks his right hand out and goes low again and the ball stays in.

93.5

.

Bowls from around the wicket to the left-hander but it is outside off, left alone.

93.4

1

A little too straight, Smith works it down to fine leg and gets to the other end.

93.3

.

On middle, kept out.

93.2

.

A bumper on middle, Smith ducks under it.

93.1

.

NOT OUT! Head got his bat down in time! It would have been a very unfortunate way to get out. Southee goes full and on middle, Smith hits it back towards Tim who sticks his right hand out. The ball brushes the fingers and hits the stumps at the bowler's end. An appeal and the umpire takes it upstairs. Replays show that Head is in.

The bowler deflects the ball onto the stumps at his end. Is Head short? He seems very relaxed.

92.6

.

A back of a length delivery to end! Head defends it out.

92.5

2

Good punch that! Brings up the 50-run stand, another one for the Aussies in this game. 4TH CONSECUTIVE ONE. They would hope this one ends up being a big stand. A shorter and on middle, Head pushes it through mid on and takes two.

92.4

.

On the shorter side again, Head hops and defends it with ease.

92.3

.

A good bumper and on middle, Head ducks under it.

92.2

.

Well fielded! On the pads, Head works it towards mid-wicket. Latham dives to his left and stops it.

92.1

.

No carry there! Outside off, Head lets it be. It goes on the bounce to Watling.

91.6

.

Ends the over with a slower one, he also drags his length back a little. Defended nicely by Smith. So just like the first over of the day, runs from the first ball and then 5 dots.

91.5

.

Continuous to keep it full, this time the line is around off, Smith strokes it firmly but to mid off.

91.4

.

Another one which is full but down the leg side, Smith lets it be.

91.3

.

Another very full delivery on middle, Smith works it to mid-wicket. A new plan maybe by the Kiwis to go very full and on the stumps to Smith. All the balls he has faced today have been very full.

91.2

.

Very full and on off, Smith strokes it to mid off.

91.1

4b

FOUR BYES! That swung a long way after passing the batter. It is down the leg side. Smith looks to flick but misses. It keeps going away. Watling dives to his left but he has no chance and the ball goes to the fine leg fence.

Tim Southee to bowl from the other end.

90.6

.

Drags his length back and bowls it slightly shorter around off, Head guides it to point. So except for the first ball, it was a good first over by Boult.

90.5

.

Goes back to bowling it in the corridor of uncertainty. Head shoulders arms to this one.

90.4

.

Now angles this one into the batter, Head works it to mid-wicket.

90.3

.

Full now and outside off, a little movement away from the batter. Head lets it be.

90.2

.

That is a brute of a delivery! Something which Head was surely not expecting. A bumper and that too it is very well-directed. Head at the very end looks to duck but does so very awkwardly.

90.1

3

Runs straightaway for Smith! Boult starts off with a very full delivery outside off, it is a half volley. Smith just puts bat to ball and hits it through covers. Williamson gives it a chase from wide mid off and at the very end, slides and pushes it back in. Saves a run for his side.

It is time for the action to begin now! The Kiwi players make their way out to the middle. They are followed by Steven Smith and Travis Head who will resume from where they left off on Day 1. Smith will face the first ball on Day 2 and he will be up against Trent Boult. He struck in the first over yesterday, can he do so again? We will find out as he comes running in...

On Boxing Day we witnessed - a jam packed stadium, an amazing atmosphere and an excellent contest between bat and ball. After all that, it is the hosts who hold the edge. They have one batter, Steven Smith, who is nearing another ton and Head who has got off to a decent start. Australia will be hoping the two carry on and set the platform for a big first innings score. The Kiwis on the other hand, aren't that far behind in the game, a couple of wickets early and they are right back into this. They bowled well yesterday but with not a lot of luck, they would hope the story is different today. Stay tuned for what promises to be another exciting day of Test cricket.

... Day 2, Session 1 ...

Now then! On Day 2, New Zealand need a few wickets quickly, the second new ball is relatively new and they would hope to enforce a collapse. Australia on the other hand, will hope for one big partnership and the rest to chip in so that they could get to a good first innings total. Do join us for all the action at 1030 local (2330 GMT, Previous day). Till then, take care and goodbye!

The New Zealand bowling was decent throughout. They did not do a lot wrong but probably did not have a lot of luck on their side. They stuck to their plans, bowled accordingly but could not get the reward. Colin de Grandhomme, who did start off well but came back strongly in the next two sessions, was the pick. Boult and Wagner both had a wicket to their name. Southee did look threatening but nothing in the wickets column for him.

It was all about partnerships for Australia! Except for the first wicket, every other partnership was broken only after adding a stand of over 50. None however went onto become something significant. The Aussie batters too failed to make most of the starts they got. Steven Smith however, seems to be all set for another big one. Australia would hope Head can also make use of this opportunity and both can take the team to a big first innings score.

Australia's day in the end! You have to say that, just the 4 wickets in the whole day after electing to bowl, not what you would have thought when that decision was taken. Also, the last session too was dominated by the hosts. Just the one wicket is what they lost and they managed to add 102 runs with Steven Smith looking solid as a rock and Head playing himself in nicely.

89.6

.

Head negotiates it easily! It is a gentle length delivery around middle, Head stays back and keeps it out. THAT WILL BE STUMPS ON DAY 1!

89.5

.

Makes him play by bowling it on a length and around off, Head keeps it out easily. Last ball coming up...

89.4

.

Looks to swing it back in from outside off but does not get it to come back enough. Left alone. Need to make the batter play here, last two balls coming up.

89.3

.

Outside off, left alone.

89.2

4

EDGY FOUR! How many times have we seen a boundary down in the third man region? From around the wicket, it lands on middle, it straightens. Head looks to defend but the ball goes off the outside edge. No third slip in place and the ball races down to the third man fence.

89.1

1

On the fuller side, Smith strokes it wide of mid off for one. The fielder there makes a wild throw to the keeper who fails to collect it but no extra run taken.

88.6

.

A sharp bumper to end but it is outside off, Head lets it be.

88.5

.

Goes fuller this time and outside off, Head lets it go again.

88.4

.

A little bit of width on offer outside off, Head does not fiddle with it.

88.3

.

A short one and on middle, it is evaded.

88.2

.

This is on the pads, the batter looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. Head misses out on another boundary there.

88.1

4

FOUR! Short, wide and put away! It is outside off, Head cuts it through point for a boundary. 250 up for Australia.

87.6

.

Outside off, not played at.

87.5

.

This is angled into the pads, Smith gently works it to mid-wicket.

87.4

.

Another one on the off pole, defended.

87.3

.

On off, blocked.

87.2

.

That was played with very soft hands! It is on a length and around off, it shapes away. Smith just looks to put bat to ball. The ball though hits the outside edge but falls short of first slip.

87.1

.

Angled into the pads, Smith keeps it out.

86.6

.

Shorter and on off, Head hops and keeps it out.

86.5

.

Leading edge but safe! This one shapes a touch from middle, Head looks to work it across the line against the movement. He gets a soft leading edge towards mid off.

86.4

.

On off and it shapes away. Head opens the face of the bat and guides it to gully.

86.3

.

On middle, Head stays back and keeps it out.

86.2

.

Outside off, Head looks to leave but there is a little extra bounce. Head awkwardly lets it go in the end.

86.1

2

On the pads, Head works it wide of fine leg and takes two. No swing on offer with the second new ball for both the bowlers.

85.6

4

FOUR! Uppish but safe! Fuller and on off, Smith plays a check on-drive. It goes uppishly but well wide of the fielder at mid on and to the boundary.

85.5

.

Outside off again, not played at.

85.4

.

Another tempter outside off, Smith won't be tempted with Stumps around the corner.

85.3

.

Outside off, Smith won't be playing at that so late in the day.

85.2

.

A yorker on off, Smith is ready for it. He gets his bat down in time and jams it out.

85.1

.

The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.

84.6

2

Boult is looking to bowl the magic ball, he starts on leg and he tries to swing it away but there is no movement. Head works it through square leg and two is taken.

84.5

.

Back of a length and on off, Head guides it to gully.

84.4

1

This is angled into the middle pole, Smith works it through square leg for one.

84.3

.

This starts on middle and then swings away further. Smith lets it be. Watling does well to dive to his left and stop it.

84.2

.

One a length and outside off, Smith does not play at it.

84.1

.

Bumper! Smith ducks under it.

83.6

.

Another one outside off, Head makes one more leave.

83.5

.

One more delivery outside off, not played at.

