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So that is it from this game and this series. The Kiwis will actually be relieved this is over. They have not only gone through a bad time on the field but also off the field. They though now have time to regroup and prepare for another stern test which awaits as they will be playing India in just less than a months time. The Aussies on the other, hand have dominated the home season in some manner. They can be very pleased with how things have gone for them. However, it is now time for them to take their mind off the longer format as they will be heading to India for an ODI series which will begin in a few weeks. For now though, you can follow the South Africa and England Test or the Big Bash which will begin shortly. Till then, take care and goodbye!

The Trans-Tasman trophy has been handed to Paine and now his teammates have been asked to join him to celebrate. The Australian players are pushing Labuschagne ahead and they went him to lead the side over the podium but he probably is too shy to do so and it is Cummins who goes up the stairs first and then the rest follow. They are now seen posing with the trophy. All happy faces and rightly so.

Victorious Australian skipper, Tim Paine, is jumping and running to give the interview. On the double series whitewash, Paine feels that he is very lucky to be the captain of such a team. Observes that the batting has become very consistent while the pace attack just keeps getting better and better, marvelling at the fact that in spite of Josh Hazlewood injured, there was someone stepping up. Praises Nathan Lyon for his support as well. On Australia's improvement over the last 12 months, Paine believes that they were getting 20 wickets before as well but were not scoring runs - something which has happened in this series and is happy to see the competition. Stresses that in the last 12 months, they were relying too much on too few individuals but this series has probably thrown up a few options. However, he is cautious to say that the away series coming up will be a true test of his team's character. On the contributions by the players to the bushfire victims, Paine says that the group realizes as a whole that the firefighters are doing a tremendous job in trying to save the victims, who are very unfortunate to be a part of those fires. Adds that his team is lucky to be just playing cricket and not be out there, needing to brave the dangers.

New Zealand series skipper (he was not playing this match), Kane Williamson, says that he is feeling much better in terms of health. Praises Australia for their clinical display, right from the first Test of the series which pushed New Zealand on the back foot, from where they were never able to recover. Hopes to take the learnings from this series into the future. On being asked to point the weak links, Kane says that it is not just one thing but plenty as Australia outplayed them in all departments. For starters, he says that his bowlers were not able to get wickets in clusters and then with the bat, they could not forge partnerships. Wants the individuals in his group to regroup and come back collectively as a stronger unit. Feels fantastic, he says, to see the depth in the Kiwi squad and as a captain, to have so many options. Admits that plenty of guys in his side were playing in Australia for the first time, so it was very tough, very disappointing and very frustrating. Feels that after months of terrific work before this series, they did have hopes of doing well here but sadly, it did not pan out that way.

MARNUS LABUSCHAGNE HAS BEEN NAMED THE PLAYER OF THE MATCH AND THE SERIES. Feels that it has been an amazing summer for him and his team - the bowlers and the batsmen, coming together as a group. On getting his maiden double Test ton in front of his family, he thanks them for their infinite support which has helped him get thus far and also thanks them for coming here to watch him play. On the reason for his success, Marnus feels that he has learnt to concentrate harder and not commit silly mistakes. On the upcoming tour to India, ML believes that it is going to be a great opportunity, IF he gets the opportunity to play there.

David Warner is now up for a chat with Kath Loughnan. Credits the team for starting the summer the way they did and then build it against Pakistan and finally end it here. Praises Nathan Lyon for the way he answered his critics. On his own ton in this Test, David says that he always maintained that he was never out of form and was hitting the ball well in the nets. Feels that the hard work just paid off and is happy to have contributed to the Jane McGrath cause. On Pattinson's catch, Warner laughs and says that he was actually comparing it to the one taken by Glenn McGrath in 2004/05. On Joe Burns' contribution, Warner admits that Joe Burns has not quite done well as per his expectations but expects him to bounce back hard, since there is the Big Bash to follow and later on, the Sheffield Shield before the tour to Bangladesh.

Kath Loughnan is interviewing Nathan Lyon. On Australia becoming the number 2 Test side, Nathan Lyon feels very happy to see the team getting back to the top slowly. On his own bowling, 'Gary' says that it is a special feeling to perform well in front of his own crowd. Feels even more special to have contributed to the Jane McGrath cause. Lyon says that there is a good gelling within the group and they want to be the number 1 side in the world but admits that there is a lot of work to be done prior to that.

The Kiwis had another opportunity to show their mettle, nobody expected them to chase this down but at least they were expected to make the Aussies work hard for the wickets but that was once again not the case. They were bundled out for a mere 136 within 47.5 overs with Lyon once again bagging a fifer.

The hosts though decided not to enforce the follow-on and they played an attacking brand of cricket. Batted for around two and a half sessions before declaring. Warner's ton was the highlight and because of him and Labuschagne's half ton, the Aussies gave the visitors a huge target.

In reply, the Kiwis started off well, they had a wicket-less session on Day 2 and it gave the feeling that their battling line-up has finally arrived and they might just give Australia a run for their money but that was not the case. The Aussies bowlers were all over them on Day 3 and blew them away even before they could avoid the follow-on. Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins were the tormentor-in-chief with the offie taking a fifer.

The story has been the same right from the Day 1 of this series and it continues to be the same in this Test too. Australia dominated this game right from the word go. They won the toss, elected to bat, posted a huge total on a wicket which was not that easy to score. Marnus Labuschagne was the star for them with the bat with a double ton.

To be honest this series has been a real disappointment, everybody expected it to be a cracker but New Zealand have surrendered in all the three Tests. Even in this one, let alone the margin of defeat but the manner in which they were beaten was actually embarrassing. A little less than two sessions is what they had to play out to take it into Day 5 but they failed to do that too. Except for Watling and Colin de Grandhomme no batter showed any fight. The rest just had no answers to this excellent Australian bowling attack.

The teams are seen shaking hands which means that Matt Henry won't be coming out to bat. Australia have won the Test match, they have completed the whitewash and it is another emphatic victory for them. They have blown away the visitors for the third time in a row!

47.5

W

OUT! CAUGHT! BJ Watling falls and that might be the end of the game as well. Yes, the players are shaking hands. That means Matt Henry is not going to come out to bat. Full and down the leg side, Watling sweeps it but hits it straight to Pat Cummins at short backward square leg. The catch is taken and that is it. AUSTRALIA WIN BY 279 RUNS AND SWEEP THE SERIES 3-0!

47.4

.

Floated delivery on middle, Watling nudges it towards the leg side.

47.3

.

Bowls it outside off, Watling shoulders arms to this one.

47.2

.

Full delivery on off, Watling drives it to mid off.

47.1

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Watling flicks it towards the leg side.

Neil Wagner comes out. Is he the last man?

46.6

W

OUT! BOWLED! Lock, stock and barrell. That is a Mitchell Starc special. Tail-enders and fast bowlers. Special relation. Keep targetting the body and then the stumps. Give them a whiff that you are going to hurt them by banging it in. Keep pegging them on the back foot and then fire in a yorker. Right at the base of the stumps. The woodwork is shattered. 15 minutes left for the close today. Guess the game will be extended by 30 minutes if New Zealand don't get bowled out before the allotted time of Stumps.

46.5

1

On a length on middle, Watling flicks it towards square leg for a single.

46.4

3

Full and outside off, Somerville drives it through point. Labuschagne chases it, slides and does well to stop it before the ropes. The batsmen get three runs.

46.3

4

FOUR! Good shot. Short and outside off, Somerville cuts it over point for a boundary.

46.2

.

On a good length on off, Somerville taps it to point.

46.1

.

Full delivery outside off, Somerville looks to drive but misses it.

45.6

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Watling blocks it well.

45.5

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Watling flicks it to mid-wicket.

William Somerville is the new man in.

45.4

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Why would you play this shot when there are 20 minutes left for Stumps? Very very uncharacteristic from Todd Astle. Is he the same Astle who faced 95 balls for his 25 in the first innings? Brain fade. Flighted delivery outside off, Astle looks to play the slog sweep, aiming to drag it but gets a top edge. Now, initially, it looks like the ball will land in between. Short mid-wicket runs back while James Pattinson at mid on rushes to his right. He gives it a good chase, clearly indicating that he wants to go for the catch. Keeps his eyes on the ball and then dives full stretch to his right to take a stunner. Superbly done. 23 minutes left on Day 4, Australia need 3 wickets. Or 2, if Matt Henry does not bat.

45.3

.

Loopy delivery on off, Astle looks to defend but gets hit on the thigh pad.

45.2

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Astle blocks it off the back foot.

45.1

1

Flighted delivery on off, Watling drives it towards point for a run.

44.6

.

On a length on off, Astle plays it to covers.

44.5

2

Full on off, Astle plays it through point. The batsmen get two runs.

44.4

.

Good length delivery on off, Astle blocks it off the back foot.

44.3

2

Full delivery outside off, Astle plays it towards backward point. The batsmen get two runs.

44.2

1

On a length on middle, Watling flicks it towards square leg for a single.

44.1

.

Starc bowls it down the leg side, Watling looks to flick but misses it.

43.6

.

Fires it full and on off, Astle pushes it to mid off.

43.5

2

Now brings out the slog sweep, once again the timing is not that great, it goes towards deep mid-wicket for two.

43.4

.

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

43.3

2

Just over! Not sure what mind-set the Kiwis have come out to bat with. Astle has played at least 4 attacking shots in the balls he has faced till now. Comes down the track this time but does not quite get to the pitch of it. Still goes ahead with the loft. Just about clears the mid on fielder and bags two.

43.2

.

Slower through the air and outside off, Astle watches it carefully and makes a leave.

43.1

.

Floats it up on off, blocked.

42.6

2

Floated delivery on leg, Astle flicks it towards fine leg. The batsmen get two runs.

42.5

1

Tossed up delivery on leg, Astle sweeps it towards square leg for a single.

42.4

4

FOUR! Poor delivery from Labuschagne. Full toss on leg, Astle sweeps it through square leg for a boundary.

42.3

.

That is a beauty! Labuschagne just bowled one Shane Warne use to. It lands outside the leg pole in the rough and then turns square. Astle goes back to defend but the outside edge is beaten.

42.2

4

FOUR! No one in the deep and a boundary! A brave shot though. This lands in the rough outside the leg pole. Astle plays the sweep shot against the turn, hits it well and bags a boundary in the mid-wicket region.

42.1

.

From around the wicket, Labuschagne bowls it full and on leg stump, Astle works it to mid-wicket.

Todd Astle is the new man in.

41.6

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Oh dear... 40 minutes to go to Stumps and Colin de Grandhomme throws is away. He cannot control himself. Loopy delivery on middle, de Grandhomme comes down the track and looks to go over the leg side. However, he does not get to the pitch of the ball. It goes off the inner half of the bat and lobs towards deep mid-wicket. There are three men stationed for the catch - deep square leg, deep mid-wicket and long on. Joe Burns gets across to his left from deep mid-wicket while long on rushes to his right. In the end, Burns calls for it and takes it comfortably. This is what happens when you want to play your natural game. Becomes very difficult to understand when to curb your instincts. Still, a pretty decent innings to conclude a difficult tour of Australia. 4 wickets as per the scorecard needed for Australia, but 3, if Matt Henry does not bat. 40 minutes left. Do they have enough time?

41.5

6

SIX! 50 for Colin de Grandhomme! It has been a good innings from him. Flighted delivery on off, de Grandhomme comes down the track and lofts it over covers for a biggie.

41.4

.

Loopy delivery on middle, de Grandhomme nudges it towards the leg side.

41.3

.

Flighted delivery outside off, Colin shoulders arms to this one.

41.2

1

Tossed up delivery on off, Watling drives it through covers for a run.

41.1

.

Outside off, Watling offers no shot to this one.

40.6

.

Loopy delivery on middle, de Grandhomme blocks it off the front foot.

40.5

1

Full delivery on off, Watling drives it through covers. The batsmen cross ends. 100 up for New Zealand.

40.4

1

Full toss on off, de Grandhomme drives it towards covers for a run.

40.3

1

Short and outside off, Watling cuts it through point for a single.

40.2

.

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

40.1

.

Loopy ball and on off, Watling hits it nicely but to covers.

39.6

.

Flighted delivery on off, de Grandhomme defends it off the front foot.

39.5

3b

That was quick! It was darted at 101.2 KPH, however, it was down the leg side. Lyon was probably looks to bowl the quicker to hit the pads Watling who is playing on the back foot. He errs in line though. Paine too fails to collect it and the batters run three as it goes towards fine leg. Byes signaled.

39.4

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Watling flicks it to mid-wicket.

39.3

1

Full delivery on middle, de Grandhomme drives it through mid on for a single.

39.2

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, de Grandhomme nudges it towards the leg side.

39.1

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Watling flicks it through square leg for a single.

38.6

.

Outside off, Colin offers no shot to this one.

38.5

1

Floated delivery on off, Watling punches it through covers for a single.

38.4

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Watling blocks it off the back foot.

38.3

.

Outside off, BJ shoulders arms to this one.

38.2

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Watling drives it back towards the bowler.

38.1

1

Full delivery outside off, de Grandhomme drives it through covers for a single.

37.6

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Watling flicks it to mid-wicket.

37.5

.

Flighted delivery on middle, BJ flicks it towards the leg side.

37.4

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Watling nudges it towards the leg side.

37.3

.

Full delivery on middle, Watling drives it to mid on.

37.2

.

Tossed up delivery on off, BJ defends it off the front foot.

37.1

1

Floated delivery on middle, de Grandhomme flicks it towards square leg for a single.

36.6

.

Loopy delivery outside off, Watling does not bother to play at that.

36.5

.

Tossed up on off, BJ keeps it out.

36.4

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Watling blocks it off the back foot.

36.3

1

Full delivery on off, Colin drives it through covers for a single.

36.2

.

Short delivery on off, de Grandhomme cuts it to point.

36.1

.

BEATEN! Flighted delivery outside off, Colin looks to defend but misses it.

Marnus Labuschagne is back on. 1-0-3-0 so far.

35.6

1

Full delivery on middle, Colin drives it through mid on for a run.

35.5

.

Floated delivery on middle, de Grandhomme flicks it towards the leg side.

35.4

4

FOUR! Terrific shot. Loopy delivery on middle, de Grandhomme comes down the track and lofts it over mid on for a boundary.

35.3

.

Flighted delivery on middle, de Grandhomme flicks it to mid-wicket.

35.2

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Colin nudges it towards the leg side.

35.1

.

Floated delivery on middle, de Grandhomme looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Nathan Lyon is back on. 10-4-30-2 are his figures so far.

34.6

.

Good length delivery on middle, Watling defends it off the back foot.

34.5

.

Full delivery on off, Watling drives it to covers.

34.4

.

Bowls a bouncer outside leg, Watling ducks under it.

34.3

2

On a length on middle, Watling flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.

34.2

1

Length delivery on middle, de Grandhomme flicks it through square leg for a run.

34.1

.

On a good length on off, de Grandhomme defends it off the back foot.

33.6

1

Short delivery on middle, de Grandhomme pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.

33.5

1

Loopy delivery on middle, Watling nudges it towards square leg for a run.

33.4

.

Outside off, Watling shoulders arms to this one.

33.3

1

Floated delivery on off, de Grandhomme lofts it over covers for a run.

33.2

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Colin blocks it well.

33.1

.

Flighted delivery on off, de Grandhomme blocks it off the front foot.

Marnus Labuschagne is into the attack.

32.6

.

On a good length on off, Watling blocks it off the back foot.

32.5

1

Short delivery on middle, de Grandhomme pulls it through square leg for a run.

32.4

.

On a good length on off, de Grandhomme blocks it well.

32.3

2

Length delivery on middle, Colin lofts it over mid-wicket. The batsmen pick up a couple.

32.2

4

FOUR! Cracking shot. Full and outside off, de Grandhomme drives it through covers for a boundary.

32.1

2

Full delivery outside off, de Grandhomme drives it uppishly towards covers where Wade goes for the catch but it goes over him. The fielder chases it and does well to stop it. The batsmen get two runs.

31.6

.

On a length and outside off, BJ plays it to point.

31.5

.

Short delivery down the leg side, Watling looks to go after it but misses it.

31.4

.

Good length delivery on middle, Watling blocks it off the back foot.

31.3

2

Full delivery on middle, Watling flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.

31.2

.

On a good length on off, Watling taps it to point.

31.1

1

On a length on middle, de Grandhomme flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

30.6

.

Good length delivery on off, Watling blocks it well.

30.5

1

Length delivery on middle, de Grandhomme flicks it through square leg. The batsmen cross ends.

30.4

1

On a length on off, Watling plays it towards covers for a run.

30.3

.

Length delivery on off, BJ punches it to point.

30.2

.

Just misses the stumps! Almost a replica of his first innings dismissal. Only that one was a touch wider outside off. This is on a good length on off, Watling looks to tap but there is extra bounce on that one. The ball takes the inside edge but misses the off stump and goes towards the leg side.

30.1

.

Bowls a bouncer outside leg, Watling ducks under it.

Pat Cummins is back on. 8-3-15-1 are his figures so far.

29.6

.

On a length on middle, de Grandhomme tucks it towards mid-wicket.

29.5

.

Bowls it down the leg side, Colin looks to flick but misses it.

29.4

.

Full delivery on off, de Grandhomme drives it to covers.

29.3

.

Good length delivery on off, de Grandhomme defends it off the back foot.

29.2

.

On a good length on middle, Colin blocks it off the back foot.

29.1

.

Full delivery on middle, de Grandhomme drives it to mid on.

James Pattinson is back on. 4-2-5-0 are his figures so far.

28.6

.

Full delivery on middle, Watling drives it towards mid on.

28.5

.

Good length delivery outside off, BJ shoulders arms to this one.

28.4

.

Outside off, Watling offers no shot to this one.

28.3

.

Full delivery on off, Watling plays it to covers.

28.2

.

On a good length on middle, BJ defends it out.

28.1

.

Good length delivery on off, Watling blocks it off the back foot.

27.6

.

Full delivery on off, de Grandhomme drives it towards mid on.

27.5

4

FOUR! Another boundary for Colin. Loopy delivery outside off, de Grandhomme lofts it over covers for a boundary.

27.4

4

FOUR! Nice shot. Full delivery on off, de Grandhomme drives it through mid off for a boundary.

27.3

.

Floated delivery on middle, de Grandhomme looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head.

27.2

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, de Grandhomme defends it off the front foot.

27.1

1

Flighted delivery on off, Watling plays it towards covers for a single.

26.6

.

Full delivery on middle, Colin drives it towards mid on.

26.5

4

FOUR! Bowls a yorker on off, de Grandhomme digs it out and plays it towards third man for a boundary.

26.4

.

BEATEN AGAIN! Beauty of a delivery! On a good length and just outside off, de Grandhomme looks to drive but misses it. It missed the off stump by a whisker.

26.3

.

BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, de Grandhomme looks to cut but misses it.

26.2

.

Full delivery down the leg side, Colin looks to flick but misses it.

26.1

.

On a good length on off, de Grandhomme looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards second slip on one bounce.

25.6

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Watling blocks it off the back foot.

25.5

.

Floated delivery on middle, Watling keeps it out.

25.4

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Watling defends it off the front foot.

25.3

1

Short again on middle, Colin pulls it through square leg for a single.

25.2

2

Short delivery on middle, de Grandhomme comes forward and pulls it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.