83.4

2

Looks to hit the pads of Head but the left-hander gets his bat down and works it through mid-wicket for two.

83.3

.

Good stop! Shorter in length and outside off, Head cuts it hard but Santner at point dives to his right and stops a boundary.

83.2

.

This is angled in from around the wicket, it is still outside off. Due to the angle though Head hangs his bat out but gets beaten.

83.1

.

Outside off, Head shoulders arms to this one.

82.6

.

On the fuller side, it is defended.

82.5

.

Outside off, not played at.

82.4

4

FOUR! Need not run for those! Too full goes Boult and he pays the price. Smith shows the full face of the bat and creams it down to the long off fence.

82.3

.

Starts on the pads and then swings away further. Left alone.

82.2

.

On off this time, Smith covers the line and blocks it out.

82.1

.

Well left in the end! This is just outside off, Smith shuffles across, he initially thinks of playing as he feels the ball would come back in. He sees it does not and leaves it at the last minute.

81.6

.

Full and miles outside off, let through once again. Wastage of the new cherry.

81.5

.

Wide outside off, left alone.

81.4

.

Tempter. Full and outside off, Travis has a lame push and misses.

81.3

.

More inswing, around off, driven straight to cover this time.

81.2

4

FOUR! PRISTINE! This should give Head some confidence. Around middle, nice swing, but Head gets his bat down in time, meets the swing perfectly and drives this with pristine precision. Back past the bowler. Southee bends to stop but the ball whizzes past.

81.1

.

Full and around middle, swinging in, watchfully defended.

Tim Southee into the attack again. 16-4-48-0 so far.

80.6

.

Wide outside off, not played at.

80.5

.

Another ball outside off, Smith does not play at it.

80.4

1

Back of a length and on off, Head looks to defend but due to the outward movement, it goes off the outer half towards point for one.

80.3

.

Down the leg side, Head looks to flick but misses.

80.2

.

Another full delivery, shaping away from middle. Head strokes it back to the bowler.

80.1

.

Some swing for Boult! He bowls it fuller outside off, it is left alone.

The new ball is now available! It has been taken immediately and Trent Boult is back on.

79.6

.

Tosses it up on middle, Smith prods forward and defends.

79.5

.

On off, kept out.

79.4

.

The batsman has been struck on the pads as he looked to play that off the front foot.

79.3

3

Too short and outside off, it is slapped through covers for three.

79.2

1b

BEATEN! Turn and bounce! Wow! SAw that for the first time in the game. This lands on off and then spins away sharply, there is also extra bounce. Smith is squared up as he tries to defend, the ball whizzes past the outside edge. The keeper fails to take it and the batters run one bye.

79.1

1

Very full and on middle, this is hit down towards long on for one.

Mitchell Santner is back into the attack!

78.6

1

Head this time gets on top of the bounce and works it wide of the leg gully fielder for one.

78.5

.

On the shorter side around off, Head hops and pushes it to covers.

78.4

.

Nicely bowled! A slower one around off, Head strokes it to mid off.

78.3

.

On the pads again, Head flicks it to the man at mid-wicket.

78.2

.

One more short one on the body, Head works it to mid-wicket.

78.1

.

A short one on the body, Head looks to flick but misses. That nearly kissed the glove on its way.

77.6

.

Outside off, not played at.

77.5

.

Outside off, not played at.

77.4

.

On the fuller side around off, Smith strokes it to cover-point.

77.3

1

On the pads, this is worked towards fine leg for one.

77.2

.

Fuller and outside off, Head looks to go at it a little too hard. It goes off the inner half back to the bowler.

77.1

1

The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. One run added to the total.

76.6

.

Full and around middle, swinging in slightly, worked dangerously, across the line, towards mid on. He misses that, he is a goner.

76.5

1

Quick running. A length ball, on the pads, Steven tucks it through square leg and takes a single.

76.4

.

One more short ball, way down the leg side, a bit high as well, left alone.

76.3

.

A short ball, right at the rib cage, SS shoulders arms and gets tickled around the arm pits.

76.2

.

A short ball, outside off, Steven rises with the bounce and plays it towards point.

76.1

.

Full and around middle and leg, worked to the leg side.

75.6

.

Closer to the off pole this time, Head initially thinks of playing at it but then lets it be. Good ball and good leave in the end.

75.5

.

Continues to bowl outside off, Head continues to leave those deliveries.

75.4

.

Third leave in a row as another one is bowled outside off.

75.3

.

One more ball outside off, Head leaves it alone again.

75.2

.

Outside off, Head does not fiddle with it.

75.1

1

This is angled into the pads, Smith shuffles across and works it through square leg for one.

74.6

.

Way down the leg side again, let through.

74.5

.

Way down the leg side, left alone.

74.4

1

Slower ball, fuller in length, around middle, Smith works it through mid-wicket but Tom Latham at short mid-wicket dives to his left and makes a stunning stop.

74.3

.

A bouncer outside leg, SS ducks.

74.2

.

A short ball, around middle, Steven swivels and pulls it, with total control, keeping the ball all along the ground, straight to leg gully.

74.1

.

A length ball around middle, angling away, Smith gets across and defends.

73.6

.

Length and just outside off, Head makes another leave.

73.5

.

One more ball very wide outside off, not sure Head would go after those so early in his innings.

73.4

.

Outside off agian, left alone.

73.4

1wd

A very wide ball to begin with! Left alone. It has been wided.

Travis Head walks in at number 6, replacing Wade.

73.3

W

OUT! TAKEN! Wade's luck runs out this time! The edge is taken, it carries and the catch is completed. Two for Colin de Grandhomme and he once again provides the breakthrough for the visitors. End of Wade's scratchy innings. Colin bowls one full ball outside off, Wade looks to drive but gets an outside edge straight to Watling who makes no mistake. A wicket right after Drinks. Can New Zealand turn the tide in their favor in the final phase of today's play?

73.2

4

INSIDE EDGE, FOUR! Wade continues to ride his luck! A short one outside off, Wade looks to punch it through the off side away from the body. He gets an inside edge which goes close past the leg pole and down towards the fine leg fence. Wagner there runs towards the ball, dives and tries to push it back in but fails to do so.

73.1

.

Outside off, not played at.

Trent Boult is giving an interview to the spider cam. He says that he is waiting for the second new ball. Hopes that it does work wonders for his side. On Australia not quite running away, Boult says that the team is aiming for basic discipline and not allow easy runs. On the pitch, Trent agrees that it is a very slow deck.

DRINKS! Australia are going along really well at the moment! Smith now looks at his best, Wade on the other hand is struggling but doing well. New Zealand really need a few quick wickets before the end of the day or they will be well behind the game. An important final phase of play awaits.

72.6

.

One more short delivery, Smith again sits under it.

72.5

.

Smith continues receiving short balls! Smith ducks under it.

72.4

3

This is nicely timed! Fuller and around off, Wade creams it through covers and takes three.

72.3

4

FOUR! Another risky shot and Wade once again gets away with it! A short one angled into the body, Wade looks to guide it down to third man but the ball gets big on him. It goes off the top edge over Ross Taylor at first slip and into the third man fence.

72.2

.

A short one on the body, Wade ducks under it.

72.1

3

More runs! Fuller and tailing back in on middle, Smith works it through mid-wicket. Mid on gives it a chase and three is taken.

71.6

.

This time he lets the ball outside off go to the keeper.

71.5

.

Just short! Wade has all the slice of luck at the moment! Colin goes fuller and outside off, Wade goes after it. The ball finally finds the outside edge of the bat but lands just short of the fielder at first slip.

71.4

.

The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.

71.3

.

Takes a few steps down the track again, this is bowled outside off, Wade guides it to point.

71.2

.

Bowls another one way too wide outside off, Wade lets it be.

71.1

.

Another one which goes past the outside edge! It is fuller and around off, Wade looks to drive but does so inside the line and gets beaten.

70.6

.

Much better length, fractionally short of full, Steven gets a long way across and defends.

70.5

.

Floated up again, driven straight to cover.

70.4

.

On middle, pushed towards mid on.

70.3

.

Outside off, a bit of flight, driven straight to cover.

70.2

.

Full and outside off, Steven lunges and defends.

70.1

1

A low full toss, around middle, pushed through mid on for a single.

69.6

1

Wade takes a few steps ahead to negotiate the swing. He pushes it towards mid off and takes off for a quick single. Completes it.

69.5

.

Outside off, not played at.

69.4

.

On the fuller side, Wade strokes it to covers.

69.3

.

BEATEN! Just outside off and it is on a length. Wade plays inside the line and gets beaten.