25.1

2

Flighted delivery on middle, de Grandhomme comes down the track and looks to flick but gets it off the inner half of the bat. It goes through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.

24.6

.

Just short but an awesome stop by Smith! It is on a length and around middle, it straightens. Watling is squared up as he tries to defend. It goes off the outside edge and lands short of Smith who dives to his right and makes a one-handed stop.

24.5

.

On a length and this time closer to the off pole, Watling plays it late and onto the ground.

24.4

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

24.3

1lb

On the pads, CdG looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. It rolls on the leg side. A leg bye taken.

24.2

.

OHHHH! That has just about kissed the off pole. That is a lucky leave to be honest. You might have heard only about two, one good and the other bad but this is a new one, a lucky leave. It lands outside off and comes in with the around the wicket angle. Colin does not cover his off stump and makes a leave. Luckily for him it goes just past it.

24.1

.

Good length delivery on off, de Grandhomme blocks it off the back foot.

Mitchell Starc is back on. 4-1-8-2 are his figures so far.

23.6

.

On middle, BJ keeps it out.

23.5

.

Flighted delivery on off, Watling blocks it off the back foot.

23.4

.

Floated delivery on middle, BJ nudges it towards the leg side.

23.3

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Watling defends it off the front foot.

23.2

.

Flighted delivery on off, Watling defends it out.

23.1

.

Tossed up on middle, Watling blocks it off the back foot.

22.6

1

On a length on middle, Watling flicks it through square leg for a run.

22.5

.

On a good length on middle, Watling blocks it off the back foot.

22.4

.

Full again on off, Watling drives it towards covers where Pattinson makes a fine stop.

22.3

.

Full delivery on off, Watling drives it to covers.

22.2

.

Bowls a bouncer outside leg, Watling ducks under it.

22.1

3

Full delivery on middle, de Grandhomme drives it through mid on. Starc chases it and does well to stop it before the ropes. The batsmen get three runs.

21.6

.

Flighted delivery on off, BJ keeps it out.

21.5

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Watling blocks it off the back foot.

21.4

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Watling defends it off the front foot.

21.3

.

Floated delivery on off, BJ punches it towards the off side.

21.2

1

Flighted delivery on middle, de Grandhomme flicks it towards mid on for a single.

21.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, de Grandhomme defends it off the front foot.

20.6

.

BEATEN! Top bowling from Cummins. Good length delivery outside off, Watling looks to defend but misses it.

20.5

1

Full delivery on middle, de Grandhomme flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

20.4

.

Length delivery on middle, Colin flicks it to mid-wicket.

20.3

.

BEATEN! Excellent bowling from Cummins. On a good length and outside off, de Grandhomme looks to defend but misses it.

20.2

.

Full delivery on off, de Grandhomme drives it towards point.

20.1

.

Good length delivery on off, Colin blocks it off the back foot.

19.6

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Watling defends it off the back foot.

19.5

.

Flighted delivery on off, Watling defends it towards the off side.

19.4

.

Loopy delivery on off, Watling plays it towards the off side.

19.3

.

Floated delivery on off, BJ defends it off the front foot.

19.2

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Watling nudges it towards the leg side.

19.1

.

Flighted delivery on off, Watling defends it off the back foot.

18.6

.

BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Colin looks to defend but misses it.

18.5

.

Full delivery on middle, de Grandhomme plays it to mid on.

18.4

.

On a good length on middle, de Grandhomme defends it off the back foot.

Colin de Grandhomme is the next batsman in.

18.3

W

OUT! TIMBER! That is as good as a delivery you can bowl. Absolute gem! Taylor was shell-shocked. He walks back looking at the big screen and probably wondering what wrong he did but he could have done nothing there. Cummins just continuously shows why he is the best going around with such deliveries. He goes wide of the crease and angles it into the middle pole. It is slightly fuller in length. Taylor looks to push at it, he plays the original trajectory but the ball pitches and moves outward. Beats the outside edge and hits the stump behind. Taylor departs almost immediately after he breaks the record of the leading run-scorer for New Zealand in Tests. Half the side back in the hut for the Kiwis.

18.2

.

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

18.1

.

On middle, it is worked to mid-wicket.

17.6

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Watling blocks it well.

17.5

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Watling keeps it out.

17.4

3

Excellent stop by Joe Burns. Flighted delivery on middle, Taylor comes down the track and lofts it over mid on. Burns chases it and does well to stop it just before the ropes. The batsmen get three runs. Ross Taylor is now the leading run-scorer in Tests for New Zealand.

17.3

.

Floated delivery on middle, Taylor blocks it off the front foot.

17.2

2

Full delivery on off, Taylor drives it through covers. The batsmen get two runs.

17.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Taylor defends it off the front foot.

16.6

.

Good length delivery on middle, BJ keeps it out.

16.5

.

On a good length on off, Watling defends it off the back foot.

16.4

.

Length delivery on middle, Watling flicks it towards short leg.

16.3

.

On a length on middle, Watling nudges it towards mid-wicket.

16.2

.

Good length delivery on middle, Watling defends it out.

16.1

.

On a good length on off, Watling blocks it off the back foot.

Pat Cummins to bowl from the other end.

15.6

4

FOUR! Nice shot. Full delivery on off, Taylor lofts it over mid off for a boundary.

15.5

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Watling flicks it towards square leg for a run.

15.4

.

Loopy delivery on off, Watling keeps it out.

15.3

.

Floated delivery on middle, Watling blocks it off the back foot.

15.2

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Watling plays it towards the off side.

15.1

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Taylor flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

We are back for the final session of Day 4 and could probably be the final session of the match too. The Australian players are out in the middle. Ross Taylor and BJ Watling will resume their innings for the visitors. Nathan Lyon will start the proceedings for the final session of Day 4.

... Day 4, Session 3 ...

What a session for Australia! First they scored some quick runs and declared and then have blown away the top order of the Kiwis! They are all over the visitors at the moment and are surely sensing a victory today itself. Starc and Lyon have been tormentors-in-chief. Starc took two at the start and Lyon took the other two. New Zealand though have their best batter, Ross Taylor out there and he is partnered by Watling. Both need to fight it out and at least take this game in Day 5. Can they do so? We will find out in a bit.

14.6

.

On a length on middle, Watling tucks it to mid-wicket. THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 4!

14.5

.

Good length delivery on middle, BJ defends it out.

14.4

.

On a good length on off, Watling blocks it off the back foot.

14.3

.

Good length delivery on middle, BJ defends it towards mid-wicket.

14.2

.

Full delivery on off, Watling drives it to covers.

14.1

.

On a good length on off, Watling defends it off the front foot.

13.6

.

Loopy delivery on off, Taylor blocks it well.

13.5

2

Tossed up delivery on off, Taylor drives it through covers. The batsmen pick up a couple.

13.4

2

Flighted delivery on middle, Taylor sweeps it through square leg. The batsmen get two runs.

13.3

.

NOT OUT! It is a bump ball! The ball bounces just ahead of the shoe. This is tossed up outside off, Taylor looks to sweep but gets an inside edge, it hits the boot and lobs up. Paine takes it moving forward. An appeal, a confident one from the Aussies. The umpires get together and then take it upstairs. The SOFT SIGNAL IS NOT OUT. It stays that way as it has bounced in front of the boot.

Now then! This seems to be another wicket for the Aussies. They have appealed for a catch. The umpires have a chat and then take it upstairs. They are going upstairs to check if it is a bump ball or has he hit it directly on his boot. The SOFT SIGNAL IS NOT OUT!

13.2

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Taylor defends it off the back foot.

13.1

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Taylor defends it off the back foot.

12.6

.

On a good length on off, Watling defends it off the back foot.

12.5

.

Full delivery on middle, Watling flicks it to mid-wicket.

12.4

1

On a length on middle, Taylor flicks it towards square leg for a run.

12.3

.

Length delivery on off, Taylor plays it to point.

12.2

.

Good length delivery on off, Taylor looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

12.1

.

On a good length on off, Taylor defends it towards mid on.

11.6

.

Another one on middle, Watling works it to mid-wicket. End of another successful over for Lyon.

11.5

.

On middle, defended.

11.4

.

Almost another! Flatter and outside off, it skids through. Watling goes back and tries to defend but does so inside the line. It goes off the outside edge but lands short of the fielder at first slip.

BJ Watling walks out to bat next.

11.3

W

OUT! There is something on Hot Spot and Glenn Phillips now has to take the long walk back. Lyon adds two more to his fifer from the first innings. Phillips bags a duck in the second innings of his career. The first ball of this over plays a big part in the dismissal. That one turned back in sharply and hit the pads. This one lands in a similar area and goes on with the arm. GP goes back and defends inside the line. The ball seems to have gone off something to Paine who takes a very good catch. An appeal, the umpire waits and then raises the finger. Glenn, just like Taylor indicates that he has not edged it and reviews. Replays though show the on-field call is once again right. Also, New Zealand have lost both their reviews now.

Glenn Phillips reviews now! He has been given out caught behind and he signals the 'T'.

11.2

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Phillips defends it off the front foot.

11.1

.

Flighted delivery on off, Phillips looks to defend off the back foot but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

10.6

.

On a good length on off, Ross blocks it off the back foot.

10.5

.

On a length on off, Taylor plays it to point.

10.4

.

Good length delivery on off, Ross keeps it out.

10.3

.

Length delivery on middle, Taylor tucks it to mid-wicket.

10.2

.

On a good length on middle, Taylor keeps it out.

10.1

.

Good length delivery on off, Taylor blocks it well.

9.6

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Phillips defends it off the back foot.

Glenn Phillips is the new man in.

9.5

W

OUT! There is a slight spike on Snicko and Raval has to take the long walk back. It might be the faintest of edges and hence, Raval may not have felt it. Lyon strikes in his first over itself and he gets rid of Raval again. A lovely delivery this. He tosses it up outside off, gets it to drift back into the batter. It lands and then turns away. Raval lunges and tries to defend but due to the turn, the outside edge is taken. A huge shout and up goes the finger. Raval stands his ground, he then indicates to Taylor that he feels he did not hit it and then takes the review. Time for the replays and it shows the on-field call is the right one. Another low score for Raval and New Zealand slip further.

Do Australia have another? Aleem Dar has raised his finger for an appeal for caught behind. Raval though reviews as he feels he has not hit it.

9.4

.

Loopy delivery on off, Raval defends it off the back foot.

9.3

.

Floated delivery on middle, Raval blocks it off the back foot.

9.2

.

Flighted delivery on off, Raval defends it off the front foot.

9.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Raval defends it off the back foot.

Nathan Lyon is on! He took fifer in the first innings and he would once again be expected to play a pivotal role here.

8.6

.

Good length delivery on off, Taylor blocks it off the back foot.

8.5

.

On a length on middle, Taylor flicks it to mid-wicket.

8.4

4

FOUR! Good length delivery on off, Taylor looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes between first slip and gully towards third man for a boundary.

8.3

.

On a good length on middle, Taylor defends it to mid-wicket.

8.2

.

On a length and outside off, Taylor taps it to point.

8.1

.

Length delivery on off, Taylor punches it to covers.

James Pattinson is into the attack.

7.6

.

Bowls a bouncer, Raval does well to duck under it.

7.5

4

FOUR! That is put away! Short delivery on middle, Raval pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

7.4

2

Length delivery on middle, Raval flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.

7.3

.

On a good length on off, Raval defends it off the back foot.

7.2

2

Full delivery on middle, Raval drives it through mid on. The batsmen pick up a couple.

7.1

.

Outside off, Raval shoulders arms to this one.

6.6

1

Short delivery on middle, Raval pulls it through square leg for a single.

6.5

.

Bowls it down the leg side, Raval looks to go after it but misses it.

6.4

.

Bowls a yorker on middle, Raval does well to dig it out.

6.3

1

Length delivery on middle, Taylor flicks it towards fine leg for a run.

6.2

.

Short delivery outside off, Taylor looks to pull but misses it.

6.1

.

On a length on off, Taylor plays it to covers.

5.6

1

On a length on middle, Taylor flicks it towards fine leg for a run.

5.5

.

Short again on leg, Taylor looks to pull but misses it and gets it off the glove. It goes towards the keeper on one bounce.

5.4

.

Short delivery on leg, Taylor looks to pull but misses it and gets hit on the thigh pad.

5.3

.

Good length delivery on off, Ross blocks it off the back foot.

5.2

.

Full delivery on middle, Taylor drives it towards mid on.

5.1

.

On a length on middle, Taylor flicks it to square leg.

4.6

2

On a good length on off, Raval looks to push but gets an outside edge. It goes through point. The batsmen get two runs.

4.5

1

Length delivery on middle, Taylor flicks it through square leg for a run.

4.4

.

On a good length on off, Taylor defends it off the front foot.

Ross Taylor is the new batsman in.

4.3

W

OUT! Umpire's call as that is just about clipping the leg pole. We saw Williamson been given a similar decision in the last Test and this time it is Latham. Tom can really consider himself unlucky here. Most of the times, that wouldn't have been given. Australia won't care though. This is angled into the pads, Latham looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. An appeal and up goes the finger. Latham reviews after a chat with his partner. Replays roll in and it shows the outer part of the ball to be clipping the leg stump. Latham walks back but does not take a review along. Big wicket as he could really play a gritty innings. New Zealand in big trouble here.

Review time! Latham has been given out LBW and he has reviewed. It seems to be going down leg.

4.2

.

On a good length on leg, Latham looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad.

4.1

1

Length delivery on middle, Raval flicks it through square leg for a single.

3.6

.

Full delivery on middle, Latham defends it towards mid on.

3.5

.

Good length delivery on off, Tom defends it off the front foot.

3.4

.

Full delivery on off, Latham drives it to mid off.

3.3

.

On a length on off, Latham taps it to point.

3.2

.

Full delivery on middle, Latham drives it towards mid on.

3.1

.

Good length delivery on off, Latham blocks it off the back foot.

2.6

.

On a good length on off, Raval blocks it off the back foot.

Jeet Raval is the next batsman in.

2.5

W

OUT! TAKEN! Number one goes down! Starc provides the breakthrough but you have to credit Nathan Lyon in this wicket. That is an amazing catch by the offie. It is fuller and outside off, Blundell creams the square drive towards point. Lyon there dives to his right and takes it with two hands outstretched. The ball was almost past him, that is an outstanding effort. Blundell walks back for a low score and an early wicket for Australia.

2.4

.

Outside off, Blundell lets it go.

2.3

.

Good length delivery outside off, Blundell leaves it alone.

2.2

.

Outside off, Blundell does not bother to play at that.

2.1

.

On a length on off, Blundell taps it towards point.

1.6

.

Outside off, Latham shoulders arms to this one.

1.5

.

Bowls a bouncer, Latham does well to duck under it.

1.4

1

Full delivery on middle, Blundell flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

1.3

.

Another length delivery on middle, blocked.

1.2

.

Back of a length and on middle, it is kept out.

1.1

.

Shorter and on middle, Blundell works it to mid-wicket.

Pat Cummins to bowl from the other end.

0.6

1

Direct hit and Blundell could have been a goner! Full delivery on off, Blundell drives it towards covers. The fielder goes for a direct hit at the bowler's end but misses it. The batsmen take a single.

0.5

1

Short and outside off, Latham slaps it towards covers for a run.

0.4

.

Good length delivery on middle, Latham keeps it out.

0.3

.

On a good length on off, Latham defends it off the back foot.

0.2

.

Outside off, Latham offers no shot to this one.

0.1

.

Starc starts with a good length delivery outside off, Latham shoulders arms to this one.

Now then, the Australians have more than 4 sessions to bowl the Kiwis out. Also, now a New Zealand win also looks possible as they will have around 140 overs to chase this total down. That though looks improbable, they will have to bat out of their skin if they are to do so. It will be some chase if they pull it off. For now though, the whitewash seems the most likely result. Do join us for the chase in a bit.

AUSTRALIA HAVE DECLARED! They have set New Zealand a mammoth target of 416! Why 416 when the lead is 420? Because the penalty runs will be adjusted in the Kiwis' target. But it is an excellent attacking batting display from Australia today morning. Both Warner and Burns played with a very positive approach right from the word go. The two added a 100-run plus stand before Burns fell 10 short of a half ton. Warner though continued along with Labuschagne who also came out all guns blazing. They also notched up another attacking 100-plus stand with the opener scoring a ton and ML scoring yet another half ton. It seemed that the Australians were aiming for the 450-run mark but once Labuschagne got out, Tim Paine decided to declare.

51.6

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Full delivery on middle, Labuschagne lofts it over mid on but does not get the distance on it. It goes towards Tom Latham who takes a comfortable catch in the deep.

51.5

2

Short delivery on middle, Labuschagne pulls it towards long on. The batsmen get two runs.

51.4

1

Length delivery outside off, Warner guides it towards point for a single.

51.3

2

Driven through mid off by the batsman. They manage to come back for the second.

51.2

.

Shorter in length and outside off, Warner looks to cut but misses.

51.1

1

Down the leg side, this is pulled down to fine leg for one.

50.6

1

Full delivery on off, Colin drives it towards point for a run.

50.5

1

Length delivery on off, Warner guides it towards third man for a single.

50.4

1

Full delivery on middle, Marnus drives it through mid on for a run.

50.3

1

Short delivery on middle, Warner pulls it towards square leg for a run.

50.2

1

Full delivery on off, Marnus drives it through mid off for a single.

50.1

.

Bowls it down the leg side, Labuschagne looks to go after it but misses it.

So Warner has been given a second warning for running onto the pitch which now means New Zealand will be given 5 runs as penalty.

49.6

.

On a length on middle, Warner flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run. Now then, there is a argument between Warner and Aleem Dar and the reason is the umpire has awarded a 5-run penalty to Warner for running on the pitch. This means the Kiwis will start their innings as 5/0. Also, the single which was taken on this delivery has been canceled.

49.5

2

Short and outside off, Warner cuts it over point. The batsmen get two runs.

49.4

1

On a length on off, Labuschagne cuts it towards point for a single. Aleem Dar has given an official warning to Labuschagne for running on the pitch.

49.3

.

Good length delivery outside off, Labuschagne comes down the track and looks to swing at it but misses it.

49.2

1

On a length on middle, Warner flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.

49.1

.

Full delivery on off, Warner drives it to covers.

48.6

1

On a length on middle, Warner flicks it towards square leg for a single.

48.5

.

Length delivery on off, David pushes it to point.

48.4

.

On a length on off, Warner punches it to point.

48.3

1

Length delivery on off, Labuschagne punches it towards mid off for a single.

48.2

4

FOUR! 50 for Marnus Labuschagne. What an innings this has been from him. Full delivery on middle, Labuschagne flicks it through mid-wicket. The fielder chases it, slides but fails to stop it. It runs away to the fence.

48.1

2

Full delivery on off, Labuschagne drives it through mid off. The batsmen get two runs.

47.6

1

Length delivery on middle, Labuschagne nudges it towards fine leg for a single.

47.5

3

100 for Warner! His Golden patch on Australian soil continues. Outstanding innings this. Understood the situation and played a very attacking knock. Full delivery on middle, Warner flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get three runs.

47.4

.

Full delivery on off, Warner drives it to covers.

47.3

.

Good length delivery on middle, Warner blocks it well.

47.2

.

On a good length on off, David defends it out.

47.1

.

Full delivery on off, Warner pushes it back towards the bowler. Henry picks the ball and goes for a direct hit at the keeper's end but misses it.