69.2

.

On a length and around off, Wade pushes it to covers.

69.1

.

That came back in a long way! This starts way outside off and then comes back in a long way. Wade leaves it along and the ball goes close past the off pole.

68.6

.

Darts it on off, Smith stays back and pushes it to covers,

68.5

1

Quicker and outside off, Wade opens the face of the bat and guides it through point for one. 200 up for Australia.

68.4

1

On the pads, it is worked to square leg.

68.3

3

Good use of the feet! Gets to the pitch of it and strokes it through covers. Takes three.

68.2

.

On middle, it is worked to mid-wicket.

68.1

1

Very short and on middle, Smith pulls it towards deep square leg for one. Santner has not been at his best here. Bowled quite a few bad deliveries.

Mitchell Santner is back!

67.6

1

On middle, this is worked through square leg for one.

67.5

.

Shorter and on off, Smith pushes it to mid off.

67.4

.

Way too wide outside off to make the batter play.

67.3

.

On the pads again, Smith works it to mid-wicket.

67.2

.

Outside off, not played at.

67.1

3

Shorter in length and outside off, Wade slaps it through covers, it is not right off the middle. Williamson from wide mid off, hares after it and the batters take three.

66.6

.

On middle, Smith pushes it to mid on.

66.5

.

On the pads, Smith looks to flick but misses to get hit high on the pads.

Smith now moves out of the way at the very end! He straightaway says sorry.

66.4

1

Beauty! And Wade somehow plays it well in the end! A yorker, it starts on off and tails back in late. Wade gets his bat down in time by taking his front leg out of the way. He is down on the ground but senses it is wide of the fielder at mid on, gets back on his feet and takes one.

66.3

2

On the pads, Wade works it nicely wide of the fielder at fine leg. Calls for two and gets two.

66.2

.

Way too wide outside off to make the batter play.

66.1

.

Back of a length and on off, Wade is solid in defense.

65.6

.

On middle, Smith gets his bat down in time and keeps it out.

65.5

1

On the pads, Wade nudges it down to fine leg and takes one.

65.4

1

Too short on off, Smith works it through square leg and takes one.

65.3

.

On off, Smith taps it on the off side. The batters do think about a run but then do not go for it.

65.2

.

Fuller in length and around off, shapes away. Smith leaves it alone.

65.1

1

This is angled into the pads, it is worked through the leg side for one more run.

Colin de Grandhomme is back into the attack! 14-4-32-1 so far.

64.6

.

Back of a length and on off, Smith stays back and keeps it out.

64.5

.

Third leave in a row as this is once again bowled outside off.

64.4

.

One more ball outside off, not played at.

ABK - 'Guys, why don't you declare...'

64.3

.

The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.

64.2

4lb

FOUR LEG BYES! That was pretty close! This is lands around middle and then comes back in. Smith shuffles right across and looks to flick but misses to get hit high on the pads. It goes past the keeper and down to the fine leg fence. Boult needed to be a little fuller there.

64.1

.

Starts off with a delivery outside off, Smith would leave those all day long.

Trent Boult is back on! 13-1-43-1 his figures so far.

63.6

.

Shorter and on off, Wade stands tall and defends it onto the ground.

63.5

.

On the fuller side, Wade strokes it to covers. MW is unable to time the ball really well at the moment. Needs that one shot which gets him going.

63.4

.

Outside off, left alone.

63.3

.

BEATEN! Wade on the other hand seems to be struggling. He gets a full ball outside off, Wade goes after it but is beaten.

63.2

1

Like that! Easily rocks back, gets on top of the bounce and pulls the short one towards fine leg for one. 36 is the stand between the two.

63.1

.

On the fuller side, Smith works it to mid-wicket. Smith looks at ease now, comfortably playing the full balls and also the short balls.

62.6

.

One more short one to end! Wade sits underneath it. Maiden.

62.5

.

Fuller and on off, Wade pushes it to covers.

62.4

.

A short one and on middle, Wade ducks under it.

62.3

.

This time angles it into the batter, Wade stays back and keeps it out.

62.2

.

Drags his length back and the line is outside off, left alone.

62.1

.

Fuller in length and it tails away a touch. Wade plays a nice drive but straight to mid off.

61.6

.

Goes full this time after a few short ones. Smith is up for the challenge though as he jams it out.

61.5

.

One more short one on the body, evaded.

61.4

.

Shorter and outside off, Smith pushes it towards cover.

61.3

.

On the shorter side again, Smith moves out of the way.

61.2

.

Another short one on the body, Smith works it to square leg.

61.1

.

A short one from around the wicket to Smith. He mistimes his pull towards leg gully.

The concussion test is going on. Wade looks fine as of now.

60.6

4lb

FOUR LEG BYES! OFF THE HELMET! Thankfully, Wade is okay. A short ball, on middle, Matthew ducks but takes his eyes off the ball. It shoots off the deck, hits the back portion of the helmet, just above the neck and flies over the keeper to the fine leg fence. Wagner immediately shows concern but Wade shows that he is okay.

60.5

.

A bouncer, around middle, Wade ducks.

60.4

.

A length ball, around middle, MW looks to flick but the ball goes off his pads past short leg. Wade sets off for a single but then changes his mind as he sees leg gully get across.

60.3

.

Full and around off, driven straight back to the bowler.

60.2

.

This one comes back in, but Matthew trusts his judgement and shoulders arms.

60.1

.

Full and outside off, swinging away, left alone.

59.6

1

A single to end! On off, Wade drops it on the off side and takes one.

59.5

.

Back of a length and on off, blocked.

59.4

2

Good shot! Fuller and on off, Wade strokes it back past the bowler. Mid off gives it a chase and keeps it down to two.

59.3

.

On off, Wade guides it to point.

59.2

2

Finds the edge this time as Wade is squared up as he tries to defend. It goes between the second slip and the gully fielder towards third man for two. All these edges though are going along the ground. Probably Wade is playing with soft hands or the wicket does not have a lot of carry.

59.1

.

Lovely stuff! Southee, from the around the wicket angle, gets it to straighten after pitching it on off. Wade lunges to defend but is beaten.

58.6

.

Shorter and on off, Smith keeps it out nicely.

58.5

.

A short one on the body of Smith. He moves out of the way.

58.4

1

Misfield and a run! A slower one outside off, Wade strokes it nicely towards wide mid off. Williamson misfields and a single is taken.

58.3

.

A good short one again, Wade ducks under it again.

58.2

.

Just short! On the pads of Wade. He works it uppishly but just short of Southee at leg gully. Wade would have had his heart in his mouth for a second.

58.1

.

Outside off, not played at.

57.6

.

A lovely shot for no runs! Fuller and on middle, Smith strokes it to mid on.

57.5

.

Southee looks to angle this into the off pole from wide of the crease. Does not angle it in enough and Smith makes one more leave.

57.4

4

FOUR! Streaky again! Smith was completely squared up there! Length and on off, it straightens. Smith is squared up as he tries to keep it out. It goes off the outside edge and through the slip cordon for a boundary. It went all along the ground so even if there had been a third slip, it would not have carried.

57.3

.

One more ball outside off, Smith does not fiddle with it.

57.2

.

Full and wide outside off, Smith leaves it alone.

57.1

.

Good length and on off, Smith keeps it out.

56.6

.

On the shorter side again, Wade nudges it to the man at leg gully. A steamy over from Wagner comes to an end.

56.5

.

Back of a length and on off, Wade stays back and keeps it out.

56.4

.

Shorter and on the body, this is worked to mid-wicket.

56.3

.

A sharp bumper, Wade ducks under it just in time.

56.2

1

On the pads, it is worked down to fine leg for one.

56.1

.

Short and outside off, Smith leaves it alone.

Neil Wagner to bowl from the other end.

55.6

1

Fifty for Smith! He just loves batting on Boxing Day and at the MCG. Did not start off all that well but now seems to got into his own. He gets there by pushing it towards mid off and taking a quick run. End of a good first over after the break for Australia.

55.5

.

Outside off, not played at.

55.4

4

EDGY FOUR! This is fuller and around off, shapes away again. Smith's feet are rooted to the crease, he plays ahead of his body. The ball goes off the edge, all along the ground to the third man fence.

55.3

4

FOUR! Lovely shot! A boundary to score the first runs in this session! Fuller and on middle, Smith strokes it back past the diving mid on fielder for a boundary. An on-drive against a bowler that is swinging the ball away, brilliant.

55.2

.

One more delivery outside off, Smith does not fiddle with it.

55.1

.