46.6

2

Length delivery outside off, Labuschagne guides it towards third man. The batsmen get two runs.

46.5

1

On a length on middle, Warner flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single. He moves to 99 now.

46.4

.

Good length delivery on off, Warner blocks it off the back foot.

46.3

.

On a length on off, Warner plays it to covers.

46.2

.

Full again on off, David drives it to covers.

46.1

1

Full delivery on off, Labuschagne drives it through covers for a run.

45.6

4

FOUR! Another boundary for David Warner. On a good length on off, Warner looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man for a boundary. David Warner moves to 98.

45.5

4

FOUR! Short delivery outside off, Warner plays an upper cut over third man for a boundary.

45.4

.

On a good length on off, Warner defends it off the front foot.

45.3

1

Length delivery outside off, Labuschagne lofts it over covers for a single.

45.2

1

On a length on off, Warner pushes it towards point for a run.

45.1

3

Full delivery on middle, Labuschagne flicks it through mid-wicket. The fielder in the deep fumbles and concedes an extra run. The batsmen get three runs in total.

Matt Henry to bowl from the other end.

44.6

.

Good length delivery on middle, Warner offers a solid defense on this one.

44.5

.

On a good length on off, David keeps it out.

44.4

.

Good length delivery on middle, Warner defends it off the front foot.

44.3

.

On a good length on off, Warner defends it off the back foot.

44.2

1

Full again on off, Labuschagne drives it towards covers for a run.

44.1

.

Full delivery on middle, Labuschagne flicks it to mid-wicket.

We are back for the second session. The New Zealand players are out in the middle. David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne will resume their innings for the hosts. Colin de Grandhomme will start the proceedings for the second session.

... Day 4, Session 2 ...

Australia continue to build on the lead they had. The question is how much more? The lead is already 375 now and they would be maybe aiming for another 50 runs. Also, Warner will be eyeing his ton. So we�ll have to wait to find out if he does get to his century when do Australia declare. Stay tuned.

43.6

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Warner keeps it out. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 4!

43.5

.

Tossed up delivery on off, David drives it to covers.

43.4

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Warner blocks it off the front foot.

43.3

.

Full delivery on off, Warner drives it towards covers.

43.2

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Labuschagne sweeps it towards fine leg for a run.

43.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Labuschagne blocks it well.

42.6

.

Short delivery on off, Warner stands tall and defends it off the back foot.

42.5

4

FOUR! Poor delivery from Wagner. Full toss on middle, Warner smashes it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

42.4

1

Full delivery on middle, Labuschagne flicks it through square leg for a single.

42.3

1

Low full toss on middle, David flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.

42.2

.

Full delivery on off, Warner drives it to mid off.

42.1

1

Full delivery on off, Labuschagne drives it through covers for a single.

41.6

.

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

41.5

3b

Tossed up delivery outside off, Labuschagne looks to sweep but misses it. It goes towards Watling who fails to collect the ball and it goes through him towards fine leg. Taylor chases it and does well to stop it. The batsmen get three runs. The umpire gives it as byes.

41.4

4

FOUR! Good shot. Flighted delivery on off, Labuschagne plays a reverse sweep towards third man for a boundary.

41.3

2

Loopy delivery on off, Marnus guides it towards third man. The batsmen get two runs. 50-run stand is up between Labuschagne and Warner.

41.2

.

Floated delivery on off, Labuschagne punches it to point.

41.1

1

Tossed up on off, Warner pushes it towards covers for a run.

William Somerville is back on. 8-0-28-0 are his figures so far.

40.6

2

On a length and outside off, Labuschagne guides it towards third man. The fielder chases it and does well to stop it. The batsmen get two runs.

40.5

.

Full delivery on off, Marnus drives it to mid off.

40.4

.

Length delivery on off, Labuschagne plays it to point.

40.3

1

On a length on middle, David flicks it towards fine leg for a run.

40.2

.

Full again on off, Warner drives it towards mid off.

40.1

1

Full delivery on off, Labuschagne drives it through covers for a single.

Neil Wagner is back on. 7-1-26-0 are his figures so far.

39.6

1

Short and outside off, Labuschagne cuts it through point for a run.

39.5

1

Tossed up delivery on off, Warner plays it towards covers. The batsmen cross ends.

39.4

4

FOUR! That is put away! Short delivery on middle, Warner pulls it through square leg for a boundary.

39.3

2

Full and outside off, Warner drives it through covers. The batsmen pick up a couple.

39.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle, David keeps it out.

39.1

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Marnus flicks it towards square leg for a single.

38.6

1

Length delivery on middle, Marnus flicks it towards square leg for a run.

38.5

.

Full delivery on off, Labuschagne looks to drive but gets it off the inner half of the bat. It goes towards mid on.

38.4

4

FOUR! Short and outside off, Labuschagne looks to cut but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man for a boundary.

38.3

.

On a length on middle, Labuschagne flicks it towards the leg side.

38.2

.

On a good length on off, Marnus blocks it off the back foot.

38.1

.

Full delivery on middle, Labuschagne flicks it to mid-wicket.

37.6

.

Full delivery on middle, Warner drives it to mid on.

37.5

.

Flighted delivery on off, David defends it out.

37.4

2

Loopy delivery on middle, Warner sweeps it through square leg. The batsmen get two runs.

37.3

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Warner defends it off the back foot.

37.2

.

Flighted delivery on off, Warner comes forward and offers a solid defense on this one.

37.1

1

Short delivery on off, Labuschagne makes room and cuts it through point for a single.

36.6

1

Length delivery on middle, Labuschagne nudges it towards fine leg for a run.

36.5

.

On a good length on off, Marnus blocks it well.

36.4

.

Full delivery outside off, Labuschagne looks to drive but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

36.3

.

Good length delivery on off, Marnus blocks it off the back foot.

36.2

.

Length delivery outside off, Marnus pushes it to covers.

36.1

2

On a length on middle, Labuschagne flicks it towards fine leg. The batsmen take two runs.

35.6

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Labuschagne flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

35.5

.

Floated delivery on middle, Marnus blocks it off the front foot.

35.4

2

Short and outside off, Labuschagne comes forward and cuts it through point. The batsmen get two runs.

35.3

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Marnus defends it off the front foot.

35.2

2

Full delivery on off, Labuschagne comes down the track and drives it through covers. The fielder in the deep does well to stop it. The batsmen get two runs.

35.1

1

Tossed up delivery on off, Warner drives it towards covers for a single.

34.6

.

Good length delivery on middle, Labuschagne defends it off the back foot.

34.5

.

On a good length on off, Labuschagne keeps it out.

34.4

.

Full delivery on off, Marnus drives it towards covers where the fielder makes a fine stop.

34.3

.

Good length delivery on off, Labuschagne defends it off the back foot.

34.2

1

On a length on off, Warner taps it towards point and takes a quick single.

34.1

.

Length delivery on off, Warner taps it to point.

33.6

1

Full delivery on off, Warner drives it through mid off for a single.

33.5

.

Loopy delivery on off, David keeps it out.

33.4

.

Floated delivery on middle, Warner blocks it off the back foot.

33.3

2

Full delivery on off, Warner drives it through covers. The batsmen get two runs.

33.2

1

Floated delivery on middle, Labuschagne drives it through mid on for a run.

33.1

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Warner sweeps it through square leg for a single.

32.6

.

On a good length on off, Labuschagne defends it off the back foot.

32.5

.

Full delivery on off, Marnus drives it towards mid off.

32.4

1lb

Length delivery on leg, Warner looks to flick but gets hit on the pads. It goes towards the leg side. The batsmen take a run. The umpire gives it as a leg bye.

32.3

1

On a length on middle, Labuschagne flicks it towards fine leg for a single.

32.2

.

Full delivery on off, Marnus drives it to mid off.

32.1

.

On a good length on off, Labuschagne defends it out.

31.6

1

On a length on off, Labuschagne punches it towards covers for a run.

31.5

1

The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. They pick up a single.

31.4

1

Short delivery on off, Marnus cuts it towards point for a run.

31.3

.

DROPPED! Astle drops a sitter. Floated delivery on off, Labuschagne drives it uppishly towards the bowler where Todd Astle goes for the catch with both hands but spills it.

31.2

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Marnus defends it off the back foot.

31.1

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Warner flicks it towards square leg for a single.

30.6

.

Good length delivery on off, Labuschagne defends it off the front foot.

30.5

.

On a good length on middle, Marnus blocks it off the back foot.

30.4

.

Good length delivery on off, Labuschagne defends it out.

30.3

2

Full delivery on leg, Labuschagne flicks it through square leg. The batsmen get two runs.

30.2

.

On a length on middle, Marnus flicks it to mid-wicket.

30.1

.

Outside off, Labuschagne offers no shot to this one.

29.6

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Warner keeps it out.

29.5

1

Tossed up outside off, Labuschagne punches it towards mid off for a run.

29.4

1

Full delivery on off, David drives it through covers for a single.

29.3

1

Floated delivery on off, Marnus punches it towards covers for a single.

29.2

.

Flighted delivery on leg, Labuschagne looks to defend but gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head.

Marnus Labuschagne is the new batsman in.

Drinks Break!

29.1

W

OUT! LBW! New Zealand get their first breakthrough. Aleem Dar has to overturn his decision. Tossed up delivery on middle, Burns looks to defend but gets hit on the pads. It was the wrong'un from Todd Astle. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head. New Zealand decide and take the review. Ball Tracker shows that it is hitting the leg stump. So it is a successful review for the visitors. The hosts lead by 310 runs.

An appeal for lbw! New Zealand have taken the review.

28.6

.

On a length on off, Warner blocks it off the front foot.

28.5

1

Length delivery on middle, Burns flicks it towards square leg for a single.

28.4

.

On a length on off, Burns plays it to point.

28.3

1

Full and outside off, Warner drives it through point for a single.

28.2

.

On a length on off, Warner guides it to short third man.

28.1

2

Short delivery on off, Warner cuts it through point. The batsmen get two runs.

Colin de Grandhomme to bowl. 3-1-9-0 are his figures so far.

27.6

.

Bowls a googly just outside off, Burns looks to defend but misses it.

27.5

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Burns nudges it towards the leg side.

27.4

.

Loopy delivery on off, Joe blocks it off the front foot.

27.3

.

Bowls a googly on off, Burns punches it towards point.

27.2

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Burns plays it towards the off side.

27.1

.

Flighted delivery on off, Burns blocks it off the front foot.

26.6

1

Short delivery on off, Burns cuts it towards point for a single.

26.5

.

Bowls it down the leg side, Burns looks to flick but misses it.

26.4

.

Full delivery on off, Burns drives it to point.

26.3

1

Short delivery on middle, Warner pulls it through square leg for a single.

26.2

2

Full toss on leg, Warner flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen pick up a couple. 100 up for Australia.

26.1

.

Full delivery on off, Warner drives it to covers.

25.6

6

SIX! The lead is 300 now for Australia. Tossed up delivery on middle, Burns comes down the track and lofts it over long on for a biggie.

25.5

.

Floated delivery on middle, Burns defends it off the front foot.

25.4

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Warner flicks it towards square leg for a run.

25.3

.

Loopy delivery on middle, David defends it towards the leg side.

25.2

4

FOUR! Nice improvisation! Floated delivery on off, Warner plays a reverse sweep towards third man for a boundary. Australia lead by 295 runs.

25.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Warner defends it off the front foot.

Todd Astle is on.

24.6

.

On a good length on off, Burns defends it off the back foot.

24.5

4

FOUR! Nice shot. Full delivery on off, Burns drives it through point for a boundary.

24.4

.

On a good length on off, Burns blocks it off the front foot.

24.3

1

Short again on leg, Warner pulls it again towards fine leg for a single.

24.2

2

Short delivery on leg, Warner pulls it towards fine leg. The batsmen pick up a couple.

24.1

.

Bowls a bouncer, Warner looks to pull but misses it.

23.6

.

The batsman defends it from within the crease.

23.5

1

50 for Warner. It is his 31st Test fifty. Floated delivery on middle, Warner flicks it through square leg for a run. It has been an excellent innings from him till now.

23.4

1

Loopy delivery on middle, Burns comes down the track and lofts it over mid on. Jeet Raval from long on tries to go for the catch but picks the ball on one bounce. The batsmen take a single.

23.3

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Burns nudges it towards the leg side.

23.2

1

Tossed up delivery on off, David plays it towards covers for a single.

23.1

2

Short delivery on off, Warner plays a late cut towards third man. The batsmen get two runs.

22.6

1

Length delivery on middle, Warner flicks it through square leg for a single.

22.5

.

Bowls it down the leg side, Warner lets it go.

22.4

2

Short delivery on leg, Warner pulls it through square leg. The batsmen get two runs.

22.3

.

On a length on off, Warner plays it back towards the bowler where Wagner tries to stop it but it goes through him. It goes towards mid off where Somerville tries to stop it.

22.2

.

Short again on middle, Warner looks to pull but gets hit on the hand.

22.1

.

Short delivery down the leg side, Warner looks to pull but misses it.

Neil Wagner to bowl. 4-1-12-0 are his figures so far.

21.6

.

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

21.5

.

On the pads, it is worked to square leg.

21.4

.

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

21.3

.

Comes down the track again but Somerville drops it short. Burns pads it away.

21.2

.

Burns comes down the track but does not get to the pitch of it. He works it to short leg.

21.1

1

Floats it up on off, it is pushed through covers for one.

20.6

2

Short delivery on off, Burns cuts it through point. The batsmen get two runs.

20.6

1wd

WIDE! Bowls a bouncer, Burns lets it sail through to the keeper.

20.5

1lb

Length delivery on middle, Warner looks to flick but gets it off the pads. It goes towards square leg. The batsmen take a single. The umpire gives it as a leg bye.

20.4

4

FOUR! Another boundary for Warner. On a good length on off, Warner looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man for a boundary.

20.3

4

FOUR! Cracking shot. Short and outside off, Warner cuts it hard through point for a boundary.

20.2

.

On a good length on off, Warner blocks it off the front foot.

20.1

.

Short delivery on off, Warner looks to pull but gets hit on the shoulder.

19.6

.

Tossed up delivery outside off, Burns looks to sweep but misses it and gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head.

19.5

.

Floated delivery on middle, Burns nudges it towards the leg side.

19.4

.

Loopy delivery on off, Burns blocks it well.

19.3

6

SIX! Amazing shot! Flighted delivery on middle, Burns comes down the track and lofts it over mid-wicket for a maximum.

19.2

3

Tossed up delivery on off, Warner guides it towards third man. Wagner chases it, slides and does well to stop it just before the ropes. The batsmen get three runs.

19.1

.

Short delivery on off, Warner cuts it to point.

18.6

.

Good length delivery on off, Joe defends it off the front foot.

18.5

.

On a good length on middle, Burns blocks it off the front foot.

18.4

.

Good length delivery on off, Burns keeps it out.

18.3

.

Full delivery on off, Burns drives it to mid off.

18.2

2

Short and outside off, Burns cuts it through point. The batsmen get two runs. 50 up for Australia and the openers are looking solid out there.

18.1

.

On a good length on off, Burns blocks it off the back foot.

17.6

.

Loopy delivery on off, Warner defends it off the front foot.

17.5

4

FOUR! Excellent shot. Full delivery outside off, Warner drives it through covers for a boundary.

17.4

1

Floated delivery on middle, Burns comes down the track and flicks it through square leg for a run.

17.3

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Burns nudges it towards the leg side.

17.2

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Burns flicks it to mid-wicket.

17.1

1

Short delivery on off, Warner cuts it towards point for a single.

William Somerville to bowl from the other end.

16.6

1

Full delivery on middle, Warner flicks it through square leg for a run.

16.5

.

Good length delivery on off, Warner blocks it well.

16.4

.

On a good length on middle, David defends it out.

16.3

.

Good length delivery on off, Warner blocks it off the back foot.

16.2

.

On a length on off, Warner plays it to point.

16.1

2

Henry starts with a length delivery outside off, Warner taps it through covers. The batsmen get two runs.

We are set to begin Day 4. The New Zealand players are out in the middle. David Warner and Joe Burns will resume their innings for the hosts. Matt Henry will start the proceedings for Day 4.

WEATHER REPORT - It is quite cloudy and hazy at the moment, the forecast was not that great but it seems clear for now and we can be optimistic about a full day's play.

Hello and welcome to the coverage of Day 4 of the final Test between Australia and New Zealand. The scenario is quite simple today, Australia will be looking to score quickly, probably try and bat a session or maybe two and then declare to give their bowlers enough time to bundle the Kiwis out for the second time in the game. New Zealand, on the other hand, need to try and stop the hosts from scoring quickly and try and delay the declaration to as much as possible. An intriguing day of cricket awaits. Stay tuned.

... Day 4, Session 1 ...

Now then! What can we expect on Day 4? Australia upping the ante? New Zealand batting again? Some rain? Probably all three. However, it will be interesting to see how long do Australia bat keeping the forecast in mind! All those questions will be answered on 6th January 2020 at 1030 local (2330 GMT, Previous Day). Till then, take care and goodbye!

Earlier in the day, the Kiwis entered Day 3 with all 10 wickets in hand and hoping they would get close to the Aussie total but they got nowhere close. Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins were the key for the Aussies with the former taking a 5-fer and the latter a three-fer. Glenn Phillips was the star with the bat for the visitors but a bigger effort was needed from him and the rest too.

End of another day in this Test series and once again, it is the Aussies who are on top. Also, the final session too belongs to them, they wrapped up the Kiwi innings quickly and then head into Day 4 unscathed. The approach by the openers was a sedate one but we will surely see them attack a lot more on Monday.

15.6

.

On off, Burns keeps it out. THAT WILL BE STUMPS ON DAY 3!

15.5

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Burns defends it off the back foot.

15.4

.

Floated delivery on middle, Burns flicks it towards the leg side.

15.3

3

Loopy delivery on off, Warner guides it towards third man. Neil Wagner chases it, slides and does well to stop it just before the ropes. The batsmen get three runs.

15.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Warner blocks it off the front foot.

15.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Warner defends it off the back foot.

14.6

.

Bowls a bouncer, Burns looks to duck but gets hit on the back.

14.5

.

Short delivery on off, Burns cuts it to point.

14.4

.

On a good length on off, Burns blocks it off the back foot.

14.3

.

Full delivery on off, Burns drives it to point.

14.2

.

Good length delivery on middle, Joe blocks it well.

14.1

.

On a good length on off, Burns defends it off the front foot.

13.6

.

Flighted delivery on middle, David keeps it out.

13.5

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Warner defends it off the back foot.

13.4

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Warner blocks it off the front foot.

13.3

1

Floated delivery on off, Burns sweeps it through square leg for a run.

13.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Burns comes down the track and flicks it to mid-wicket.

13.1

1

Tossed up delivery on off, Warner drives it through point. The batsmen take a run.

12.6

.

Full delivery on off, Burns plays it to point.

12.5

.

Length delivery on off, Burns plays it to covers.

12.4

.

On a good length on off, Burns blocks it off the front foot.

12.3

1

Short delivery on middle, Warner pulls it through square leg for a single.

12.2

.

Short delivery on leg, Warner looks to pull but gets it off the glove. It goes towards the keeper on one bounce.

12.1

.

Full delivery on off, Warner drives it to mid off.

11.6

.

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

11.5

.

Tossed up outside off, Burns looks to sweep but misses it and gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head.

11.4

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Burns looks to pull but gets hit on the thigh pad.

11.3

.

Loopy delivery on off, Burns keeps it out.

11.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Burns nudges it towards the leg side.

11.1

1

Tossed up delivery on off, Warner drives it towards covers and takes a single. Burns wants the second and is halfway down the track but Warner sends him back. The throw from the fielder was very wayward at the keeper's end.

10.6

1

Length delivery on off, Warner taps it towards point and sets off for a quick single. The fielder goes for a direct hit at the keeper's end but misses it. In the end, the batsmen manage to take the run.

10.5

.

Good length delivery on off, David blocks it off the front foot.

10.4

.

On a length on off, Warner plays it to covers.

10.3

3

Full delivery outside off, Burns drives it through point. The fielder chases it and does well to stop it with a slide just before the ropes. The batsmen get three runs.

10.2

.

Good length delivery on off, Burns blocks it off the front foot.

10.1

.

Full delivery on off, Burns drives it back towards the bowler.

Neil Wagner is back on. 1-0-7-0 are his figures so far.

9.6

.

Floated delivery on off, David blocks it well.

9.5

.

Short delivery on off, Warner cuts it to point.

9.4

.

Loopy delivery on off, Warner blocks it off the front foot.

9.3

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Burns flicks it towards square leg. The fielder fires a direct hit at the bowler's end but the batsman was well in. The batsmen take a single.

9.2

.

Short delivery on middle, Burns pulls it towards square leg.

9.1

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Burns flicks it to square leg.

William Somerville is into the attack.

8.6

.

On a length on middle, David flicks it to mid-wicket.

8.5

.

Bowls a bouncer, Warner does well to duck under it.

8.4

.

Length delivery on middle, Warner flicks it to mid-wicket.

8.3

.

On a good length on off, Warner blocks it off the back foot.

8.2

.

Full delivery on off, David drives it to covers.

8.1

.

Good length delivery on off, Warner defends it off the front foot.

7.6

1

Full delivery on off, Warner drives it through mid off for a single.

7.5

.

On a good length on middle, Warner looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad.

7.4

.

Full delivery on middle, Warner drives it towards mid on.

7.3

4

FOUR! Poor delivery from Wagner. Short and outside off, Warner punches it through point for a boundary.

7.2

2

Short delivery outside off, Warner cuts it through point. The batsmen get two runs.

7.1

.

Full delivery on middle, Wagner drives it to mid on.

Neil Wagner is into the attack.

6.6

.

On a good length on off, Burns blocks it off the front foot.

6.5

4

FOUR! Cracking shot. Short and outside off, Burns cuts it through point for a boundary.

6.4

1

On a length and outside off, Warner punches it towards covers for a single.

6.3

.

Length delivery outside off, Warner punches it to point.

6.2

1

Short of a length delivery, Burns pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.

6.1

.

On a good length on off, Burns blocks it off the back foot.

5.6

.

Good length delivery on middle, David defends it out.

5.5

.

On a good length on off, Warner blocks it off the front foot.

5.4

.

Full delivery on off, David drives it to covers.

5.3

.

Good length delivery on off, Warner blocks it off the front foot.

5.2

2

Full delivery on off, Warner drives it through covers. The fielder chases it and does well to stop it. The batsmen get two runs.

5.1

.

On a good length on middle, Warner defends it off the back foot.

4.6

.

Full and outside off, Burns drives it to covers.

4.5

.

On a length on off, Burns plays it to covers.

4.4

.

Good length delivery on off, Burns blocks it off the front foot.

4.3

4

FOUR! Excellent shot. Full and outside off, Burns drives it through covers for a boundary.

4.2

.

Full delivery on off, Burns drives it towards mid off.

4.1

.

Good length delivery on off, Burns defends it off the front foot.

3.6

.

On a good length on off, David blocks it off the front foot.

3.5

.

Full again on middle, Warner flicks it towards the leg side.

3.4

.

Full delivery on middle, Warner flicks it to square leg.

3.3

.

Good length delivery on middle, David keeps it out.

3.2

.

On a good length on off, Warner defends it off the front foot.

3.1

.

Length delivery on off, Warner punches it towards covers.

2.6

.

On a good length on off, Burns keeps it out.

2.5

1

Length delivery on off, Warner pushes it towards covers for a run.

2.4

.

On a good length on leg, Warner looks to flick but gets it off the pads. It goes towards the keeper where Watling appeals for caught behind but the umpire shakes his head.

2.3

.

On a length on middle, Warner flicks it to square leg.

2.2

.

Good length delivery on middle, Warner defends it out.

2.1

.

On a good length on off, Warner blocks it well.

1.6

.

That kept low! On a good length and outside off, Burns looks to cut but misses it.

1.5

2

Short and outside off, Burns cuts it through point. The batsmen get two runs.

1.4

3

Length delivery on middle, Warner flicks it through mid-wicket. The fielder chases it and does well to stop it. The batsmen get three runs.

1.3

.

On a good length on middle, Warner looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

1.2

2

Length delivery outside off, Warner pushes it through covers. The batsmen pick up a couple.

1.1

.

Full delivery on off, Warner drives it to point.

Colin de Grandhomme to bowl from the other end.

0.6

.

On a good length on off, Joe keeps it out.

0.5

.

Good length delivery on off, Burns defends it off the back foot.

0.4

1lb

Length delivery on leg, Warner looks to flick but gets it off the pads. It goes towards the leg side. The batsmen take a run. The umpire gives it as a leg bye.

0.3

.

Bowls a bouncer, Warner does well to duck under it.

0.2

.

On a good length on off, Warner looks to defend but gets hit on the thigh pad. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head.

0.1

.

Henry starts with a length delivery down the leg side, Warner looks to flick but misses it.

Now then, Australia already lead by 203, there are a little more than 2 days to go so you would expect them to bat for at least three sessions, unless they are bowled out that is. The hosts would want to take the lead upto the 400-run mark before letting the Kiwis bat again. New Zealand on the other hand, will try and not let the Aussies score quickly and also manage to take wickets on regular intervals. Around 21 overs left in the day, it will be interesting to see how it pans out.

The Kiwis on the other hand, put in a better performance with the bat than they have done in the first innings of the previous few Tests. Still not an effort they would be very happy with. They had numerous number of stands which got off to starts but none significant. Also, quite a few batters got themselves in but nobody could make it count. Phillips was their top scorer with a half ton. However, when you are gunning down something more than 400, you need someone to get a ton and the rest to bat around him but that was not the case.

Another very good bowling performance from the Aussies! It was led by their offie, Nathan Lyon, who bagged a fifer. The wicket was assisting the spinners, he was expected to do the job with the ball and has delivered. He was well supported by Pat Cummins who had important wickets to his name. He grabbed a three-fer. No wickets to show for Pattinson and Starc had the one wicket to his name. Overall a good performance by the hosts.

Warner is seen rushing off and so is Burns! The other players are walking off really slowly, Paine is seen having a word with the ground staff about the roller which probably means that Australia will bat again. THEY HAVE NOT ENFORCED THE FOLLOW-ON!

95.4

W

OUT! STUMPED! Nathan Lyon gets a five-fer. He deserves every bit of it. Tossed up delivery on off, Henry defends it out. It goes towards Tim Paine who whips the bails off with one hand. It is referred upstairs. The replays show that Matt Henry's foot was on the line and it did not move. NEW ZEALAND ARE ALL OUT FOR 251!

A stumping appeal and the Aussies are quite confident. Sharp work from Paine and the umpire has taken it upstairs.

95.3

2

Floated delivery on off, Henry looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man. The batsmen get two runs.

95.2

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Matt plays it to point.

95.1

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Henry keeps it out.

94.6

4

FOUR! Short delivery outside off, Astle makes room and slaps it over extra cover for a boundary.

94.5

1lb

Length delivery on middle, Henry looks to flick but gets it off the thigh pad. It goes towards the leg side. The batsmen take a run. The umpire gives it as a leg bye.

94.4

.

Short delivery outside off, Henry leaves it alone.

94.3

.

On a good length on off, Henry blocks it well.

94.2

.

Bowls a bouncer, Henry ducks under it.

94.1

.

Outside off, Henry offers no shot to this one.

93.6

1

Tossed up delivery on off, Henry plays it towards point and takes a single.

93.5

.

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

93.4

.

Floated delivery on middle, Henry defends it off the back foot.

93.3

1

Loopy delivery on off, Astle drives it towards point for a single.

93.2

4

FOUR! Nice shot. Flighted delivery on off, Astle comes down the track and lofts it over mid off for a boundary.

93.1

.

Tossed up delivery on leg, Astle looks to flick but gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head.

92.6

.

BEATEN! On a good length and just outside off, Henry looks to defend but misses it.

92.5

.

Length delivery outside off, Henry punches it to covers.

92.4

.

That was nasty! Short delivery on leg, Henry awkwardly flicks it past short leg.

92.3

1

On a length on off, Astle taps it towards point for a single.

92.2

.

On a good length on middle, Astle blocks it off the back foot.

92.1

.

Length delivery down the leg side, Astle looks to flick but misses it.

Matt Henry walks out to bat. He has an injured thumb so it will be interesting to see his approach.

91.6

W

OUT! BOWLED! Lyon gets his fourth wicket. Flighted delivery on off, Wagner looks to play the slog sweep but misses it and gets bowled. It hits the off stump. The hosts are just one wicket away from wrapping up the innings.

91.5

.

BEATEN! Tossed up delivery outside off, Wagner looks to defend but misses it.

Neil Wagner is the next batsman in.

91.4

W

OUT! TIMBER! This was on the cards right? Three balls prior to this and Somerville was beaten on all three. This time he lands it on off and gets it tot turn into the batter. WS plays inside the line off the back foot, misses and is cleaned up. New Zealand 8 down now and are still 18 runs away from avoiding the follow-on.

91.3

.

No run.

91.2

.

BEATEN AGAIN! Floated delivery outside off, Somerville looks to defend but misses it.

91.1

.

BEATEN! Flighted delivery outside off, Somerville looks to push but misses it.

Nathan Lyon is back on. 28-9-60-2 are his figures so far.

90.6

.

Full delivery on off, Astle drives it back towards the bowler.

90.5

.

Good length delivery on off, Todd blocks it off the back foot.

90.4

.

On a good length on off, Astle blocks it well.

90.3

2

Length delivery outside off, Astle guides it towards third man. The batsmen pick up a couple.

90.2

.

Good length delivery on middle, Astle defends it out.

90.1

.

On a good length on off, Astle defends it off the back foot.

89.6

.

Good length delivery on middle, Somerville defends it out.

89.5

.

Bowls a bumper, William does well to duck under it.

89.4

.

Bowls a bouncer, Somerville ducks under it.

89.3

.

On a good length on middle, Somerville blocks it off the back foot.

89.2

.

Good length delivery on off, Somerville defends it off the back foot.

89.1

.

Outside off, Somerville offers no shot to this one.

88.6

.

On a good length on off, Astle punches it back towards the bowler.

88.5

.

Length delivery on off, Todd taps it to point.

88.4

.

Good length delivery on off, Astle keeps it out.

88.3

.

On a length on middle, Astle flicks it to mid-wicket.

88.2

.

Length delivery on middle, Astle nudges it towards the leg side.

88.1

.

On a good length on off, Astle blocks it off the back foot.

James Pattinson is back on. 14-2-56-0 are his figures so far.

William Somerville is the new batsman in.

87.6

W

OUT! KABOOM! Fifty and out for Phillips! Maybe, maybe he just relaxed for a bit after getting to his half ton and that has cost him. It though is a beauty of a delivery. It starts outside off, it is slightly fuller in length. Shapes back in just a little. Phillips ends up playing outside the line. The ball sneaks between the gap of bat and pad and hits the stumps. He walks off to a standing ovation. However, the Kiwis would have loved for him to bat longer. New Zealand trail by one less than 220.

87.5

.

Back of a length and on middle, it is kept out.

87.4

4

FOUR! Fifty on debut for Glenn Phillips! How special is that? Yes, he has had a lot of fortune on his side but take nothing away from his knock. He has played some very good strokes and has shown solidity in his defense. This could well be the start of something special for the Kiwis. However, his job is only half done and he needs to make it big here. He gets there in style. Pulls this short ball behind square on the leg side and bags another boundary.

87.3

.

Short delivery down the leg side, Phillips looks to pull but misses it.

87.2

.

Good length delivery on middle, Phillips defends it towards mid on.

Australia have some issue with the ball! Out comes the 8-ball gauge and the umpire is having a look. It does not pass through the gauge and out comes the bag of balls. It is time for a change.

87.1

.

On a good length on off, Phillips keeps it out.

86.6

.

Good length delivery on off, Astle blocks it well.

86.5

.

On a length on off, Astle taps it to point.

86.4

.

Good length delivery on off, Astle blocks it well.

86.3

1

Short of a length delivery, Phillips pulls it over square leg. The fielder misfields but tries to stop it from going into the ropes. The batsmen take a single but they missed the opportunity for another run.

86.2

1

On a length on off, Astle defends it towards covers and takes a run.

86.1

.

Full delivery on middle, Astle flicks it towards short leg.

85.6

.

Short delivery down the leg side, Phillips looks to pull but misses it. Tim Paine does not appeal. Australia don't have any reviews left. Later on Snicko shows nothing.

85.5

1

Full delivery on middle, Astle flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

85.4

.

Good length delivery on off, Astle defends it off the back foot.

85.3

.

On a good length on off, Todd blocks it well.

85.2

.

Good length delivery on off, Astle blocks it off the back foot.

85.1

1

On a length on off, Phillips taps it towards point for a single.

84.6

.

On off, Todd keeps it out.

84.5

.

BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Astle looks to cut but misses it.

84.4

.

Length delivery on middle, Astle flicks it to mid-wicket.

84.3

1

Full delivery on off, Phillips drives it towards covers and takes a quick single.

84.2

1

On a length on middle, Astle flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run.

84.1

.

On a good length on off, Astle defends it off the back foot.

83.6

.

On a good length on off, Phillips blocks it off the back foot.

83.5

.

Length delivery on middle, Phillips defends it out.

83.4

6

SIX! First six for Glenn Phillips in Test cricket. Short delivery on middle, Phillips pulls it over square leg for a maximum.

It has gone really hazy out there! The lights are on.

83.3

.

Full delivery on middle, Phillips drives it to mid on.

83.2

.

Length delivery on middle, Phillips flicks it towards short leg.

83.1

.

On a good length on off, Phillips defends it off the back foot.

Pat Cummins to bowl from the other end. 18-5-32-2 are his figures so far.

82.6

.

BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Astle looks to defend but misses it.

82.5

1

On a length on off, Phillips defends it towards point and takes a run.

82.4

.

Bowls a bouncer on leg, Phillips lets it sail through to the keeper.

82.3

4

FOUR! Another boundary for Glenn Phillips. On a good length on off, Phillips looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man for a boundary.

82.2

4

FOUR! Good shot. Full delivery on middle, Phillips drives it straight through mid off for a boundary.

82.1

.

On a good length on off, Phillips defends it off the back foot.

We are back for the final session of Day 3. The Australian players are out in the middle. Glenn Phillips and Todd Astle will resume their innings for the visitors. Mitchell Starc will start the proceedings for the final session and Australia have taken the second new ball.

... Day 3, Session 3 ...

Pat Cummins says it was a good session for them, it is tough to score and he hopes the new ball can help them do better after the break. Ends by saying Phillips is riding his luck, he has done well though till now but he hopes they can get rid of him early.

Another session which belongs to the Australians! Three wickets in this one too and the Aussies made run-scoring also difficult. They started off by getting rid of Taylor very early. Watling did show some resistance but he fell to an uncharacteristic shot. There was another budding stand between Colin de Grandhomme and Phillips before the former was run out. Now Glenn is the only recognized batter left. He has had a lot of fortune in this short innings of his but the Kiwis will hope he can make it count and continue fighting it out with the tail. Australia on the other hand, will try and bundle the remaining wickets out quickly, probably before the follow-on is avoided and then take a call whether to enforce it or not to. Stay tuned for the last session in a while. For now, Cummins is giving an interview.

81.6

.

Outside off, Todd does not bother to play at that. THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 3!

81.5

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Astle flicks it towards the leg side.

81.4

4

FOUR! Poor delivery from Labuschagne. Flighted delivery on leg, Astle flicks it towards fine leg for a boundary.

81.3

.

Nicely bowled again! Gives it a nice amount of loop and lands it around off, Astle plays it with hard hands, it goes off the outer half towards point.

81.2

.

Sharp turn! This is quicker and it lands around leg. Astle looks to defend but the ball turns away. Hits the arm and goes wide of the silly point fielder.

81.1

.

Tosses it up around off, Astle strokes it to mid off.

80.6

1

Full delivery on middle, Astle drives it towards mid on for a run.

80.5

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Astle defends it off the back foot.

80.4

.

Loopy delivery on off, Astle blocks it off the front foot.

80.3

.

Floated delivery on off, Astle defends it off the back foot.

80.2

4

FOUR! Nice shot. Tossed up delivery on middle, Astle comes down the track and lofts it over mid on for a boundary.

80.1

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Astle keeps it out.

The second new ball is available but not taken! Nathan Lyon has been brought back into the attack.

79.6

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Phillips defends it off the front foot.

79.5

1

Short delivery on off, Astle cuts it towards point for a single and gets off the mark.

79.4

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Astle defends it off the back foot.

79.3

.

Floated delivery on off, Astle punches it to covers.

79.2

.

Full delivery on off, Astle drives it to covers.

79.1

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Phillips drives it through mid on for a run.

Marnus Labuschagne is back! He will probably bowl just this one over as the second new ball will be available after this one.

78.6

.

Good length delivery on middle, Astle defends it off the front foot.

78.5

.

On a good length on off, Astle defends it off the back foot.

78.4

.

Length delivery on off, Todd plays it to point.

78.3

.

On a length on off, Astle taps it to point.

78.2

1

Full delivery on leg, Phillips flicks it through square leg for a single.

78.1

.

Outside off, Phillips shoulders arms to this one.

78.1

1nb

NO BALL! He has nothing behind the line and Aleem Dar has his arm raised sideways! Another life for Phillips. His third life, that is some luck for the debutant. It just seems he is destined to do something special here. However, it is a poor shot from him. Just not needed. Australia have set the trap for a short ball and GP did fall into it. He pulls but takes the aerial route. It goes straight to Head at deep mid-wicket who makes no mistake. The umpires go upstairs to check and what do the replays show? Pattinson has overstepped. Phillips lives to fight another day.

Is that a wicket? The umpires have gone upstairs to check the front foot. He seems to have overstepped.

77.6

.

Bowls it down the leg side, Astle looks to flick but misses it.

77.5

.

Good length delivery on off, Astle defends it out.

77.4

1

On a length on off, Phillips plays it towards point for a run.

77.3

.

That ball has struck the batsman on the thigh pad. The umpire just has a word with Starc, telling him that he is close to overstepping. Starc asks him by how much and Erasmus shows him where he landed.

77.2

1lb

Length delivery on middle, Astle looks to flick but gets it off the thigh pad. It goes towards square leg. The batsmen take a single. The umpire gives it as a leg bye.

77.1

.

Full delivery on middle, Astle nudges it towards square leg.

Mitchell Starc is back on. 15-1-38-1 are his figures so far.

76.6

.

On a good length on off, Phillips defends it off the back foot.