On a length and just outside off, Smith initially looks to play but then seeing the away movement, he lets it be.

We are all set for the last session of today! 35 overs left so we are in for a long session. Matthew Wade and Steven Smith will continue their innings. Tim Southee to start proceedings after the break. Here we go...

... Day 1, Session 3 ...

The Kiwi bowling has now started to look a little flat but they will also be looking at the other side of the coin. Australia's middle order is pretty vulnerable and the Black Caps would be aiming to burst through the door. Join us back at 3.30 pm local (0430 GMT). 35 overs left in the day.

88/1 in 29 overs in this session. Australia have managed to see off that nervous passage in the opening session and are reaping dividends. The 83-run stand between Smith and Labuschagne pretty much stamped the authority of the fact that the pitch is slow, which means that the moment the ball stops to swing, the batsmen will find it easy to score.

Steven Smith is up for a chat with Kate Loughnan. On the pitch, he says that it has stayed good for most parts. Observes that a few balls are shooting off a good length, meaning inconsistent bounce but on a whole, it has been good. On his heated discussion with Nigel Llong before Lunch, Steven says that it was not a discussion, just a clarification of thoughts but asserts that he has moved on from that.

54.6

.

A bumper to end the session! Wade ducks under it. THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 1!

54.5

4

EDGED AND FOUR! That went between the keeper and widish first slip! Wagner can't believe it. He lands this around off and gets it to jag back in. Wade looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It goes uppishly between first slip and the keeper. Both fail to react and it goes down to the third man fence. The keeper could have probably gone for it, Taylor is a little too wide.

54.4

.

OHHH! This one comes back in from outside off but not enough to make the batter play.

54.3

.

The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.

54.2

.

That must have hurt! Wade shows no pain though. A short one and Wade has not time to move out of the way. He looks to leave it but is hit on the chest.

54.1

.

Back of a length and on middle, Wade keeps it out.

53.6

.

A yorker to end! Smith jams it out.

53.5

.

Gives it air and lands it around off, Smith guides it to cover-point.

53.4

.

On middle, Smith is solid in defense.

53.3

1

On the shorter side and outside off, Wade guides it through point for one.

53.2

.

Outside off, not played at.

53.1

1

Flatter and shorter on off, Smith works it through mid-wicket for one. 150 up for Australia.

Mitchell Santner is back! He is brought on as New Zealand maybe want Wagner to bowl one more before the break.

52.6

.

A delivery down the leg side to end! Wade looks to flick but misses.

52.5

.

One more short one, Wade picks this one late but ducks under it in time.

52.4

.

A short one and on the body of the batter, Wade ducks under it.

52.3

.

Outside off now, it is not played at.

52.2

.

Bowls a length delivery this time around off, Wade solidly keeps it out.

52.1

.

A short one but down the leg side, Wade lets it go to the keeper.

This is interesting. Neil Wagner has not even looked up at his captain. He has charged up to the umpire and handed over his cap. He wants to bowl to Matthew Wade. This should be fun. A leg gully and a short leg in place.

51.6

.

Wide outside off, gentle outswinger, let through.

51.5

1

A touch down the leg side, Matthew tucks it towards fine leg for a run.

51.4

.

Full and around off, watchfully defended.

51.3

1

A bit too straight, Smith gets across and tucks it towards fine leg for a single. Moves to 40.

51.2

.

Miles outside off, swinging away, left alone.

51.1

.

Full and around off, watchfully defended.

50.6

.

Just outside off, Wade leaves it nicely.

50.5

1

On middle, Smith works it through mid-wicket for an easy single.

50.4

.

Another fullish ball and it comes back in from outside off. Smith works it to mid-wicket.

50.3

1

Goes full and on middle, looking to hit the pads of Wade. He gets his bat down and works it towards fine leg for one. Wade is off the mark.

50.2

1

This one starts on off and it comes back in. Smith works it towards deep square leg for one.

50.1

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

49.6

.

Outside off, not played at.

Matthew Wade walks in at his home ground, with 17 minutes to go to Tea.

49.5

W

OUT! BOWLED 'EM! The ploy to continue with Colin de Grandhomme has paid off. He proves to be the partnership breaker. We saw a wicket fall 15 minutes before Lunch and now a wicket 18 minutes before Tea. Labuschagne is disgusted as he walks back. New Zealand though rejoice. This is on a length and around off, this one comes back in sharply and there is also some extra bounce. Marnus looks to leave it alone but the ball hits the elbow and then hits the stumps behind. Marnus can't just believe what has happened. He has been leaving the ball so well but falls in that manner. A good innings by him comes to an end though. New Zealand are into the fragile middle order of the Aussies now. They will hope that this wicket opens the floodgates for them.

49.4

.

A leave as this is bowled outside off.

49.3

.

On off, ML stays back and blocks it.

49.2

.

Well bowled! This starts on off and then shapes away a touch. Marnus looks to defend but it goes off the outer half towards point.

49.1

.

Just outside off, not played at.

48.6

.

Goes full again and on middle, Smith strokes it right off the middle but to mid off.

48.5

.

Another delivery outside off, not played at.

48.4

.

Way too wide outside off, left alone.

48.3

.

On off, Smith stays back and keeps it out.

48.2

4

FOUR! Nailed the pull shot! Short and on middle, Smith rocks back, swivels, gets on top of the bounce and pulls it through square leg for a boundary.

48.1

1lb

Some shape into the batter but the line is very straight. Labuschagne looks to work it on the leg side but misses to get hit on the pads. It rolls on the leg side. A leg bye is taken.

47.6

.

Back of a length and on off, Smith is solid in defense.

47.5

.

On off, defended.

47.4

.

The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.

WHAT A STAT - In Smith on air informs us that Marnus Labuschagne has got an outside edge 29 TIMES in his short Test career. He has got out only 4 TIMES.

47.3

.

Close! Colin bowls this fuller and on middle, Smith looks to drive but it goes off the inner half, uppihsly but wide of short mid-wicket and short of mid on.

47.2

.

Down the leg side, Smith looks to flick but misses.

47.1

.

On middle, it is worked to mid-wicket.

46.6

.

Down the leg side to end the over, Marnus looks to flick but misses.

46.5

.

Shorter but closer to the off pole this time, Labuschagne keeps it out.

46.4

4

FOUR! Nicely played! On the shorter side and outside off, Labuschagne lets the ball come to him and then plays it late through point for a boundary.

46.3

1

Fuller and on off, Smith strokes it to mid off and takes off. Williamson there picks the ball up and throws it at the striker's end but misses. ML was well in though.

46.2

.

Goes back to attacking the stumps and it is on a length. Defended.

46.1

2

Full and outside off, Smith opens the face of the bat, uses the pace of the bowler and strokes it square on the off side for two.

45.6

.

Another one well outside off, let through once again.

45.5

.

Well outside off, left alone.

45.4

.

Appeal for LBW, but turned down. A length ball outside off, Marnus gets across and shoulders arms. The ball comes in and hits him high on the thighs. Ball Tracker confirms it to be going over the top.

45.3

2

Full on middle, Marnus works this uppishly, beyond control, but wide of mid on for a couple.

De Grandhomme comes charging in but Labuschagne backs away at the last moment.

45.2

4

EDGED, FOUR! More luck for Marnus Labuschagne. Full and outside off, Labuschagne looks to flick but gets a thick outside edge which flies past first slip to the third man fence. Even if there was a second slip present, don't think it would have carried.

45.1

1

Full and around off, Smith looks to work this to the on side but the ball moves away and squares him up. The leading edge goes through point and a single is taken.

44.6

.

Outside off, left alone.

44.5

.

The batsman defends it from within the crease.

44.4

.

Full and on middle, ML strokes it back towards the bowler who makes a good one-handed stop.

44.3

4

FOUR! Fifty for Marnus Labuschagne! He gets there in a streaky manner but he won't care. His golden run continues. It has been a knock full of patience and he will be eyeing another ton here. Boult bowls one outside off, Marnus throws his bat at it. It goes off the outside edge between second slip and gully and down to the third man fence.

44.2

.

A huge, huge shout but the umpire shakes his head! This starts on middle and then tails back in. Labuschagne looks to work it on the leg side but misses to get hit over the knee roll. A huge shout but not given.

44.1

.

From over the wicket now Boult bowls it on middle, it is worked to mid on.

43.6

.

Wide outside off stump, the batsman leaves it alone.

43.5

.

Miles outside off, an easy leave.

43.4

.

Outside off, on a length, Smith keeps his bat inside the line.

43.3

2

LEADING EDGE, SAFE! London looking, Tokyo turning. Almost a wicket for the Kiwis. Full and on middle, Smith looks to flick but plays it way too early. The ball swings away, takes the leading edge but luckily for him, flies over the slips to third man! Two runs taken.

43.2

.

Full and outside off, swinging away, driven straight to mid off.

43.1

.

Full and outside off, Smith looks to defend but is caught in an awkward position. Manages to defend it somehow.

42.6

.

Third consecutive ball on off, third consecutive defense by ML.

42.5

.

Once again it is angled into the off pole, blocked.

42.4

.

This is angled into the off pole, Marnus is solid in defense.

42.3

.

One more ball outside off, ML lets it be.

42.2

.

Outside off, Labuschagne does not play at it.

42.1

2

He starts off with one on the pads, Labuschagne works it through mid-wicket for two.

Trent Boult is back on! New Zealand turn to their best bowler as they need a wicket here.

41.6

.

Outside off, it is on a length. Left alone.

41.5

.

Almost got squared up there! On a length and around off, it straightens a touch. Smith is almost squared up as he defends this.

41.4

.

Another one outside off and Smith pushes this to covers. This was a little too short and hence, Smith played at this one.

41.3

.

One more delivery outside off, Smith pushes it to covers. This was slightly fuller and once Smith played at it.

41.2

1

Finally bowls one on the pads, Marnus works it towards mid-wicket for a single.

41.1

.

Colin continues bowling outside off, not played at.

40.6

6

SIX! Straight down the ground! That is a cracking shot from Smith. The 50-run stand is up in style. Another solid partnership this. Smith comes down the track, gets to the pitch of it, extends his arms and lofts it over the bowler's head for a biggie. Huge over this for the hosts.

40.5

.

The batsman works it down the leg side.

40.4

3

Three now! Slightly shorter and quicker. Marnus Labuschagne goes back to pull again but this one hurries onto him. It hits the higher part of the bat and goes wide of the fielder at mid-wicket and towards the deep for three.

40.3

.

Flatter and on off, Marnus works it but straight to short leg.

40.2

6

SIX! First of the game! A real hit-me ball! Short and it sits up to be hit. Marnus Labuschagne had all the time in the world to go back and pull it over the mid-wicket fence.

40.1

2

Quicker and on off, Marnus stays leg side of the delivery and guides it past point for two. 100 up for Australia.

DRINKS BREAK. A quiet passage of play. Just 32 runs scored in 14 overs. New Zealand have kept it tight and the pressure almost showed, with Labuschagne being a certain dismissal, only for Kane Williamson to miss. The Black Caps have been disciplined, as they have been known for but so have been the Aussies thus far. In a battle of patience, who will blink first?

39.6

.

And again! Outside off, Smith makes a flamingo leave with one leg up in the air.

39.5

.

Maybe this is a plan by Colin. He is constantly bowling it outside off, Smith continues to leave it.

39.4

.

Colin continues bowling it wide outside off, Smith shoulders arms to this one.

39.3

.

Wide outside off, Smith lets it be.

39.2

.

On off, solidly defended.

39.1

1

On the pads, it is worked towards fine leg for one.

38.6

4

FOUR RUNNING RUNS AGAIN! All that effort by the fielder once again goes in vain. This is full and wide outside off, Smith strokes it wide of the cover-point fielder. Raval, the sub, hares after it and at the very end pushes it back in with a dive forward. The fielder from point picks the ball up and throws it to the keeper but the batters run four by then.

38.5

.

On off, Steven stays back and defends.

38.4

.

Nicely tossed up on off, SS lunges and blocks it onto the ground.

38.3

.

Slightly shorter and quicker on off, Smith stays back and pushes it to covers.

38.2

.

Flatter and on off, Smith is solid in defense.

38.1

.

Tosses it up on off, Smith strokes it to mid off.

Mitchell Santner is back! He would probably hope for a longer spell this time.

37.6

.

6 leaves in this over! All the deliveries were outside off and all the deliveries were left alone. A wasteful over.

37.5

.

5 leaves in a row! Once again Colin de Grandhomme bowls it outside off.

37.4

.

4th leave in a row now as Colin bowls another one outside off.

37.3

.

Third leave in a row as this is again outside off.

37.2

.

One more ball outside off, Labuschagne shoulders arms to this one too.

37.1

.

Outside off, not played at.

36.6

.

Back of a length and on off, kept out.

36.5

1

Just short! Another short one on the body, Marnus works it but just short of short leg. The fielder makes a half stop and the batters take one.

36.4

.

Good length and on off, kept out.

36.3

1

Another pull shot, this time only for one through square leg.

36.2

4

FOUR RUNNING RUNS! You probably only see this in Australia as the grounds here are nice and big. A short one on middle, this is pulled through mid-wicket. It is the longer part and the fielder chases the ball down. His effort goes in vain though as the batters run four.

36.1

.

A length ball around off, pushed towards mid on.

35.6

2

NOT OUT! An excellent dive from Labuschagne saves him! He was pretty confident that he wasn't short and that is why! Lovely running from him. He works this towards fine leg and takes one. Goes for the second. Wagner there picks the ball up and scores a direct hit at the striker's end. An appeal and the umpire goes upstairs. The Kiwis look pretty confident that they have got him but Marnus signals to the dressing room that he is safe. Replays roll in and they show that Marnus' dive saves him.

Direct hit and this is close! Is Labuschagne walking back? Wait a minute, he is coming back! He has signalled a thumbs up to the dressing room. Umpire Marais Erasmus refers it upstairs. And replays show that Labuschagne is... 10 CENTIMETRES IN.

35.5

.

Good length and on off, ML keeps it out off the back foot.

35.4

.

Outside off, Labuschagne shoulders arms to this one.

35.3

1

On the pads again, Smith works it towards fine leg and gets to the other end.

35.2

.

Outside off, left alone.

35.1

1

Close run! A little too straight, Labuschagne works it towards square leg and takes off. The fielder picks the ball up and has a shy at the striker's end but misses. Smith would have been in though.

Colin de Grandhomme is back! He wasn't that great in the first session. Needs to be better in this spell.

34.6

3

Three taken! Another good pull shot by Labuschagne. He really plays that shot well. Once again gets on top of the bounce and pulls it through backward square leg.

34.5

.

A slower one which tails back in nicely from off. Labuschagne works it to square leg.

34.4

.

Angled into the off pole, Marnus keeps it out.

34.3

1

Goes very full now! Smith works it towards square leg. The fielder there, Blundell, dives to his right and stops it. Can't stop the single though.

34.2

.

Slightly short and outside off, Smith drops his hands and lets it go to the keeper.

34.1

.

On the shorter side and on off, Smith stands tall and keeps it out.

33.6

.

Back of a length and on middle, defended.

Labuschagne moves out right at the end! Southee is not happy at all.

33.5

.

Too high! Clever bowling from Southee but the length was a little too short. He gets this one to jag back in from outside off. Marnus looks to make another leave but is hit high on the thigh pad. An appeal from the bowler but not given.

33.4

.

Third leave in a row as once again it is outside off.

33.3

.

Another one outside off, left alone.

33.2

.

Outside off, not played at.

33.1

.

On off, Labuschagne keeps it out.

32.6

.

Another short one to end! Smith tucks it but finds leg gully.

32.5

.

On the shorter side, defended towards silly point this time.

32.4

.

On the middle pole, Smith plays it nicely with soft hands towards short leg where the fielder dives to his right and stops it.

32.3

.

Outside off this time, Smith shoulders arms to this one.

32.2

.

Another short one and on the body, Smith lets it go over him.

32.1

.

Slightly short but down the leg side. Smith does not play at it.

31.6

.

Once again, a ball is bowled just outside off and it is left nicely.

31.5

.

Outside off, not played at. Labuschagne is leaving the ball really well.

31.4

1

On the shorter side, Smith gets on top of the bounce and pulls it towards fine leg for one.

31.3

.

Shorter and on off, Smith stays back and keeps it out.

31.2

.

On off, defended.

31.1

.

Big mix up and a BIG OPPORTUNITY goes abegging! Williamson had so much time there but he rushed himself! A fuller ball is driven to mid off. Smith initially calls yes and Labuschagne is off. Smith though realizes he has hit it too well and then sends Marnus back. Marnus is at the point of no return. Williamson picks the ball up and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Kane probably could have waited for a second more and then thrown it to the bowler. Big chance this. This could really cost New Zealand.

30.6

.

The tempter to end! Wide outside off, Marnus is not tempted and he lets it go through to the keeper.

30.5

.