76.5

.

Full delivery on off, Phillips drives it to mid off.

76.4

.

Bowls it down the leg side, Phillips looks to flick but misses it.

76.3

.

Short delivery on middle, Phillips pulls it towards mid-wicket.

76.2

.

Bowls a yorker on middle, Phillips does well to dig it out.

76.1

.

Full delivery on middle, Phillips drives it towards mid on.

75.6

.

The batsman was beaten and missed the line of the delivery.

75.5

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Astle keeps it out.

75.4

.

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

75.3

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Astle defends it off the back foot.

75.2

.

Full delivery on off, Astle drives it towards mid off.

75.1

W

OUT! Colin de Grandhomme is short! Just but is still short. Poor, poor, running from New Zealand. That was just not needed. However, none of the Australians were confident, Colin de Grandhomme was quite confident he made it. The only man who I believe felt it was out was Steven Smith as he started celebrating. Replays though showed that Steven Smith is correct. This is on the pads, it is worked towards mid-wicket with soft hands. The batters take one and then go for the second. Wade picks the ball up and fires it to the keeper who whips the bails off and appeals. The umpire takes it upstairs and replays show Colin de Grandhomme has to take the long walk back. A budding stand comes to an end. New Zealand needed this to go longer, especially with the new ball just a few overs away, they needed the two to go on for a longer time. The Aussies into the bowling all-rounders now.

Todd Astle is the next batsman in.

Is Colin de Grandhomme short? Australia are not that confident but it seems close.

Marnus Labuschagne is on now!

74.6

.

Full delivery on middle, Phillips drives it towards mid on.

74.5

.

Length delivery on middle, Phillips pushes it towards mid on.

74.4

1

On a length on middle, de Grandhomme flicks it towards square leg for a run.

74.3

.

Length delivery on off, Colin punches it towards covers.

74.2

.

Back of a length on off, de Grandhomme looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

74.1

4

FOUR! Cracking shot. Short and outside off, de Grandhomme cuts it through point for a boundary.

73.6

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Phillips defends it off the front foot.

73.5

.

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

73.4

4

FOUR! This is even better! Short delivery on middle, Phillips pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

73.3

4

FOUR! Nice shot. Full delivery on off, Phillips drives it through mid off for a boundary.

73.2

1

Short delivery on middle, de Grandhomme pulls it over square leg. Travis Head in the deep picks the ball on one bounce. The batsmen take a single.

73.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, de Grandhomme defends it off the back foot.

72.6

.

On off, Phillips keeps it out.

72.5

.

Good length delivery on off, Phillips defends it off the back foot.

72.4

.

On a length on middle, Phillips defends it towards the leg side.

72.3

1

Short delivery on middle, Colin pulls it through square leg for a single.

72.2

4

FOUR! Poor delivery from Pattinson. Full delivery on leg, de Grandhomme flicks it towards fine leg for a boundary.

72.1

4

FOUR! Terrific shot! Full and outside off, de Grandhomme drives it through covers for a boundary.

James Pattinson is back on. 10-1-40-0 are his figures so far.

71.6

.

Punched off the back foot by the batsman.

71.5

2

Short and outside off, Phillips cuts it through point. The batsmen get two runs.

71.4

.

DROPPED! Lyon once again drops a catch of his own bowling and it is Phillips again. The debutant is given another life. However, this was not a wicket taking delivery. It is a full toss. GP plays a cautious stroke, he tries to drive it back down in the ground but ends up hitting it right back at the bowler. Lyon though does not grab on to the opportunity. He did not go for it with his 100 percent. Maybe he had his injured hand in mind.

71.3

.

Quicker but slightly shorter, GP stays back and keeps it out.

71.2

.

Loopy ball on off, Phillips prods forward and keeps it out.

71.1

.

Flatter and on off, GP goes back and keeps it out.

70.6

.

On a good length and outside off, de Grandhomme looks to defend but misses it.

70.5

.

Outside off, Colin makes a calm leave on this one.

70.4

.

On a good length on off, de Grandhomme defends it off the back foot.

70.3

.

Full again on off, Colin drives it towards mid off.

70.2

2

Full delivery outside off, de Grandhomme drives it uppishly towards covers where Wade jumps to go for the catch but it went wide of him. The batsmen get two runs.

70.1

.

On a good length on off, de Grandhomme keeps it out.

69.6

2

Short delivery outside off, Phillips punches it through point. The batsmen get two runs.

69.5

.

Flighted delivery outside off, Phillips offers no shot to this one.

69.4

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Phillips flicks it to mid-wicket.

69.3

.

Floated delivery on off, Phillips pushes it towards the bowler.

69.2

1

Full delivery on middle, de Grandhomme drives it through mid on for a single.

69.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, de Grandhomme defends it off the front foot.

Drinks Break!

68.6

.

Full delivery on off, Phillips drives it to covers.

68.5

1

On a good length on off, de Grandhomme looks to defend but gets a leading edge. It goes towards covers for a single.

68.4

.

BEATEN! Full and outside off, Colin looks to drive but misses it.

68.3

.

Good length delivery on middle, de Grandhomme blocks it well.

68.2

.

On a good length on off, de Grandhomme defends it off the back foot.

68.1

.

Full delivery on off, Colin drives it to covers.

67.6

.

The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.

67.5

.

Floated delivery on middle, Phillips blocks it off the front foot.

67.4

.

Short delivery on off, Phillips cuts it to point.

67.3

.

The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot.

67.2

.

Flighted delivery outside off, Phillips leaves it alone.

67.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Philipps defends it off the front foot.

66.6

.

Full delivery on middle, de Grandhomme flicks it to mid-wicket.

Colin de Grandhomme is the next batsman in.

66.5

W

OUT! Drags it on! Half the side back in the hut for New Zealand! Once again the bowling change works wonders but that is a poor, poor shot Watling. There was no need of going after that one. It is way too wide and full and outside off, BJ goes after it away from the body. Ends up getting an inside edge onto the stumps. Another important wicket as Watling can play for a long period. The Kiwis still trail by 291.

66.4

1

Full delivery on middle, Phillips flicks it through square leg for a single.

66.3

.

On a good length on off, Phillips blocks it off the back foot.

66.2

.

BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, Phillips looks to defend but misses it.

66.1

.

On a good length on off, Phillips defends it off the back foot.

Mitchell Starc is back on. 12-1-34-0 are his figures so far.

65.6

1

Short delivery on middle, Phillips pulls it towards square leg for a run.

65.5

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Phillips blocks it off the back foot.

65.4

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Phillips flicks it towards the leg side.

65.3

.

Floated delivery on middle, Phillips blocks it off the front foot.

65.2

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Glenn punches it to point.

65.1

.

Flighted delivery on off, Phillips defends it off the front foot.

It has gotten Hazey out there!

64.6

.

On a good length on off, BJ defends it off the front foot.

64.5

.

Bowls a bouncer down the leg side, Watling ducks under it.

64.4

.

Good length delivery on middle, Watling defends it off the back foot.

64.3

.

NOT OUT! It indeed is not off the glove and it is off the arm guard! Australia have now lost both their reviews. A good short one this on the body. Watling is taken by surprise. He looks to duck at it at the very end but the ball hits the arm and lobs towards short leg. Wade takes it and appeals. The umpire shakes his head. There is a disucssion between the Australian players and then Paine reviews. Replays show the on-field call is the right one.

Review time! This time it is by Australia as an appeal for a catch at short leg has been turned down. That does not seem off the glove.

64.2

1

Short delivery on middle, Phillips pulls it towards square leg for a run.

64.1

.

On a good length on off, Phillips defends it off the front foot.

63.6

.

Loopy delivery on middle, BJ keeps it out.

63.5

4

FOUR! What a shot! Full delivery outside off, Watling drives it through covers for a boundary.

63.4

.

Floated delivery on middle, Watling comes forward and blocks it.

63.3

.

Full delivery on off, Watling drives it towards silly point.

63.2

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Watling blocks it off the front foot.

63.1

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Watling flicks it to mid-wicket.

62.6

.

Full delivery on off, Glenn drives it back towards the bowler.

62.5

.

Short delivery on middle, Phillips looks to pull but gets hit on the gloves.

62.4

.

On a good length on middle, Phillips defends it off the front foot.

62.3

.

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

62.2

3

Misfield and three runs! A full toss on off, Watling strokes it towards mid off where Pattinson lets it through. The fielder from covers then runs after it and does the mopping up job.Three taken.

62.1

.

On the off pole, kept out.

61.6

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Phillips defends it off the back foot.

61.5

.

Close! Was that a chance? Lyon tosses it up outside off, Phillips looks to defend but the ball turns back in. It seems like it has taken the inside edge, then hit the pads and lobbed to the left of silly point. Labuschagne dives but fails to reach it. Replays though show that it was straight of the pad.

61.4

.

Loopy delivery outside off, Phillips offers no shot to this one.

61.3

4

FOUR! That is put away! Short delivery on middle, Phillips pulls it over square leg for a boundary.

61.2

.

Flighted delivery on off, Phillips looks to defend but gets hit on the thigh pad. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head. Paine was not interested in going for the review.

61.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Phillips defends it off the back foot.

60.6

.

On a length on middle, Watling flicks it to square leg.

60.5

.

Good length delivery on middle, BJ blocks it off the front foot.

60.4

.

Full delivery on middle, Watling plays it to mid on.

60.3

.

Good length delivery on middle, Watling keeps it out.

60.2

.

On a good length on off, Watling defends it off the front foot.

60.1

1

Short delivery on leg, Phillips looks to pull but gets it off the glove. It goes towards square leg. The batsmen cross ends.

59.6

.

Floated delivery on off, BJ keeps it out.

59.5

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Watling blocks it off the front foot.

59.4

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, BJ defends it out.

59.3

.

Outside off, Watling shoulders arms to this one.

59.2

1

Flighted delivery on off, Phillips plays it towards point for a single.

59.1

1

Tossed up delivery on off, Watling taps it towards covers for a run.

58.6

.

Good length delivery on off, Phillips defends it off the back foot.

58.5

.

Bowls it down the leg side, Phillips looks to flick but misses it.

58.4

.

On off, Phillips blocks it well.

58.3

.

On a good length on middle, Glenn keeps it out.

58.2

.

Good length delivery on middle, Phillips blocks it off the front foot.

58.1

.

On a good length on off, Phillips defends it off the front foot.

57.6

.

On a good length on middle, Watling flicks it towards the leg side.

57.5

.

Length delivery on off, Watling punches it to point.

57.4

.

Flighted delivery on off, BJ blocks it off the front foot.

57.3

.

Loopy delivery on off, Watling taps it to point.

57.2

.

Floated delivery on off, Watling punches it to point.

57.1

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Watling flicks it to mid-wicket.

56.6

.

Bowls a bouncer, Phillips ducks under it.

56.5

.

Good length delivery on middle, Phillips keeps it out.

56.4

.

On a good length on off, Phillips blocks it off the front foot.

56.3

.

Outside off, Phillips leaves it alone.

56.2

1

Full delivery on middle, Watling flicks it through square leg for a single.

BJ Watling is the new man in.

56.1

W

OUT! The impact is umpire's call and Taylor is a goner! With Williamson not in the side, this is probably the biggest wicket. Cummins strikes on his first delivery after Lunch and New Zealand in big trouble now. It is on a length and around off, it pitches and straightens a touch. Taylor plays down the wrong line. It goes past the outside edge and then hits the pad. An appeal and up goes the finger. Taylor almost starts walking off but then waits and reviews. Time for the replays and it shows the on-field call will remain. New Zealand still trail by another 309 runs.

An appeal for lbw! GIVEN! Ross Taylor has taken the review. Big moment in the game this. Looks out.

Pat Cummins to bowl from the other end. 13-4-26-1 are his figures so far.

55.6

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Glenn defends it off the front foot.

55.5

1

Floated delivery on off, Taylor punches it towards mid on and they take a run.

55.4

.

BEATEN! Flighted delivery outside off, Taylor looks to sweep but misses it and gets hit on the thigh pad.

55.3

.

Loopy delivery on off, Taylor blocks it off the back foot.

55.2

3

Flighted delivery on off, Phillips drives it through mid off. The fielder chases it and does well to stop it. The batsmen get three runs.

55.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Phillips pushes it back towards the bowler.

We are back for the second session. The Australian players are out in the middle. Ross Taylor and Glenn Phillips will resume their innings for the visitors. Nathan Lyon will start the proceedings for the second session.

... Day 3, Session 2 ...

Nathan Lyon says more than the injury, he is more frustrated to drop the catch which was quite easy. Further adds Phillips seems to be a copy of Steven Smith and it will be interesting to bowl to him and he is looking forward for the challenge.

That's the last over and the umpire pushes the bails off the stumps! Australia's effort to try and sneak in another over by giving it to Head goes in vain, also, it was an expensive last over before Lunch. The hosts though won't mind as it is a good session for them. Three wickets is what they have managed. Lyon got Blundell early today. Raval and Latham then put up another decent stand before Lyon got Jeet. Immediately after the fall of Raval, Latham perished one short of a half ton. Australia could have had another had Lyon not dropped Phillips of his own bowling. New Zealand though will be relieved that happened and they would want him to make use of the life he got. Also, a lot will be dependent on Taylor here as the Kiwis will want him to play long and the rest to play around him. Can they do so? Will the fightback continue or will the visitors surrender? Join us in a while to find out but for now, the star of the first session, Lyon is giving an interview.

54.6

4

FOUR! Good shot. Tossed up delivery on off, Taylor drives it through covers for a boundary. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 3!

54.5

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Taylor blocks it off the back foot.

54.4

4

FOUR! Excellent shot. Full and outside off, Taylor drives it through covers for a boundary.

54.3

.

Floated delivery on off, Taylor blocks it off the back foot.

54.2

2

Short delivery on middle, Taylor pulls it through mid-wicket. The batsmen pick up a couple.

54.1

.

Flighted delivery on off, Taylor offers a solid defense on this one.

Travis Head is brought back on! He is brought on as Australia want to get one more out of Lyon before Lunch. We will probably see him rush through this over.

53.6

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Phillips drives it to point.

53.5

.

The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.

53.4

.

Flighted delivery on off, Phillips looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

53.3

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Phillips nudges it towards the leg side.

53.2

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Phillips flicks it to mid-wicket.

53.1

.

Flighted delivery on off, Phillips blocks it off the front foot.

52.6

.

Good length delivery on middle, Taylor defends it out.

52.5

.

On a good length on middle, Taylor looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad.

52.4

1

Short and outside off, Phillips slaps it through covers for a run.

52.3

.

Length delivery on middle, Phillips flicks it to square leg.

52.2

1

On a good length on middle, Taylor looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It goes towards the leg side. The batsmen cross ends.

52.1

4

FOUR! Cracking shot. Short and outside off, Taylor cuts it through point for a boundary.

51.6

.

Flighted delivery on off, Phillips defends it out.

51.5

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Phillips defends it off the back foot.

The physio is out! There is blood dripping out of Lyon's thumb. He must have hurt himself while taking the catch. He has got his thumb strapped now and is all set to bowl.

51.4

.

DROPPED! Lyon drops a sitter. Floated delivery on off, Phillips drives it uppishly towards the bowler where Lyon tries to take the catch but spills it. Lyon could not get his hands in the right position there and in the end, it hits his thumb and then falls onto the ground. He has hurt himself in the process.

51.3

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Phillips defends it off the back foot.

51.2

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Phillips looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It goes to short leg where Wade dives but it goes past him.

51.1

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Phillips looks to defend but gets hit on the thigh pad.

Change of ends for Nathan Lyon.

50.6

.

Good length delivery on middle, Taylor defends it off the back foot.

50.5

.

On a good length on leg, Taylor looks to flick but gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head.

50.4

.

Joe Burns with an absolutely brilliant effort in the field! He almost inflicted a run out there. It is a full ball around off, Taylor creams it towards cover. He sets off thinking it would beat the fielder easily but Burns there dives to his right, sticks his right hand out and stops it brilliantly. Taylor seeing that has to rush back to his crease. Luckily for him though Burns fails to collect it cleanly, he looks to pick it up but fails to do so in the second attempt, does not in the third attempt and has a shy he misses but also Taylor had made it back till then.

50.3

2

Length delivery on middle, Taylor flicks it towards fine leg. The fielder chases it, slides and does well to pull it back just before the ropes. The batsmen get two runs.

50.2

4

FOUR! On a good length on off, Taylor looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man for a boundary.

50.1

.

Good length delivery on off, Taylor offers a solid defense on this one.

James Pattinson is back on. Strange as Lyon had just taken a wicket in his last over. Maybe because Pattinson has created problems for Taylor in this series and hence, they want him to have another go at him.

49.6

.

Good length delivery on off, Phillips defends it off the back foot.

49.5

.

Bowls it down the leg side, Phillips offers no shot to this one.

49.4

2

First Test runs for Glenn Phillips on debut. On a length on middle, Phillips tucks it through square leg. The batsmen get two runs.

49.3

.

On a good length on off, Phillips blocks it off the back foot.

Glenn Phillips walks out to bat next.

49.2

W

OUT! One brings two and that is exactly the case here! A soft, soft dismissal this. Latham walks off ever so slowly as he can't believe what just happened. Cummins goes full and on middle, Latham looks to drive it through mid on but the ball sticks in the surface. He ends up chipping an easy catch to wide mid on where Starc makes no mistake. Both the set batters are back in the hut now. Two new batsmen out in the middle with still just under 30 minutes to go for Lunch. Australia will probably want atleast one more.

49.1

.

On a good length on off, Latham keeps it out.

Ross Taylor is the new batsman in.

48.6

W

OUT! No bat and that is plumb in front! Three reds and Raval is out of here, he takes a review along with him. Excellent bowling change for the Aussies. Lyon once again proves to be the man who provides the breakthrough. It is tossed up on middle, it pitches and straightens a little bit. Raval prods forward and tries to defend but misses to get hit on the pads. An appeal and up goes the finger immediately. Raval walks upto his partner and has a chat. The seconds are dying but just in time he signals the 'T'. Replays roll in and it shows the on-field call to be right one. A good wicket this, Raval was looking nice and fluent out there. He though will be disappointed he could not make much of the start he got. The Kiwis still trail by another 337 runs.

Raval just about reviews in time! He has been given out lBW. He had a long chat with Latham and then reviews. Looks out if not bat.

48.5

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Raval nudges it towards the leg side.

48.4

.

Outside off, Raval shoulders arms to this one.

48.3

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Raval blocks it well.

48.2

1

Floated delivery on middle, Latham flicks it through square leg. The batsmen take a run.

48.1

2

Overthrow! This is on the pads, it is worked towards square leg for one. Cummins there runs to his right and he looks to throw it with a dive forward but it is a wild one. It is away from the keeper and also from the one backing up. Another run is taken.

Nathan Lyon is back on. 14-5-23-1 are his figures so far.

47.6

.

On a good length on off, Raval keeps it out.

47.5

.

Short delivery down the leg side, Raval lets it go.

47.4

.

Good length delivery on middle, Raval blocks it well.

47.3

.

Bowls a bouncer, Raval does well to duck under it.

47.2

.

On a good length on off, Raval blocks it off the back foot.

47.1

.

Outside off, Raval does not bother to play at that.

46.6

.

On a good length on middle, Latham looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad.

46.5

1

Length delivery on middle, Raval flicks it through square leg for a run.