A short one and on the body, Marnus works it to mid-wicket.

30.4

.

One more controlled pull shot to a short ball but straight to the fielder at mid-wicket.

30.3

.

Half an appeal! This is angled in on the off pole, Labuschagne looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

30.2

.

Back of a length and on off, blocked.

30.1

.

On the shorter side, Labuschagne rolls his wrists over and pulls it nicely towards backward square leg.

29.6

.

On the off pole this time, Smith keeps it out nicely.

29.5

.

Way too wide outside off, Smith need not play at those.

29.4

3

Three now! Drifts on the pads, Labuschagne works it through square leg and three is taken.

29.3

.

Another close leave! This is probably left on length. Slightly shorter and just outside off. Labuschagne lets it be. It goes just over the off pole.

29.2

.

Good leave that! It is just outside off, in the corridor of uncertainty. Marnus knows where his off pole is and he lets it go.

29.1

.

Good length and just outside off, Marnus makes a good leave.

28.6

.

Over the wicket to Smith and bangs it short and on the body. Smith is ready for it as he ducks under it easily.

28.5

1

Nicely played! A short one on middle, Labuschagne swivels and pulls it nicely, all along the ground down to fine leg for one.

28.4

.

Another delivery outside off, Marnus does not fiddle with it.

28.3

.

Back of a length and on off, blocked.

28.2

.

This is angled into the pads, Marnus works it to leg gully.

28.1

.

Starts off with a very full ball and on middle, it is hit to mid off.

Just the one over for Santner as Neil Wagner replaces him.

27.6

4

FOUR! Fine way to end the over. Southee goes short and Smith immediately swivels on his back foot. Pulls this all along the ground, through mid-wicket and finds the boundary.

27.5

.

Full and wide outside off, left alone.

A leg gully in place now.

27.4

.

Action replay of the previous delivery.

27.3

.

A bumper down the leg side, Steven ducks.

27.2

4

FOUR! MARVELLOUS! Overpitched, outside off, Smith comes forward and drives this straight, as a bullet, right past the bowler, down the ground to the fence!

Something is putting Steven Smith off. Probably something near the sightscreen. He complains to Nigel Llong who runs all the way down to the boundary. Eventually, we find that it is a black camera which is placed on the white carpet, causing the distraction. Removed now.

27.1

.

Full and around off, watchfully defended.

Tim Southee to bowl from the other end. 7-2-17-0 so far.

26.6

.

A back foot defense to end the over.

26.5

.

Around off, blocked watchfully.

26.4

.

Full again, pushed towards mid on. Short mid-wicket intercepts.

26.3

.

Full and around off, Labuschagne pushes it towards mid on.

26.2

.

A tad short, worked towards short leg.

26.1

.

HUGE SHOUT FOR LBW! Turned down! Boy, this was close. Full and around off, the arm ball, Labuschagne looks to defend but the ball skids through and goes past the bat, hitting the pads. Santner scrams his lungs out but umpire Marais Erasmus is as still as rock. Williamson comes down for a query with his bowler but does not take the review. Here comes Ball Tracker. Going over the top! Excellent decision from Erasmus and excellent call from the Kiwis too, not to review.

We are back for the afternoon session! The Kiwi player make their way out and they are followed by Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne who will resume their innings. Spin to start after the break as Mitchell Santner has the ball in his hand. Here we go...

... Day 1, Session 2 ...

Full marks to the Kiwi bowlers. Or say, 9/10. Barring Colin de Grandhomme, everyone was on the money. They concentrated on getting the ball in the right areas, so that even if it was not a wicket, runs were hard to come by. The last phase of the session saw Neil Wagner dishing out short stuff to Smith, so expect a barricade coming post Lunch. The pitch is slow but every now and then, the odd ball bites off the deck. There is swing available, so it is not exactly going to be a batsman's session. Join us at 1.10 pm local (0210 GMT) for the second session.

However, Warner and Labuschagne got together and eased off some nerves. The latter did play more nervously, but slowly settled in. Their 60-run stand nearly made it Australia's session but with 15 minutes to go to Lunch, the Kiwis managed to snap Warner, who was beginning to score quickly. Towards the end of the session, the Smith-Llong drama just made it more dramatic.

An exciting session of cricket. This is what Boxing Day Test is all about. Aggression. Passion. Fightback. A contest. Wow. Seeing the 10 mm grass on the pitch, one would have expected New Zealand to run through Australia in the first hour, given the hosts' not-so-great record of playing swing and seam bowling. And Trent Boult did start with a bang, getting rid of Burns for a golden duck.

Marnus Labuschagne is kind enough for a quick chat. On the drama between Steven Smith and Nigel Llong, Marnus says that the batsman was just making sure about the rules. On the pitch and the conditions, Labuschagne says that the aim was to just bat out the good balls and make the Kiwis pay on the bad ones. Hopes to see off one more hour post Lunch and then bed in.

Smith straightaway walks across to Nigel Llong and has a long chat. There is disagreement on both sides and each is seen shaking his head furiously. Llong is clearly agitated, more so because of Smith's behaviour and the former skipper just needs to be a bit more careful. Marais Erasmus now steps in, but he is seen cooling Llong rather than Smith. This could be getting ugly. Thankfully, Smith trudges off and the matter ends there. Llong is now explaining to Erasmus what he thought about the law. It is just a different interpretation.

25.6

.

A snorter to end the session! Sharp bumper, Smith looks to defend but the ball hits the splice of the bat and lobs on the off side but lands safe. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 1!

25.5

.

Another dead ball! Smith is furious again! This is short and on the body, Smith looks to move out of the way but is hit on the back. It rolls towards fine leg and the batters take one but once again the umpire signals a dead ball.

25.4

.

Now a length delivery on off, Smith keeps it out.

25.3

.

This is an excellent contest between bat and ball! Another excellent delivery. A yorker on middle, Smith gets his bat down right in time and jams it out.

25.2

.

Clever, clever bowling! Bowls a slower one and it is extremely full. Smith works it towards mid-wicket.

25.1

.

Dead ball signaled! Smith is not happy as he feels he was taking evasive action. A short one and on the body, Smith looks to leave but the ball hits him above the thigh pad and it rolls towards fine leg. The batters take one but the umpire signals dead ball.

24.6

.

One more delivery outside off, ML watchfully leaves it.

24.5

.

Angles this one into the off pole, Labuschagne works it with the angle to mid-wicket.

24.4

.

Another ball on a length but this one is outside off, left alone by Marnus.

24.3

.

Slips this one down the leg side, not played at.

24.2

.

Back of a length and on off, Labuschagne keeps it out.

24.1

4

EDGY FOUR! On a length and outside off, Labuschagne looks to defend but the ball goes off the outside edge, between gully and second slip for a boundary.

23.6

.

Nasty delivery this! It is another short one and on the body this time. Gets big on Smith as he tries to fend at it. The ball hits the glove and then rolls onto the off side.

23.5

.

On the shorter side again but well wide outside off, Smith lets it be.

23.4

.

Shorter and outside off, not played at.

23.3

1

On the shorter side, Labuschagne pulls it towards square leg and gets to the other end.

23.2

.

Fuller and on off, ML strokes it to mid off.

23.1

.

Well outside off, not played at.

22.6

.

Another one outside off, Smith does not fiddle with it.

22.5

.

Fuller and around off, Smith hits it back to the bowler.

22.4

.

The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.

22.3

.

A short one now! Smith spots it early and lets it go over him.

22.2

.

Changes the angle and goes around the wicket. Angles it into the batter, defended nicely.

22.1

.

Outside off, Smith leaves it alone.

21.6

1

Well bowled! Follows the two short balls with a full one. Smith works it towards mid-wicket and takes off. The fielder at mid-wicket has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. SS is off the mark. End of a successful over for the visitors.

21.5

.

Another short one on the body, this time Smith evades it very easily.

21.4

.

A good bumper, Smith evades it.

21.3

.

A length delivery around off, it is kept out nicely.

The prodigy is joined by his master. Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne are in the middle now. 15 minutes left for Lunch. New Zealand will be gunning for one more wicket. If Smith goes, this is going to be one kind of a boost. A slip, a short leg and a man in front of square on the leg side welcome Smudge.

21.2

W

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! There is the wicket New Zealand desperately needed. Warner was looking so comfortable out there but falls to an excellent one-handed reflex catch. The change of ends works brilliantly for Wagner. However, there was absolutely no foot movement by Warner. Maybe he was expecting Wagner to go short but Neil does the opposite. He goes full and gets it to move away from off. Warner pushes at it away from the body. It flies off the outside edge between first and second slip. Tim Southee at second slip dives with his right hand and then catches as it swings and wobbles in the air! End of a solid stand for the hosts. The visitors will now hope to get another before Lunch.

21.1

3

He bowls a very full ball outside off, Marnus opens the face and guides it through backward point for three.

Neil Wagner is back! Change of ends for him.

20.6

.

Another back of a length delivery around off, Warner keeps it out. He needs to be a little more fuller than what he is bowling now.

20.5

2

Slightly shorter and around off, Warner plays it late and guides it through backward point for two.

20.4

.

Good length and on off, Warner stays back and keeps it out nicely.

20.3

.

Back of a length and on off, Warner guides it to point.

20.2

.

Looks to bowl it on the body again but slips this one down the leg side. Left alone.

20.1

.

OUCH! That took off from nowhere! Slightly shorter and on the leg pole. It not only straightens a touch but there is also extra bounce. Warner looks to tuck it around but due to the extra bounces it misses the bat and hits the body. Warner seems to be in a little pain. He takes a breather and now is ready to go.

Trent Boult is back! 5-0-17-1 so far.

19.6

.

Back of a length and on off, ML keeps it out. A good over this for Australia. 9 from it.

19.5

3

Three! Another poor ball! It is short and wide outside off, Warner reaches out for it and slaps it towards cover. The fielder there dives to his right, gets a hand to it and takes the pace off the delivery. The fielder from point then chases it down and saves a run for his side.

19.4

.

Goes fuller and on middle, Warner works it to mid-wicket.

19.3

.

Defended off the back foot by the batsman.

19.2

2

Slightly short and outside off again, Warner cuts it past point and takes two.

19.1

4

FOUR! Easy pickings for Warner! Full and wide, asking to be hit. Warner pounces on the width offered and hits it through covers. The 50-partnership is up between the two with that boundary. A good stand this and a much-needed one. They have steadied the ship after Australia lost an early wicket. The two need to continue.

18.6

.

Outside off, angling away, let through.

18.5

1

Sprayed down the leg side this time, David looks to flick but misses and is hit on the pads. The ball rolls towards square leg and a leg bye is taken. Wait a minute. No signal. So must have been an inside edge. Warner moves to 30.

18.4

.

Landed outside off, close to the stumps, but Warner trusts the line and length and shoulders arms.

18.3

.

Full and outside off, outswing, massively, pushed towards point.

18.2

1

Full and around off, plenty of swing again, Labuschagne watchfully works it through mid-wicket for a single.

18.1

.

Full and around off, swinging in a long way, driven back to the bowler.

17.6

.

And again! Warner once again plays at a delivery he did not need to. This is on a length and outside off, Warner once again must have felt it is going to come back in. He hangs his bat out but luckily for him, he gets beaten.

17.5

.

OHHH! A loose shot by Warner there. Just not needed! This is wide outside off, normally Colin has been getting the ball to tail back in. Maybe Warner had that in mind and he looks to play at it but gets beaten as this one holds its line.

17.4

.

Another one on a length and just outside off, left alone.

17.3

1

A little too straight, Labuschagne works it towards fine leg. He calls for two but has to settle for one.

17.2

1

Better! Bowls this one on off, it tails back in. Warner looks to push at it but due to the movement, it goes off the inner half towards the leg side for one.

17.1

.

Outside off again, Warner watches it go to the keeper.

16.6

.

Another length ball outside off, the batter need not play at those.

16.5

.

Outside off, the batter does not play at this one.

16.4

.

On middle, ML works it to mid-wicket.

16.3

.

On the shorter side outside off, Labuschange lets it go to the keeper.

16.2

.

On middle, it is kept out.

16.1

.

On the fuller side on middle, ML works it to mid-wicket.

15.6

1

Good fielding! On the fuller side and on middle, Marnus strokes it towards mid on and takes off. The fielder at mid on runs to his left, dives, picks the ball up and has a shy at the non-striker's end but misses.

15.5

1

Fuller and on off, Warner strokes it towards mid off and takes one.

15.4

.

Shorter in length and outside off, Marnus does not play at it.

15.3

1

Labuschagne shuffles across and then works it towards mid-wicket for one.

15.2

.

Drags his length back this time, the line is on off. ML keeps it out solidly.

15.1

.

On the fuller side on off, Marnus strokes it to mid on.

14.6

1

On the pads, Marnus works it through mid-wicket and takes one.

14.5

.

Now goes back to bowling outside off, ML shoulders arms to this one.

14.4

.

So two outside off before this and this one is down the leg side. Marnus misses the flick shot.

14.3

.

One more ball outside off, Labuschagne leaves it alone.

14.2

.

Outside off, not played at.

14.1

2

Good fielding again! On the pads, this is worked fine on the leg side. Colin de Grandhomme at fine leg runs to his right, dives and he seems to have pushed it back in. The umpires go upstairs to check but replays show that he has done well.

Here comes the real competitor. Neil Wagner.

13.6

2

A better throw and Warner could have been in trouble! Southee goes short this time. Warner guides it through point. They take one and then go for a second which seems risky. Santner though picks the ball up and then throws it off balance towards the keeper. It is a wayward one and the second run becomes easy.

13.5

4

FOUR! Creamed! No need to run for those! A half volley on off and Warner puts it away. He transfers his body weight forward and then strokes it through covers.

13.4

.

A sucker ball now, full and wide outside off. Warner is not tempted and he lets it be.

13.3

.

Another excellent delivery! On a length and this one angles into the off pole. Warner plays the original trajectory. The ball pitches and straightens. It goes past the outside edge.

13.2

.

One again using the bumper as the surprise element! Warner though sways out of the way.

13.1

.

On off, Warner keeps it out.

DRINKS! A very good hour of Test cricket there! We saw some good bowling and equally good batting. Australia though will probably be the happier side at the moment as they have only lost the one wicket in testing conditions. Labuschagne and Warner are now looking good and are amidst a good stand. New Zealand on the other hand, are bowling well, getting the ball to move around but are not getting the breakthrough. That is what they will be looking for after the short break. Will they get it? We will have to wait to find out.

12.6

.

Fuller in length and on off, Marnus strokes it to mid off again.

12.5

.

A good shot but for no runs! Fuller and on off, Marnus strokes it brilliantly but to mid off.

12.4

.

That is a lovely delivery and it is nicely played too! This lands on off, Marnus looks to play at it. It shapes away and seeing the movement, Labuschagne takes his bat away at the very end.

12.3

.

Outside off this time, Labuschagne points his bat skywards and lets it go.

12.2

.

Down the leg side, Marnus looks to flick but misses.

12.1

.

Fuller and on off, Labuschagne keeps it out.

11.6

.

Wider outside off and brings it back in. Warner covers his off pole and leaves it alone.

11.5

.

On middle, Warner keeps it out nicely. Warner is looking nice and solid out there.

11.4

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

11.3

2

Two misfields there! This is fuller and around off, Warner looks to stroke it with a straight bat but due to the inswing it goes off the inner half towards mid-wicket who lets it through. It goes towards mid on who dives over the ball. The fielder from square leg is the one who does the mopping up job and the batters get two.

11.2

.

Bowls this one outside off again, no inswing this time and Warner lets it be.

What happened there? On the final ball of de Grandhomme's previous over, when he tried to stop the ball to his left, Colin slipped. Now, when he slipped, a massive chunk of grass came off the deck. Jeez. That is not good at all.

11.1

.

Starts outside off and then comes back in. Warner pushes it to mid off.

10.6

.

Shows the full face of the bat this time and strokes it right off the middle but towards mid off who moves to his right and stops it.

10.5

.

On the fuller side again, Labuschagne looks to drive but it goes off the inner half to mid-wicket.

10.4

.

Extremely full and on off, Marnus plays it out to mid on.

10.3

1

Another one which tails back in sharply but the line is a little too straight, Warner works it wide of mid-wicket and takes one.

10.2

.

From around the wicket now, angles it on the pads, Warner works it to mid-wicket.

10.1

.

Good stop off his own bowling! A full toss on middle, Warner hits it firmly back towards the bowler who gets low and makes a half stop.

Colin de Grandhomme is on now! First change today.

9.6

.

Outside off again and it is left alone again.

9.5

.

On off, Marnus keeps it out nicely.

9.4

.

Shorter in length this time, Labuschagne stays back and keeps it out.

9.3

3

Excellent cricket all around! Good ball, good shot and then brilliant fielder! Southee bowls it full and gets it tail back in very late from off. Warner does well to get his front pad out of the way and stroke it past the diving mid on fielder. Williamson from mid off runs after the ball and at the very end pushes it back in. Saves a run again for his side.