46.4

.

Outside off, Raval offers no shot to this one.

46.3

4

FOUR! Nice shot. Short delivery on middle, Raval pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

46.2

.

On a good length on off, Raval defends it off the back foot.

46.1

.

On a length on middle, Raval flicks it to mid-wicket.

45.6

.

On middle, Tom keeps it out.

45.5

.

On a good length on off, Latham defends it off the back foot.

45.4

.

Bowls a bouncer, Latham does well to duck under it.

45.3

1

Length delivery on middle, Raval flicks it through square leg for a single.

45.2

.

On a length on leg, Raval looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad.

45.1

.

Length delivery on middle, Raval nudges it towards the leg side.

44.6

.

Good length delivery on leg, Latham flicks it towards the leg side.

44.5

.

On a length on middle, Tom flicks it to mid-wicket.

44.4

.

Length delivery on off, Latham taps it to point.

44.3

.

On a good length on off, Latham defends it off the front foot.

44.2

.

Outside off, Latham shoulders arms to this one.

44.1

1

Length delivery on middle, Raval flicks it through square leg for a single.

Drinks Break!

43.6

1

Length delivery on middle, Raval flicks it through square leg for a single.

43.5

.

On a length and outside off, Jeet taps it to point.

43.4

.

Length delivery outside off, Raval punches it to covers.

43.3

4

FOUR! Cracking shot. Short and outside off, Raval cuts it through point for a boundary.

43.2

.

On a length on off, Raval taps it towards gully where Warner does well to stop it.

43.1

.

On a good length on middle, Raval defends it off the back foot.

Pat Cummins is back on. 9-3-18-0 are his figures so far.

42.6

.

Outside off, Latham lets it go.

42.5

2

Length delivery outside off, Latham punches it through point. The batsmen get two runs.

42.4

1

Short delivery on leg, Raval pulls it towards fine leg. The batsmen cross ends. 100 up for New Zealand.

42.3

.

Outside off, Raval offers no shot to this one.

42.2

4

FOUR! That is put away! Short delivery on middle, Raval pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

42.1

1

On a length on middle, Latham flicks it through square leg for a run.

41.6

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Raval guides it to short third man.

41.5

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Raval nudges it towards the leg side.

41.4

.

Flighted delivery on off, Raval drives it to mid off.

41.3

.

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

41.2

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Latham sweeps it towards short leg where it hits Wade again. This time it hits the pads of Wade and it goes towards the leg side. The batsmen take a run.

41.1

.

Flighted delivery on off, Latham keeps it out.

40.6

.

Outside off, Raval lets it go.

40.5

.

Back of a length delivery on off, Raval looks to cut but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

40.4

4

FOUR! Full and outside off, Raval looks to drive but gets an outside edge. It goes through point for a boundary.

40.3

.

Outside off, Raval offers no shot to this one.

40.2

.

On a good length on off, Raval blocks it well.

40.1

.

Full delivery on middle, Raval drives it towards mid on.

James Pattinson is on now!

39.6

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Latham blocks it off the back foot.

39.5

.

Floated delivery on off, Latham plays it to point.

39.4

3

Full delivery on off, Raval drives it through covers. Cummins chases it and does well to stop it before the ropes. The batsmen get three runs.

39.3

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Raval blocks it off the front foot.

39.2

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Raval plays it towards covers.

39.1

.

That is a beauty! Just unplayable! It lands on middle, Raval does nothing wrong as he lunges to defend the original trajectory. The ball pitches and then turns away sharply. It goes past the outside edge and the off pole.

38.6

1

Bowls a yorker on off, Raval digs it out and plays it towards point for a single.

38.5

.

Full delivery on off, Raval looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

38.4

1

On a length on middle, Latham flicks it towards fine leg for a single.

38.3

.

Bowls a bouncer outside off, Latham sways away from it.

38.2

3

Length delivery on middle, Raval flicks it through mid-wicket again. The batsmen get three runs.

38.1

3

On a length on middle, Latham flicks it through mid-wicket. The fielder chases it and does well to stop it. The batsmen get three runs.

37.6

.

Flighted delivery on off, Raval defends it off the back foot.

37.5

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Raval defends it out.

37.4

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Raval blocks it off the front foot.

37.3

.

Floated delivery outside off, Raval shoulders arms to this one.

37.2

2

Nicely played for a couple! It is on the leg stump, Raval works it against the turn through mid-wicket and bags two. A risky shot against the turn that on this wicket.

37.1

.

Down the leg side, Raval looks to flick but misses. Paine fails to collect it cleanly but no runs conceded.

36.6

1

Length delivery on middle, Raval flicks it towards mid-wicket. The batsmen cross ends.

36.5

.

On a good length on off, Raval blocks it off the front foot.

36.4

.

Length delivery on leg, Raval flicks it towards square leg.

36.3

.

Good length delivery on off, Raval blocks it well.

36.2

.

Outside off, Raval offers no shot to this one.

36.1

.

BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Raval looks to defend but misses it.

35.6

.

BEATEN! Flighted delivery outside off, Latham looks to defend but misses it due to the turn on this one.

35.5

4

EDGE AND FOUR! Short delivery outside off, Latham looks to cut but gets an outside edge. It goes wide of first slip towards third man for a boundary.

35.4

.

Floated delivery on middle, Latham keeps it out.

35.3

.

Full delivery on off, Latham drives it back towards the bowler.

35.2

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Latham defends it off the front foot.

35.1

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Latham defends it off the back foot.

34.6

1

Full delivery outside off, Latham drives it towards mid off for a single.

34.5

.

Good length delivery on middle, Latham blocks it off the back foot.

34.4

.

Bowls a bouncer outside off, Latham sways away from it.

34.3

.

On a length on off, Latham punches it to covers.

34.2

.

Outside off, Latham leaves it alone.

34.1

2

Full delivery outside off, Latham looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man. The batsmen pick up a couple.

33.6

.

Floated delivery on middle, Raval blocks it off the back foot.

Jeet Raval is the next batsman in.

33.5

W

OUT! Drags it on! Australia draw first blood and early on Day 3. Just the start they would have wanted. However, this is probably the worst delivery bowled by Lyon today and he gets a wicket on it. It is short and on middle, Blundell goes back and looks to flick it through the leg side but misses. It hits the pad and then deflects onto the stumps. Tom Blundell never looked comfortable against the offie and he finally falls to him. A solid opening stand comes to an end.

33.4

.

Loopy delivery outside off, Blundell offers no shot to this one.

33.3

.

Floated delivery on middle, Blundell defends it out.

33.2

.

Tossed up delivery outside off, Blundell looks to drive but misses it.

33.1

.

Flighted delivery on off, Blundell looks to defend but gets hit on the thigh pad.

32.6

.

Good length delivery on off, Latham defends it off the front foot.

32.5

4

FOUR! Poor delivery from Starc. Length delivery on leg, Latham flicks it towards fine leg for a boundary.

32.4

.

On a good length on middle, Latham blocks it well.

32.3

.

Good length delivery on off, Latham blocks it off the back foot.

32.2

.

Full delivery on middle, Latham drives it to mid on.

32.1

.

On a good length on off, Latham defends it off the back foot.

31.6

.

Floated delivery on middle, Blundell looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

31.5

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Blundell keeps it out.

31.4

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Blundell flicks it towards the leg side.

31.3

.

Floated delivery on middle, Blundell defends it towards short leg.

31.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Blundell blocks it well.

31.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Blundell defends it off the back foot.

Nathan Lyon is on now! So just the one over for Head. Maybe they gave that over to Head so that they can change Lyon's ends.

30.6

.

Full delivery on off, Latham looks to defend but gets a bottom edge on this one. It goes towards the keeper on one bounce.

30.5

.

Outside off, Latham does not bother to play at that.

30.4

.

Full delivery on off, Latham drives it to covers.

30.3

.

On a good length on off, Latham keeps it out.

30.2

.

Good length delivery on off, Latham defends it off the back foot.

30.1

.

On a good length and outside off, Latham shoulders arms to this one.

Mitchell Starc to bowl from the other end.

29.6

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Blundell blocks it off the back foot.

29.5

1

Flighted delivery on off, Latham punches it towards point for a run.

29.4

.

Floated delivery on middle, Latham blocks it off the front foot.

29.3

.

Loopy delivery on off, Latham keeps it out.

29.2

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Latham blocks it off the front foot.

29.1

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Latham defends it out.

We are all set to begin Day 3. The Australian players are out in the middle. Tom Latham and Tom Blundell will resume their innings for the visitors. Who will start proceedings for the hosts? Starc, Cummins or Lyon? Well, surprise, surprise, it is Travis Head who has the ball in hand. Strange move by Australia but maybe with a left-hander on strike, they wanted an offie to bowl, Lyon bowled the last over yesterday so Head is another option. Here we go...

Hello and a warm welcome to Day 3 of the final Test between Australia and New Zealand. Probably for the first time in this series we saw some fight from the visitors. However, they need to keep that going as they are still quite behind in this game. They trail by another 391 runs, that though is secondary as their first aim will be to avoid the follow-on. They would hope the current pair which is set to continue the good work and the rest to also contribute when their chance arrives. Australia, on the other hand, will be looking to pick wickets at regular intervals. The wicket did offer some purchase to the bowlers yesterday. It will be interesting to see how it plays today.

... Day 3, Session 1 ...

Day 2 though was all about Labuschagne and he was the one who led the Australian team off the field. It was the right-hander's effort who took his side to an excellent total. It is because of him the Aussies are ahead in the game at the moment. However, wickets is what they will be needing on Day 3 to strengthen their hold on this game. The wicket is offering some assistance to the spinners so it will be another testing day. Join us for all the action on 5th January 2020 at 1030 local (2330 GMT, Previous Day). Till then, take care and goodbye!

Overall, it has been a good day for the visitors, probably the only day till now in the series where you can give it to the Kiwis. First they managed to take 7 wickets for around 170 runs and then played the last session out without losing a wicket. They have brought down the deficit to below 400 and now with all the 10 wickets in hand, they would hope to do another thing which they haven't so far, that is bat the whole day on Sunday.

A tremendous session for the visitors! A wicketless one, their first wicketless session in this series. The two openers have showed great fight and determination to battle it out and move into Day 3 unscathed.

28.6

.

Loopy delivery on off, Blundell keeps it out. THAT WILL BE STUMPS ON DAY 2!

28.5

.

Flighted delivery on off, Blundell blocks it off the front foot.

28.4

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Latham nudges it towards square leg for a single.

28.3

.

Floated delivery on middle, Latham comes down the track and blocks it.

28.2

.

Flighted delivery on off, Latham blocks it well.

28.1

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Latham defends it off the back foot.

27.6

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Blundell defends it out.

27.5

.

Loopy delivery on off, Blundell punches it to covers.

27.4

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Latham flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run.

27.3

.

Floated delivery on leg, Latham looks to flick but gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head.

27.2

.

Tossed up delivery on leg, Latham flicks it towards short fine leg.

The physio is out to have a look. Probably change of helmets for Wade. He is fine now and we are all set to resume.

27.1

.

BANG! Wade is down on the ground! That hit him right on the helmet. A short one on middle, Latham goes back and pulls it hard. It hits the helmet of Wade and then he tries to grab it but the ball pops out. Latham shows excellent sportsmanship to walk up to him and ask him how is he feeling! Also, credit to Wade too, he was hit on the head but still tried to catch the ball. Excellent stuff all around.

Marnus Labuschagne is on now!

26.6

.

Loopy delivery on off, Blundell keeps it out.

26.5

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Blundell defends it off the back foot.

26.4

.

Well played again! This lands outside off and it turns back in. Blundell plays it with the turn towards mid-wicket. He is playing the ball nice and late.

26.3

.

Ohh! This is on off and it is slightly shorter. Skids through. Blundell gets his bat down in time and keeps it out.

26.2

.

Slower through the air and on off, it is worked with the turn to mid-wicket.

26.1

.

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

Nathan Lyon is back on. 6-2-12-0 are his figures so far.

25.6

.

Outside off, Latham does not bother to play at that.

25.5

.

Bowls it down the leg side, Latham lets it go.

25.4

.

Good length delivery on off, Latham defends it off the front foot.

25.3

1

Length delivery on middle, Blundell tucks it towards square leg for a single.

25.2

.

Outside off, Blundell offers no shot to this one.

25.1

.

On a good length on off, Blundell blocks it off the front foot.

24.6

.

Good length delivery outside off, Latham shoulders arms to this one.

24.5

.

Outside off, Latham offers no shot to this one.

24.4

.

On a length on middle, Latham defends it to mid-wicket.

24.3

1

Length delivery on middle, Blundell flicks it towards square leg for a run.

24.2

4

FOUR! Excellent shot. Full and outside off, Blundell drives it beautifully through covers for a boundary.

24.1

.

Good length delivery on off, Blundell defends it off the back foot.

23.6

.

On a length on middle, Latham defends it back towards the bowler.

23.5

.

Full delivery on middle, Latham drives it back towards the bowler.

23.4

1

Length delivery on off, Blundell plays it towards covers. The batsmen cross ends.

23.3

2

On a good length on off, Blundell looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man. The fielder chases it and does well to stop it. The batsmen get two runs.

23.2

.

Outside off, Blundell offers no shot to this one.

23.1

.

Starc bowls it down the leg side, Blundell looks to flick but misses it.

22.6

.

On a good length on off, Latham defends it off the front foot.

22.5

1

Full delivery on off, Blundell drives it through covers for a run.

22.4

.

Length delivery on off, Blundell plays it to point.

22.3

.

On a good length and outside off, Blundell looks to defend but misses it.

22.2

.

Good length delivery on off, Blundell blocks it off the front foot.

22.1

.

On a good length on off, Blundell defends it off the front foot.

21.6

.

Bowls a bouncer outside off, Latham lets it sail through to the keeper.

21.5

.

Again outside off, Latham does not bother to play at that.

21.4

.

Outside off, Latham shoulders arms to this one.

21.3

.

Good length delivery on off, Latham defends it off the front foot.

21.2

2

Full delivery on middle, Latham flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs. 50 is up for New Zealand and the best thing is they have not lost a wicket.

21.1

.

Outside off, Latham offers no shot to this one.

Mitchell Starc is back on. 4-0-12-0 are his figures so far.

20.6

4

EDGE AND FOUR! On a good length on off, Blundell looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man for a boundary.

20.5

.

On a good length on middle, Blundell defends it off the front foot.

20.4

.

Good length delivery on middle, Blundell defends it out.

20.3

.

On a good length on off, Blundell blocks it off the back foot.

20.2

4

FOUR! Full and outside off, Blundell looks to drive but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man for a boundary.

20.1

.

NOT OUT! Nothing on Snicko and nothing on Ultra Edge which means the on-field call stays and Australia lose a review. There wasn't a sound actually when the ball passed the bat. Cummins bowls a full ball outside off, Blundell goes after it away from his body but misses. Paine takes it and appeals but the umpire shakes his head. Cummins and Paine seem confident however, Smith does not look interested. Paine eventually goes for the review and replays show there is absolutely nothing.

Is there an edge? Australia are pretty confident but the umpire head nothing. Paine signals the 'T'.

19.6

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Latham keeps it out.

19.5

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Latham defends it off the back foot.

19.4

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Latham looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad.

19.3

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Latham flicks it to mid-wicket.

19.2

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Blundell flicks it towards square leg for a run.

19.1

2

Flighted delivery on middle, Blundell flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.

18.6

.

On a good length on off, Latham blocks it off the back foot.

18.5

.

Bowls a bouncer, Latham does well to duck under it.

18.4

.

Outside off, Latham offers no shot to this one.

18.3

1

Short delivery on middle, Blundell pulls it towards square leg for a run.

18.2

.

Good length delivery on middle, Blundell defends it out.

18.1

.

On a good length on off, Blundell defends it off the back foot.

17.6

.

Flighted delivery on off, Latham comes down the track and defends it.

17.5

.

Good length delivery on off, Latham defends it off the front foot.

17.4

.

On a length on middle, Latham nudges it towards the leg side.

17.3

.

Floated delivery on middle, Latham comes down the track and blocks it.

17.2

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Latham flicks it towards the leg side.

17.1

3

Flighted delivery on middle, Blundell flicks it through mid-wicket. The fielder chases it and does well to stop it. The batsmen get three runs.

16.6

.

On a length on off, Latham punches it to point.

16.5

.

Length delivery on off, Latham blocks it off the back foot.

16.4

.

Bowls a bouncer, Latham lets it sail through to the keeper.

16.3

1

On a length on middle, Blundell flicks it through square leg for a run.

16.2

.

Good length delivery on middle, Blundell blocks it off the back foot.

16.1

.

On a good length on off, Blundell defends it off the front foot.

Pat Cummins is back on.

15.6

1

The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot. One run added to the total.

15.5

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Blundell offers no stroke and gets hit on the thigh pad.

15.4

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Blundell defends it out.

15.3

.

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

15.2

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Blundell looks to defend but gets hit on the thigh pad.

15.1

2lb

Flighted delivery on off, Blundell looks to defend but gets hit on the pads. The ball kept very low. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head. It goes towards the off side. The batsmen get two runs. The umpire gives it as leg byes.

14.6

.

On a good length on off, Latham defends it off the back foot.

14.5

.

Short delivery down the leg side, Latham does not bother to play at that.

14.4

.

On a good length on off, Latham keeps it out.

14.3

.

Good length delivery on off, Latham defends it off the back foot.

14.2

2

Full delivery on off, Latham drives it through covers. The batsmen get two runs.

14.1

.

On a good length on off, Latham defends it off the back foot.

Drinks Break!

13.6

.

Loopy delivery on off, Blundell blocks it well.

13.5

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Blundell defends it off the back foot.

13.4

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Blundell defends it out.

13.3

.

Floated delivery on off, Blundell offers a forward defense on this one.

13.2

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Blundell defends it off the front foot.

13.1

.

Flighted delivery on off, Blundell blocks it off the back foot.

12.6

2

Full delivery on middle, Latham flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.

12.5

.

Good length delivery on off, Latham blocks it off the front foot.

12.4

.

On a length on middle, Latham flicks it towards square leg.

12.3

1

Back of a length delivery on off, Blundell punches it towards mid off for a run.

12.2

.

Length delivery on middle, Blundell flicks it towards mid-wicket where the fielder makes a fine stop.

12.1

1

On a length on middle, Latham flicks it towards fine leg for a run.

11.6

.

Tossed up delivery outside off, Blundell offers no shot and gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head. Tim Paine discusses with Nathan Lyon and does not go for the review.

11.5

.

Floated delivery on middle, Blundell defends it out.

11.4

4

FOUR! Nice shot. Full delivery outside off, Blundell drives it through covers for a boundary.

11.3

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Blundell blocks it off the back foot.

11.2

.

On off, it turns back in. Blundell goes back and defends it.

11.1

1

Flatter and on middle, Latham goes back and works it through square leg for one.

10.6

.

Outside off, Blundell offers no shot to this one.

10.5

.

Good length delivery on off, Blundell blocks it well off the back foot.

10.4

.

On a length on middle, Blundell tucks it towards square leg.

10.3

.

Length delivery on middle, Blundell flicks it towards mid-wicket.

10.2

1b

On a good length and outside off, Latham leaves it alone. The ball goes towards Tim Paine who gets a bad bounce. He could not collect the ball cleanly and the batsmen steal a bye.