9.2

.

Aggression from Southee! This is fuller and on off, Warner pushes it back to the bowler who mimes to shy at the stumps.

9.1

.

From around the wicket, Southee angles it in from outside off but not enough to make the batter play.

8.6

.

Nicely played! Covers the inward movement and then works it to the fielder at mid-wicket.

8.5

.

Good leave in the end! This starts outside off and then comes back in. Marnus lets it go and it goes close past the front pad of Marnus.

8.4

.

Outside off, not played at.

8.3

.

Good length again and on off, ML stays back and keeps it out.

8.2

1

Very full and tailing away from off, Warner pushes it wide of the fielder at mid off for one.

8.1

.

On the off stump, Warner keeps it out nicely.

7.6

.

Full and outside off, Marnus gets across and defends.

7.5

.

One more of those PLs.

7.4

.

Landed outside off, Labuschagne plays a pull-leave.

7.3

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

7.2

1

Outside off, Warner pushes it away from his body through point for a single.

7.1

.

Full and wide outside off, angling away, left alone.

6.6

4

FOUR! Too wide and too full and Labuschagne puts it away! He opens the face and guides it through backward point and the ball races away to the fence.

6.5

.

A muted appeal but nothing! A little high. Labuschagne probably left that on length. It is slightly behind a length around off, it comes back in. Marnus leaves it, it hits the thigh pad and goes towards the slip cordon.

Williamson this time takes the ball up to the umpire and asks him to have a look. Once again the umpire feels there is nothing wrong.

6.4

2lb

On the pads, ML looks to flick but misses. It hits the pads and rolls towards fine leg. The first run is taken quickly and they go for the second. Complete it. Leg byes signaled.

6.3

.

Back of a length and on off, Labuschagne keeps it out off the back foot.

6.2

3

Good fielding! Fuller and on off, Warner pushes it past the bowler. Williamson gives it a chase, slides and pushes it back in before it crosses the ropes. Saves a run for his side.

New Zealand are not happy with the ball! They have asked the umpire to have a look, the umpire does so but asks them to continue as he feels there is nothing wrong.

6.1

.

Back of a length and on off, Warner guides it to point.

5.6

.

Wider outside off again, Marnus need not play at those.

5.5

.

Southee goes wide of the crease but bowls it just outside off. Left alone.

5.4

.

Another one on a length and around off, Marnus strides forward and keeps it out.

5.3

.

Another full ball and on off, it is pushed to mid off.

5.2

.

Fuller and on off, ML pushes it to covers.

5.1

.

Unplayable! There is nothing you can do about that delivery. WOW! This is angled into the middle pole, Labuschagne looks to defend but the ball shapes away and whizzes past the outside edge. That moved a long way.

4.6

4

FOUR! First boundary for Warner! Slightly fuller and around off, Warner leans into it and pushes it through covers. Williamson from wide mid off hares after it but the ball beats him to the fence.

4.5

.

Close! Boult angles this one into off, Warner looks to defend but does so outside the line. It hits the inside edge and then onto the pads.

4.4

.

Well left! This is just outside off, in the 5th stump channel. Warner covers his off pole and shoulders arms to this one.

4.3

.

Slips this one down the leg side, Warner misses the flick shot.

4.2

.

A short one on the body, Warner hops and nudges it on the leg side.

4.1

.

On off, Warner is solid in defense.

3.6

.

Another one outside off, not played at. A maiden.

3.5

.

Outside off, the batter does not need to play at that.

3.4

.

Short again! Labuschagne is playing it with soft hands. It is on a length and around off, it moves away. ML looks to defend but it goes off the outside edge but well short of the third slip fielder.

3.3

.

A sharp bumper, took Marnus by surprise. He evades it at the very end.

3.2

.

On the stumps, ML is solid in defense.

3.1

.

Outside off, Marnus does not play at it.

2.6

.

Down the leg side, Warner looks to flick but misses.

2.5

.

Good stop! Saves four! Full and on middle, Warner pushes it back towards the bowler. Boult in his followthrough, dives forward and stops it. Not cleanly but does not concede any run.

2.4

.

Wider outside off, not played at.

2.3

2

Nicely played! Waits for the ball to come to him and then opens the face, plays it with the swing and guides it through point for two.

2.2

.

OHHH! Slightly wider outside off, moves away further. Warner is sucked into playing at it, he gets beaten.

2.1

2

Leading edge and two! This is angled into the pads, Warner looks to work it on the leg side but the ball shapes away. It goes off the leading edge and through backward point for two. Not sure if playing across the line is a good idea against Boult at the moment as he is getting it to move away nicely.

1.6

4

FOUR! Off the mark in style! A confident shot by a batsman who is high in confidence. Full and around off, Marnus Labuschagne creams it with a very straight bat through mid off and it races away to the fence. First boundary of the game too.

1.5

.

Perfect! This starts on off and then shapes away. Labuschagne looks to defend but due to the movement, it goes off the outside edge but well short of fourth slip.

1.4

.

That is why another slip came in! Southee gets the ball to move away but the line is outside off. Easy leave. Needs to get it closer to the off pole.

An extra slip coming in now! 4 slips in place.

1.3

1

A little too straight, Warner clips it down towards fine leg and gets to the other end.

1.2

.

Length again and around off, it comes back in again. Warner watches it closely and defends it onto the ground.

1.1

.

A good delivery to begin with but equally well played! This is slightly fuller and on off, it comes back in. Warner lunges and pushes it to mid off.

Tim Southee to bowl from the other end. He too can get the ball to talk. Can he also take a wicket in his first over?

0.6

.

Whizzes past the outside edge again! Boult for the second time in a row angles it away and bowls a fuller length. ML plays away from his body again and is beaten. End of a brilliant first over by Boult.

0.5

.

BEATEN! Clever bowling! This time he goes full but angles it away from the batter. Labuschagne must have thought it would come back in again. Does not. Marnus goes for a drive away from his body but is beaten.

Marnus Labuschagne is the new man in.

0.4

W

OUT! KABOOM! What does a captain ask for after electing to bowl first? An early wicket and Boult has delivered in the first over itself. That is an absolute gem. Burns will be wondering why him? Why did he get such a peach first up? This is full again, it starts on off and tails back in. Burns looks to drive it down the ground but fails to adjust to the movement. The ball sneaks between the gap of bat and pad and hits the stumps behind. The Kiwis are pumped up and Burns bags a first-baller. Also, seeing that delivery, the new ball is really going to test the Australian top order.

0.3

1

Australia and Warner are underway! However, that is a good effort in the field by Williamson. The skipper setting an example straightaway. Boult goes fuller again and on off, Warner watchfully strokes it towards wide mid off. Williamson dives to his right and saves at least two. A single taken.

0.2

.

An excellent second delivery! Very full and on middle, swings away a touch. Warner keeps it out right under his eyes.

0.1

.

Starts off with a loosener! Slightly short and outside off, no swing visible on the first delivery. An easy leave for Warner.

We are all set for the action to begin! Joe Burns and David Warner make their way out to the middle. Trent Boult will start the proceedings for the visitors. He will be bowling to the left-hander. Three slips and a gully in place, here we go...

AUSTRALIA (PLAYING XI) - David Warner, Joe Burns, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Matthew Wade, Travis Head, Tim Paine (WK/C), James Pattinson (IN FOR JOSH HAZLEWOOD), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon.

NEW ZEALAND (PLAYING XI) - Tom Latham, Tom Blundell (IN FOR JEET RAVAL), Kane Williamson (C), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Colin de Grandhomme, BJ Watling (WK), Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult (IN FOR LOCKIE FERGUSON).

TOSS - Up goes the coin and it lands in the favor of the visitors! NEW ZEALAND WILL BE BOWLING FIRST! Maybe the grass on the pitch and the overhead conditions influenced this decision. But if it does not seam around, this decision can backfire. A very interesting first hour of play awaits.

Boxing Day, Australia vs New Zealand at the MCG, it just does not get better! The hosts have a 1-0 lead after tearing their opponents apart in the first Test. They would be eager to do so again and seal the series here itself. Talking about their opponents, you would expect a much better performance than the last Test. They will have to perform a lot better as a loss will see them lose the series. The visitors will probably play with a lot more hunger and determination which means we can expect some exciting action. Welcome to the coverage. Stay tuned for the toss and teams in a bit.

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2nd Test, Melbourne, December 26, 2019, 05:00 AM

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