10.1

4

FOUR! Back of a length on off, Latham looks to guide but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man for a boundary.

9.6

.

Flighted delivery on off, Blundell keeps it out.

9.5

.

Outside off, Blundell offers no shot to this one.

9.4

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Blundell blocks it off the back foot.

9.3

.

Floated delivery on off, Blundell looks to cut but gets a bottom edge on this one.

9.2

.

Flighted delivery on off, Blundell guides it towards first slip. It goes to the fielder on one bounce.

9.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Blundell plays it back towards the bowler.

Nathan Lyon is into the attack.

8.6

.

On a good length and outside off, Latham leaves it alone.

8.5

.

Outside off, Latham lets it go.

8.4

.

Good length delivery on middle, Latham defends it out.

8.3

.

Again outside off, Latham shoulders arms to this one.

8.2

.

Outside off, Latham offers no shot to this one.

8.1

.

On a good length on off, Latham defends it off the front foot.

James Pattinson is into the attack.

7.6

.

Outside off, Blundell offers no shot to this one.

7.5

.

On a good length on off, Blundell blocks it off the front foot.

7.4

2

Short delivery on middle, Blundell pulls it through mid-wicket and gets off the maark. The batsmen get two runs.

7.3

.

On a length on middle, Blundell flicks it to mid-wicket.

7.2

.

Good length delivery on middle, Blundell defends it out.

7.1

.

On a good length on off, Blundell blocks it off the back foot.

6.6

.

On a good length on middle, Latham keeps it out.

6.5

.

Good length delivery on off, Latham blocks it well.

6.4

.

Again outside off, Latham makes a calm leave on this one.

6.3

.

Outside off, Latham offers no shot to this one.

6.2

4

FOUR! Nice shot. Full delivery on middle, Latham drives it through mid on for a boundary.

6.1

.

Good length delivery on off, Latham defends it off the front foot.

5.6

.

Short delivery on off, Blundell looks to pull but gets hit on the stomach.

5.5

.

Full and outside off, Blundell drives it to point.

5.4

.

Outside off, Blundell leaves it alone.

5.3

.

On a good length on middle, Blundell blocks it well.

5.2

.

Good length delivery on off, Blundell defends it off the front foot.

5.1

.

On a length on middle, Blundell flicks it to square leg.

4.6

.

Again outside off, Latham lets it go.

4.5

.

Outside off, Latham does not bother to play at that.

4.4

2

Length delivery on middle, Tom flicks it through square leg. The fielder chases it and does well to stop it just before the ropes. The batsmen get two runs.

4.3

2

Full and outside off, Latham drives it through covers. The batsmen get two runs.

4.2

.

On a good length and outside off, Latham offers no shot to this one.

4.1

.

Outside off, Latham shoulders arms to this one.

3.6

.

Outside off, Blundell makes a calm leave on this one.

3.5

.

Full delivery on middle, Blundell drives it towards mid on.

3.4

.

On a good length on off, Blundell keeps it out.

3.3

.

Good length delivery on off, Blundell drives it back towards the bowler.

3.2

.

On a good length and outside off, Blundell makes a calm leave on this one.

3.1

.

Outside off, Blundell lets it go.

2.6

.

Full delivery on off, Latham drives it back towards the bowler.

2.5

.

Outside off, Tom offers no shot to this one.

2.4

.

Good length delivery on off, Latham defends it off the back foot.

2.3

2

On a length on middle, Latham flicks it through square leg. The batsmen pick up a couple.

2.2

.

Length delivery on middle, Latham looks to nudge but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

2.1

.

On a good length and outside off, Latham leaves it alone.

1.6

.

BEATEN! Beauty of a delivery! On a good length and just outside off, it comes back in sharply. Blundell lunges to keep it out but the ball sneaks between the bat and the body. End of a lovely over by Cummins.

1.5

.

On a good length on leg, Blundell looks to flick but gets it off the thigh pad. It goes towards the keeper who appeals for caught behind but was not convinced with his decision.

1.4

.

Length delivery on middle, Blundell flicks it to mid-wicket.

1.3

.

Outside off, Blundell lets it go.

1.2

.

OUCH! That is a nasty, nasty delivery. This pitch is really starting to explode now. This has taken off from nowhere. It is a length ball around off, it pitches and then shoots off the surface. Blundell looks to leave but then seeing the extra bounce, he tries to take his arms out of the way. Too late and he is hit near the elbow.

1.1

.

BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Blundell looks to defend but misses it.

Pat Cummins to bowl from the other end.

0.6

.

Good length delivery outside off, Latham does not bother to play at that.

0.5

.

Outside off, Latham offers no shot to this one.

0.4

.

Bowls it down the leg side, Tom lets it go.

0.3

.

Short delivery on off, Latham looks to defend but it gets big on him. Latham though looks to keep it out by taking one hand off the handle. It hits the shoulder of the bat and lobs but lands just short of the gully fielder. A little bit of fortune there for Latham.

0.2

2

Length delivery on middle, Latham flicks it through square leg. The batsmen get two runs. Latham and New Zealand are off the mark.

0.1

.

Starc starts with a good length delivery outside off, Latham shoulders arms to this one.

It is over to the visitors' batters now to do the job. They haven't been that great so far and to add to that, the wicket seems to have started playing tricks. Their batting line-up does not seem that strong with the absentees of a few top players so it is a chance for the ones who have come in to prove their mettle. Can they do so against an excellent Australian bowling attack? Join us in a bit to find out.

For the Kiwis, their problem has been they are unable to take wickets at regular intervals. They take one, then there is a partnership formed, they take another one and then there is another partnership due to which they are always behind the 8-ball game. Also, they picked two spinners for this game and both were quite disappointing. They did take three wickets in total but it was towards the end and they were also a tad expensive. Colin de Grandhomme once again impressed and Wagner like always bowled his heart. Overall, it is not a performance the Kiwis will be happy with.

That�s the end of another excellent performance by the Australians with the bat. Once again Tim Paine�s decision to bat first has been justified. Once again they were successful in stringing partnerships after partnerships. One big one between Smith and Labuschagne which accounted for over 150 and a few handy ones around the 50-run mark. Also, quite a few batters for them got off to starts, they needed someone to bat long and make that start count, Labuschagne did so. A marathon innings by him which saw Australia head into a commanding position.

150.1

W

OUT! Knocked him over! Wagner gets the last wicket. It is on a length and just outside off, it jags back in sharply. Starc fails to put bat to ball and the middle stump is uprooted. AUSTRALIA HAVE BEEN BOWLED OUT FOR 454! Also, THAT WILL BE TEA!

149.6

1

Full on middle, Starc flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

149.5

.

Length delivery on off, Starc pushes it towards covers.

149.4

6

SIX! Amazing shot. Loopy delivery on middle, Starc lofts it over mid-wicket for a maximum.

149.3

.

Floated delivery on off, Starc punches it to point.

149.2

2

DROPPED! Flighted delivery on middle, Starc lofts it over mid on but does not get the distance. It goes towards the fielder who tries to take the catch with a dive but spills it. The batsmen get two runs.

149.1

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Starc defends it off the back foot.

148.6

.

Full delivery on middle, Lyon drives it towards mid on.

148.5

.

Short delivery on middle, Lyon pulls it safely towards mid-wicket.

148.4

.

One more short ball around off, it does not bounce a lot again. Lyon looks to pull but misses.

148.3

.

That kept very low! It is short and around middle, angling away. Lyon looks to pull but it dies off the pitch and goes over the stumps. This pitch has started playing tricks, not something the Australians would mind.

148.2

1

Slower one and on the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.

148.1

.

Very full and on off, Starc hits it back to the bowler.

147.6

.

Outside off, Lyon looks to sweep but misses it.

147.5

1

Full toss on middle, Starc sweeps it through square leg for a run.

147.4

2

Tossed up delivery on off, Starc pushes it towards point where the fielder fumbles. The batsmen get two runs.

147.3

1

Floated delivery on middle, Lyon sweeps it through mid-wicket. The batsmen cross ends.

147.2

1

Full toss on middle, Starc hits it through mid-wicket for a single.

147.1

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Starc flicks it towards short leg.

So Tea has been extended by 30 minutes as it is the last batting pair.

146.6

.

Bowls a yorker on middle, Lyon digs it out.

146.5

.

Short again, Lyon looks to pull but gets hit on the arm.

146.4

.

Full delivery on middle, Lyon drives it back towards the bowler.

146.3

1

Short of a length delivery on middle, Starc pulls it towards fine leg for a run.

146.2

.

Short delivery, Starc looks to pull but gets hit on the helmet.

146.1

.

Bowls it down the leg side, Starc looks to flick but misses it.

145.6

1

Floated delivery on middle, Starc flicks it towards fine leg. The batsmen cross ends.

145.5

1

Full on middle, Lyon sweeps it through square leg for a run.

145.4

.

Floated delivery outside off, Lyon looks to sweep but gets a bottom edge on it. It hits the pad and goes to Watling who dives to take the catch but it falls short of him.

145.3

.

Bowls a googly on middle, Lyon looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

145.2

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Lyon punches it towards the off side.

145.1

1

Flighted delivery on leg, Starc sweeps it through square leg for a single.

144.6

.

Bowls a bouncer outside off, Lyon looks to pull but misses it.

144.5

.

Full delivery on off, Lyon drives it to mid off.

144.4

.

Floated delivery on off, Nathan pushes it to covers.

144.3

.

Short delivery on off, Lyon looks to pull but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

144.2

.

BEATEN! Full and outside off, Lyon looks to defend but misses it.

144.1

1

On a length on middle, Starc flicks it towards square leg for a run.

143.6

4

FOUR! Full toss on middle, Lyon sweeps it through square leg for a boundary.

Nathan Lyon is the last man in.

143.5

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Australia lose their 9th wicket. Flighted delivery on middle, Cummins looks to flick but gets an inside edge. It goes straight to short leg where Glenn Phillips takes a simple catch.

143.4

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Cummins flicks it to square leg.

143.3

.

Floated delivery on off, Pat plays it to point.

143.2

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Cummins drives it towards mid off.

143.1

.

Floated delivery on middle, Cummins drives it back towards the bowler.

142.6

.

Full and on middle, Starc drives it to mid on.

142.5

4

FOUR! That is thrashed! Full and outside off, Starc drives it through mid off for a boundary and gets off the mark in style.

Mitchell Starc is the new batsman in.

142.4

W

OUT! TIMBER! That has rolled onto the stumps eventually! An unfortunate way to get dismissed though. It is a short ball and on middle, Pattinson looks to duck but the ball does not bounce as much as he expected it to. It hits the body first, then the glove, then the back of the bat and then rolls onto the stumps. Number 8 down, can Australia be dismissed in this session itself?

142.3

.

On off, Pattinson drives it back towards the bowler.

142.2

.

Full delivery on off, Pattinson drives it towards mid off.

142.1

1

On a length on middle, Cummins flicks it towards square leg for a run.

141.6

.

BEATEN! Flighted delivery outside off, Pattinson looks to defend but misses it.

141.5

.

Full delivery on middle, Pattinson drives it towards mid on.

Neil Wagner is back on.

141.4

.

Floated delivery on middle, Pattinson defends it out.

141.3

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Pattinson blocks it off the back foot.

141.2

1

Full delivery on off, Cummins drives it towards mid off for a run.

141.1

2

Floated delivery on middle, Cummins flicks it towards fine leg. The batsmen get two runs.

140.6

.

The batsman works it down the leg side.

140.5

.

Short delivery on middle, Pattinson pulls it towards square leg.

140.4

.

Floated delivery on leg, Pattinson looks to defend but gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head.

140.3

2lb

Loopy delivery on middle, Pattinson looks to flick but gets hit on the pads. It goes towards fine leg. The batsmen get two runs. The umpire gives it as leg byes.

140.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle, James flicks it towards short leg.

140.1

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Pattinson defends it off the back foot.

William Somerville is back on. 28-2-99-1 are his figures so far.

139.6

4

FOUR! Cummins is off the mark in style! Shorter and around off, Cummins stays back and pushes it through covers for a boundary.

139.5

.

The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads.

139.4

.

One more tossed up ball, it is blocked.

139.3

.

On off, blocked.

Pat Cummins walks out to bat next.

139.2

W

OUT! Caught and bowled! An innings of high caliber comes to an end in a soft, soft manner. Probably the first mistake Labuschagne commits and he falls. He too can't believe it as he stands there in disgust and then starts walking off. All the Kiwi players rush up to him and shake his hand. The crowd is giving him a standing ovation as he makes his way back. Astle is the man who gets him. This was smart bowling. He bowled a googly on the last ball and this time he bowls a leg spinner on off. Labuschagne does not pick. He feels it is another googly and hence, looks to work it with the turn towards long on but it sticks in the wicket and also turns away a little. Labuschagne ends up chipping it back towards the bowler who takes it with a leap. Can New Zealand now take the remaining three wickets quickly?

139.1

.

Bowls a googly on middle, Labuschagne looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad.

138.6

.

Full delivery on off, Pattinson drives it towards mid off.

138.5

.

Outside off, Pattinson offers no shot to this one.

138.4

1

Short again on off, Labuschagne pulls it through square leg. The batsmen cross ends.

138.3

1

Short delivery outside off, Pattinson cuts it through point for a single.

138.2

1

On a length and outside off, Labuschagne taps it towards point for a single.

138.1

.

Full delivery on middle, Marnus drives it back towards the bowler.

137.6

1

Full delivery on middle, Labuschagne drives it through mid on for a single.

137.5

1

Flighted delivery on off, James pushes it towards point for a run.

137.4

.

Floated delivery on middle, Pattinson flicks it to mid-wicket.

137.3

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Pattinson defends it out.

137.2

.

BEATEN! Flighted delivery outside off, Pattinson looks to defend but misses it.

137.1

1

Full delivery on off, Labuschagne drives it through mid off for a single.

Ok. Time for a new innings? Labuschagne is done with the previous chewing gum. Takes it out and throws it away. Then, takes out a fresh bubble gum and puts it in his mouth. All ready to go again. Also, James Pattinson is the new batsman in.

136.6

W

OUT! TIMBER! Paine falls once again after getting off to a start. He just played down the wrong line here. It lands around off and it comes back in a little. Paine leaves a big gap between pad and bat as he tries to defend. The ball sneaks through and hits the middle pole. Three-fer for Colin de Grandhomme.

136.5

.

Full again on off, Tim drives it towards mid off.

136.4

.

Full delivery on middle, Paine drives it to mid on.

136.3

1

Length delivery on middle, Labuschagne flicks it towards square leg for a run.

136.2

.

Length delivery on off, Marnus punches it to point.

136.1

.

On a length on middle, Labuschagne flicks it to square leg.

135.6

.

Loopy delivery on off, Paine keeps it out.

135.5

1

Punched off the back foot by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single.

135.4

.

BEATEN! Flighted delivery outside off, Labuschagne looks to defend but misses it.

135.3

2

Tossed up delivery on off, Marnus guides it towards third man. The batsmen get two runs.

135.2

2

Floated delivery on middle, Labuschagne comes down the track and drives it through mid on. The batsmen pick up a couple.

135.1

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Paine drives it through mid on for a single.

134.6

.

Full delivery on off, Marnus drives it to covers.

134.5

2

Short and outside off, Labuschagne cuts it through point. The batsmen get two runs.

134.4

.

Good length delivery on middle, Labuschagne defends it off the back foot.

134.3

4

FOUR! 200 for Marnus Labuschagne! What a player this lad is turning out to be. He is going from strength to strength. A standing ovation for him from the crowd here. Also, it is a huge moment for him as he has scored it in front of his father who is in the stadium. He gets there in a streaky manner but he won't care. It is a length ball around off, ML looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes down to the third man fence. Will we now see him change gears?

134.2

.

On a good length on off, Labuschagne defends it off the front foot.

134.1

.

Length delivery on middle, Marnus nudges it towards the leg side.

Colin de Grandhomme is back on. 21-1-68-2 are his figures so far.

133.6

4

FOUR! Poor delivery from Todd Astle. Short and outside off, Paine cuts it through point for a boundary.

133.5

.

Full delivery on middle, Tim drives it to mid on.

133.4

.

Floated delivery on middle, Paine defends it towards mid-wicket.

133.3

.

Loopy delivery on off, Paine drives it to covers.

133.2

.

Full delivery on middle, Paine drives it towards mid on.

133.1

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Paine defends it off the front foot.

Drinks Break!

132.6

.

BEATEN! Marnus survives. On a good length and outside off, Labuschagne looks to defend but misses it.

132.5

1

On a length on off, Paine plays it towards covers for a single.

132.4

.

Good length delivery on off, Paine blocks it off the back foot.

132.3

.

On a good length on leg, Paine looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad.

132.2

.

Good length delivery on middle, Paine keeps it out.

132.1

.

On a good length on off, Paine defends it off the front foot.

131.6

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Paine flicks it through square leg for a run.

131.5

.

Floated delivery on off, Paine defends it off the front foot.

131.4

.

Short delivery on off, Paine cuts it to point.

131.3

.

Loopy delivery on off, Paine keeps it out.

131.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Paine defends it off the front foot.

131.1

.

Tossed up delivery down the leg side, Paine looks to flick but misses it.

130.6

.

On a length on off, Labuschagne plays it to covers.

130.5

.

Good length delivery on off, Marnus defends it off the back foot.

130.4

.

Length delivery on middle, Labuschagne flicks it to mid-wicket.

130.3

1

On a length on off, Paine pushes it towards covers for a run.

130.2

.

Full delivery on off, Paine drives it towards mid off.

130.1

.

On a good length on off, Paine defends it off the front foot.

129.6

1

Short again and outside off, Paine cuts it towards point for a single.

129.5

1

Short and outside off, Marnus cuts it through point for a run.

129.4

.

BEATEN! Flighted delivery outside off, Labuschagne looks to defend but misses it due to the turn on this one.

129.3

1

Floated delivery on middle, Paine defends it towards point for a run.

129.2

.

Tossed up delivery outside off, Paine leaves it alone.

129.1

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Labuschagne drives it through mid on for a single. Marnus moves to 198.

Todd Astle is back on.

128.6

.

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

128.5

1

On a length on middle, Labuschagne flicks it through square leg for a single.

128.4

3

On a length and outside off, Paine punches it through covers. The fielder chases it and does well to stop it before the ropes. The batsmen get three runs.

128.3

.

BEATEN! Short and outside off, Paine looks to cut but misses it.

128.2

1

Short delivery on middle, Labuschagne pulls it through square leg for a run.

128.1

.

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

127.6

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Marnus sweeps it through square leg for a single. 50-run stand is up between Labuschagne and Paine.

127.5

4

FOUR! Terrific shot. Flighted delivery on off, Labuschagne comes down the track and drives it through covers for a boundary.

127.4

.

Loopy delivery on off, Labuschagne defends it off the front foot.

127.3

1

Floated delivery on middle, Paine nudges it towards the leg side for a single.

127.2

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Tim blocks it well.

127.1

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Paine flicks it to mid-wicket.

126.6

.

On a length on off, Marnus plays it to covers.

126.5

.

Length delivery on off, Labuschagne defends it out.

126.4

.

On a good length on off, Marnus blocks it well.

126.3

.

Good length delivery on middle, Labuschagne keeps it out.

126.2

.

On a good length on off, Marnus defends it off the front foot.

126.1

.

Short of a length delivery, Labuschagne pulls it to mid-wicket.

125.6

.

Full delivery on middle, Paine drives it towards mid on.

125.5

.

Floated delivery on middle, Paine defends it towards the leg side.

125.4

.

Loopy delivery on off, Paine blocks it off the front foot.

125.3

.

Flighted delivery on middle, the skipper defends it towards mid-wicket.

125.2

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Paine nudges it towards the leg side.

125.1

2

Short delivery on off, Paine cuts it through point. The batsmen get two runs.

124.6

.

Bowls a bouncer, Labuschagne looks to pull but misses it.

124.5

1

Short delivery on middle, Paine pulls it towards square leg for a single.

124.4

.

Good length delivery on off, Paine looks to drive but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

124.3

.

On a good length on off, Paine blocks it off the front foot.

124.2

1

Short delivery on middle, Labuschagne pulls it towards fine leg for a single.

124.1

4

FOUR! On a good length on off, Labuschagne looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man for a boundary. This is the highest Test score for Marnus Labuschagne.

Matt Henry is back on. 27-2-81-1 are his figures so far.

123.6

.

Floated delivery on middle, Paine comes down the track and plays it back towards the bowler.

123.5

.

The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.

123.4

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Marnus comes down the track and drives it towards long on for a run.

123.3

.

Full delivery on middle, Labuschagne drives it towards mid on.

123.2

1lb

Tossed up delivery on leg, Paine looks to play a reverse sweep but misses it and gets hit on the pads. It goes towards the leg side. The batsmen take a run. The umpire gives it as a leg bye.

123.1

.

Flighted delivery on leg, Paine looks to flick but gets it off his pads. It goes towards the leg side.

122.6

.

On a good length on off, Marnus keeps it out.

122.5

.

Outside off, Labuschagne offers no shot to this one.

122.4

1

Short delivery on middle, Paine pulls it through mid-wicket. The batsmen cross ends.

122.3

.

Full delivery outside off, Paine drives it to covers where the fielder makes a fine stop.

122.2

.

On a good length on off, Paine defends it off the front foot.

122.1

1

Full delivery on off, Labuschagne drives it through covers for a run.

121.6

1

Full and on middle, Labuschagne drives it through mid on for a single.

121.5

.

Full delivery on middle, Marnus drives it back towards the bowler.

121.4

.

Floated delivery on middle, Labuschagne keeps it out.

121.3

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Marnus defends it off the back foot.

121.2

.

BEATEN! Flighted delivery outside off, Labuschagne looks to defend but misses it.

121.1

1

Tossed up delivery on off, Paine punches it through point for a run.

120.6

.

On a good length on middle, Marnus defends it off the back foot.

120.5

1

Full delivery outside off, Tim drives it through covers for a single.

120.4

.

Good length delivery outside off, Paine looks to cut but misses it.

120.3

.

Outside off, Paine offers no shot to this one.

120.2

.

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

120.1

.

Wide outside off, not played at.

119.6

1

Full again on middle, Paine drives it through mid on. The batsmen cross ends.

119.5

4

FOUR! Terrific shot. Full and outside off, Paine drives it through covers for a boundary.

119.4

.

Floated delivery on off, Paine blocks it well.

119.3

.

That stayed low! Loopy delivery on middle, Paine flicks it towards the leg side.

119.2

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Marnus drives it through mid on for a run.

119.1

.

Floated delivery on off, Labuschagne blocks it off the back foot.

William Somerville to bowl from the other end. 23-1-82-1 are his figures so far.

118.6

.

Outside off, Paine shoulders arms to this one.

118.5

.

Full delivery on off, Paine drives it to covers.

118.4

.

Good length delivery on off, the skipper keeps it out.

118.3

.

On a good length on off, Paine defends it off the back foot.

118.2

.

Short delivery outside off, Paine looks to pull but misses it.

118.1

.

Full delivery outside off, Paine drives it to mid off.

We are back for the second session. The New Zealand players are out in the middle. Marnus Labuschagne and Tim Paine will resume their innings for the hosts. Neil Wagner will start the proceedings for the second session.

... Day 2, Session 2 ...

A good session for both the sides but Australia have dragged themselves in a good position. They though lost Wade early but Head and Labuschagne continued. They two put up another handy stand before Travis Head departed. Paine and Labuschagne are now at the crease and you would expect them to play an attacking brand of cricket after the break. The latter will be eyeing a double ton and Paine will hope they can finish somewhere close to the 500-run mark. For the Kiwis, they need to keep chipping away at the wickets. Can they do so? We will find out in sometime.

117.6

.

Good length delivery on off, Marnus defends it off the back foot. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 2!

117.5

.

On a length on middle, Marnus flicks it towards the leg side.

117.4

.

Good length delivery on off, Marnus defends it off the back foot.

117.3

1

On a length on middle, Tim nudges it towards square leg for a run.

117.2

.

Length delivery on middle, Paine flicks it to mid-wicket.

117.1

.

On a length on middle, Labuschagne flicks it towards the leg side.

116.6

1

Tossed up delivery outside off, Paine plays it towards covers for a single.

116.5

.

Full delivery on off, Paine drives it to covers.

116.4

.

Floated delivery on off, Paine looks to pull but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

116.3

2

Short delivery on off, Paine cuts it through point. The batsmen get two runs.

116.2

1

Full delivery on middle, Marnus drives it through mid off for a single.

116.1

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Labuschagne drives it back towards the bowler.

115.6

.

Good length delivery on off, Paine keeps it out.

115.5

1

On a length on middle, Marnus flicks it towards square leg for a run.

115.4

1

Full delivery on off, Paine plays it towards point for a run.

115.3

.

Bowls it down the leg side, Paine looks to flick but misses it. The keeper appeals for caught behind but the umpire shakes his head.

115.2

.

Good length delivery on off, Paine defends it off the front foot.

115.1

1

On a length on middle, Marnus flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run.

114.6

1

Loopy delivery on middle, Marnus punches it towards point for a single.

114.5

2

Flighted delivery on off, Labuschagne looks to flick but gets an inside edge. It misses the stumps and goes towards fine leg. The batsmen get two runs.

114.4

1

Floated delivery on off, Paine drives it through covers. The batsmen cross ends.

114.3

1

Full delivery on middle, Marnus drives it towards mid on for a single.

114.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Labuschagne blocks it well.

114.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Marnus plays it to point.

113.6

.

On a good length on off, Paine keeps it out.

113.5

.

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

113.4

1

Full delivery on middle, Labuschagne looks to flick but gets an inside edge. It goes towards fine leg. The batsmen take a run.

113.3

.

On a length on middle, Marnus flicks it to mid-wicket.

113.2

.

Bowls it down the leg side, Labuschagne looks to go after it but misses it.

113.1

.

Length delivery on middle, Marnus nudges it towards the leg side.

Colin de Grandhomme is back on.

112.6

4

FOUR! Nice shot. Short and outside off, Paine slaps it through covers for a boundary.

112.5

.

On a good length on off, Paine keeps it out.

112.4

.

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

112.3

.

Driven through mid off by the batsman.

112.2

.

NOT OUT! New Zealand lose their review. Bowls a yorker on middle, Paine looks to defend but gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head. New Zealand take the review. Replays show that it had hit the bat first so the visitors lose their review and they have no more reviews left.

An appeal for lbw! New Zealand have taken the review.

112.1

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Paine flicks it to mid-wicket.

111.6

.

Good length delivery on off, Labuschagne defends it off the back foot.

111.5

.

Full delivery on middle, Marnus drives it to mid on.

111.4

.

On a good length on off, Labuschagne defends it off the back foot.

111.3

.

Full on middle, Labuschagne drives it towards mid on.

111.2

.

Full again on middle, Marnus drives it back towards the bowler.

111.1

2

Full delivery on leg, Labuschagne looks to flick but gets an inside edge. It goes towards fine leg. The batsmen get two runs.

110.6

.

Short delivery on off, Paine cuts it to point.

110.5

1

Floated delivery on middle, Marnus drives it towards mid on for a run.

110.4

.

Full delivery on off, Labuschagne drives it to covers.

110.3

2

Loopy delivery on middle, Labuschagne flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen pick up a couple.

110.2

.

Flighted delivery on off, Marnus guides it towards first slip. It goes towards the fielder on one bounce.

110.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Labuschagne plays it to point.

Todd Astle to bowl. 17-0-49-0 are his figures so far.

109.6

.

Full again on middle, Paine plays it towards mid on.

109.5

.

Full delivery on middle, the skipper drives it to mid on.

109.4

.

Good length delivery on off, Tim keeps it out.

109.3

.

On a good length on off, Paine defends it off the back foot.

109.2

.

Full delivery on middle, Paine drives it towards mid on.

Tim Paine, the skipper, is the new batsman in.

109.1

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Matt Henry gets his first. Good length delivery outside off, Head looks to cut but gets an outside edge. It goes towards the keeper where BJ Watling takes a comfortable catch.

108.6

.

On a length on middle, Labuschagne flicks it towards the leg side.

108.5

.

Full delivery on middle, Marnus drives it towards mid on.

108.4

.

Floated delivery on middle, Labuschagne tucks it towards short leg.

108.3

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Labuschagne flicks it towards short leg.

108.2

.

Floated delivery on middle, Marnus flicks it towards the leg side.

108.1

4

FOUR! Lovely shot! Tossed up delivery on off, Labuschagne comes down the track and lofts it over mid off for a boundary.

107.6

.

Good length delivery on off, Travis keeps it out.

107.5

1

On a length on middle, Labuschagne flicks it towards square leg for a run.

107.4

.

Full delivery on middle, Marnus flicks it to mid-wicket.

107.3

.

On a length on middle, Labuschagne nudges it towards short fine leg.

107.2

.

Full delivery on off, Labuschagne drives it to covers.

107.1

.

Length delivery on middle, Labuschagne flicks it towards the leg side.

106.6

.

Outside off, Travis leaves it alone.

106.5

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Head blocks it off the back foot.

106.4

1

Floated delivery on middle, Labuschagne comes down the track and flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run.

106.3

2

Loopy delivery on off, Labuschagne punches it through point. The batsmen get two runs.

106.2

.

Flighted delivery on off, Marnus blocks it off the front foot.

106.1

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Labuschagne flicks it to mid-wicket.

105.6

.

On a good length on off, Head keeps it out.

105.5

.

Length delivery on middle, Travis nudges it towards the leg side.

105.4

.

Good length delivery on middle, Travis blocks it off the back foot.

105.3

.

Outside off, Head shoulders arms to this one.

105.2

1

On a length on middle, Labuschagne flicks it through square leg for a run.

105.1

.

On a good length on off, Marnus defends it off the back foot.

Drinks Break!

104.6

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Travis comes down the track and defends it towards mid on.

104.5

.

Outside off, Head offers no shot to this one.

104.4

1

Loopy delivery on middle, Labuschagne flicks it towards square leg for a run.

104.3

2

Floated delivery on middle, Marnus nudges it towards fine leg. The batsmen get two runs.

104.2

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Labuschagne flicks it towards short leg.

104.1

.

Flighted delivery on leg, Labuschagne looks to sweep but misses it and gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head.

103.6

1

On a length on middle, Labuschagne tucks it towards mid-wicket for a run.

103.5

.

Full again on off, Marnus drives it again towards covers.

103.4

.

Full delivery on off, Labuschagne drives it to covers.

103.3

.

Good length delivery on off, Marnus defends it out.

103.2

.

On a good length on off, Labuschagne blocks it off the front foot.

103.1

3

Full delivery outside off, Head drives it through covers. The fielder chases it and does well to stop it. The batsmen get three runs.

102.6

4

FOUR! Excellent shot. Flighted delivery on off, Labuschagne comes down the track and lofts it over mid off for a boundary.

102.5

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Travis nudges it towards mid-wicket for a quick run.

102.4

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Head blocks it off the front foot.

102.3

.

Floated delivery on off, Travis plays it to point.

102.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Head flicks it towards the leg side.

102.1

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Labuschagne flicks it towards square leg for a single.

101.6

1

150 for Marnus Labuschagne and the crowd is up on its feet applauding the effort. He raises the bat and acknowledges it. He would be eyeing a 200 now. He taps this towards point and takes a quick run to get to the milestone.

101.5

.

Outside off and then moving away furhter. Not played at.

101.4

.

On the off pole, this is defended.

101.3

4

FOUR! Lovely shot! Just beautiful. Probably the hardest shot in the game is the on-drive and Labuschagne has made it look so easy. Full and on middle, it is creamed through mid on for a boundary. He moves to 149.

101.2

.

Slightly fuller, this is pushed to covers.

101.1

.

Back of a length and on off, kept out.

100.6

1

Floated delivery on middle, Labuschagne flicks it towards mid-wicket where the fielder misfields and concedes a run.

100.5

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Marnus flicks it towards the leg side.

100.4

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Head flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

100.3

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Head defends it off the back foot.

100.2

.

Full delivery outside off, Travis drives it towards covers again.

100.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Head drives it to covers.

99.6

.

Full delivery on off, Marnus drives it to covers.

99.5

.

Length delivery outside off, Labuschagne punches it to point.

99.4

.

On a good length on off, Marnus blocks it well.

99.3

2

Full delivery outside off, Labuschagne drives it through covers. The batsmen get two runs.

99.2

.

Good length delivery on off, Marnus blocks it off the back foot.

99.1

2

On a good length on middle, Labuschagne looks to defend but gets an inside edge. It goes towards fine leg. The batsmen pick up a couple. 300 is up for Australia.

98.6

.

Loopy delivery on off, Head defends it out.

98.5

.

Tossed up delivery outside off, Travis makes a calm leave on this one.

98.4

.

Outside off, Head offers no shot to this one.

98.3

1

Flighted delivery on leg, Labuschagne sweeps it through square leg for a single.

98.2

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Marnus defends it off the front foot.

98.1

.

Floated delivery on middle, Labuschagne nudges it towards the leg side.

97.6

.

Again bowls it down the leg side, Travis does not bother to play at that.

97.5

.

Bowls it down the leg side, Head leaves it alone.

97.4

.

Length delivery on middle, Head flicks it to mid-wicket.

97.3

.

Bowls it down the leg side, Head lets it go.

97.2

1

On a good length on middle, Labuschagne looks to defend but gets an inside edge on it. It goes towards square leg. The batsmen cross ends.

97.1

.

Full delivery on middle, Labuschagne drives it back towards the bowler.

96.6

.

Loopy delivery on off, Head defends it off the front foot.

96.5

.

Floated delivery on middle, Head flicks it to mid-wicket.

96.4

.

Short delivery on off, Travis cuts it to point.

96.3

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Head plays it to point.

96.2

.

Outside off, Travis does not bother to play at that.

96.1

4

FOUR! Cracking shot. Short and outside off, Head makes room and cuts it hard through point for a boundary.

95.6

.

Full delivery on middle, Labuschagne drives it towards mid on.

95.5

.

Bowls it wide outside off, Marnus looks to drive but misses it.

95.4

2

Full delivery outside off, Labuschagne drives it through covers. The batsmen get two runs.

95.3

.

Again outside off, Labuschagne makes a calm leave on this one.

95.2

.

On a good length and outside off, Marnus lets it go.

95.1

.

Outside off, Labuschagne offers no shot to this one.

94.6

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Head comes down the track and defends it.

94.5

.

Short delivery on off, Head makes room and cuts it towards point.

94.4

1

Flighted delivery on middle and leg, Marnus sweeps it towards short fine leg where the fielder misfields and concedes a single.

94.3

.

Floated delivery on middle, Labuschagne flicks it to square leg.

94.2

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Head drives it towards mid on where Henry misfields and concedes a run.

94.1

.

Outside off, Head shoulders arms to this one.

93.6

.

On a length on middle, Labuschagne looks to drive but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

93.5

.

Good length delivery on off, Marnus defends it off the back foot.

93.4

.

On a good length and outside off, Labuschagne shoulders arms to this one.

93.3

.

Outside off, Marnus makes a calm leave on this one.

93.2

.

Full delivery on off, Labuschagne drives it to covers.

93.1

.

On a good length on off, Marnus defends it off the front foot.

92.6

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Head plays it to point.

92.5

.

Floated delivery on middle and leg, Head looks to defend but gets hit on the thigh pad. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head. New Zealand don't take the review after thinking for a while.

92.4

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Head defends it off the back foot.

92.3

.

Outside off, Travis lets it go.

92.2

.

Short delivery on off, Head cuts it to point.

92.1

.

Tossed up delivery outside off, Head does not bother to play at that.

91.6

.

Outside off, Marnus offers no shot to this one.

91.5

.

Good length delivery on middle, Marnus keeps it out.

91.4

.

On a good length on off, Labuschagne blocks it well.

91.3

.

Good length delivery outside off, Labuschagne shoulders arms to this one.

91.2

.

Outside off, Marnus leaves it alone.

91.1

.

On a good length on off, Labuschagne defends it off the back foot.

Travis Head is the next batsman in. Also, Neil Wagner to bowl from the other end.

90.6

W

OUT! BOWLED! Early breakthrough for New Zealand today. Flighted delivery on off, Wade looks to sweep but misses it and gets bowled. He just missed the line completely and it hits the off stump.

90.5

.

Full delivery on off, Wade drives it towards point.

90.4

1

Floated delivery on middle, Labuschagne flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.

90.3

4

FOUR! First boundary of Day 2. Loopy delivery on middle, Marnus comes down the track and lofts it over mid on for a boundary.

90.2

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Labuschagne flicks it towards short leg.

90.1

.

Somerville starts with a flighted delivery on leg, Labuschagne looks to flick but gets hit on the pads.

We are all set to begin Day 2. The New Zealand players are out in the middle. Marnus Labuschagne and Matthew Wade will resume their innings for the hosts. William Somerville will start the proceedings for New Zealand.

A brilliant ton by Labuschagne sees the hosts hold the edge after Day 1. Another solid stand will see them post a big first innings score. There is still a lot of batting to come and Australia will be aiming for a score after which they would only need to bat first. New Zealand on the other hand, need wickets early, they would somehow want to restrict the hosts to below 350. The ball is relatively new and they would want to make use of it. Can they do so? An important hour of play awaits. Stay tuned.

... Day 2, Session 1 ...

Now what will the two teams be hoping for on Day 2? Australia - they would want to bat as long as possible and post a big first innings score. New Zealand on the other hand, need wickets quickly or it could be yet another long day in the field for them. Do join us for all the action on Day 2 at 1030 local (2330 GMT, Previous Day). Till then, take care and goodbye!

Earlier in the day, after winning the toss and electing to bat, the Aussies once again lost Burns for not a lot. Warner and Labuschagne then put up a good stand but could not make it count for a lot. Smith and Marnus though made it big, the two accounted for over 150 and laid the foundation for a big first innings score. Labuschagne got to yet another ton, Smith look all set for one before he poked at a delivery outside off. Wade though has come out with a positive mindset and he would also want to make the start he has got count.

The last session too belonged to the hosts, once again they lost just the one wicket and managed to add around 100 runs. After the Tea interval, Smith and Labuschagne continued in their own merry way. They stretched their partnership to 150 and both just did not look like getting out. However, the second new ball then did the trick for the visitors as Colin de Grandhomme, their best bowler on Day 1 got Smith. Wade though ensured there were no more wickets to fall, also, he managed to score some quick runs towards the end and him along with Marnus are building another good stand.

End of a dominant day with the bat for Australia. Their star, Marnus Labuschagne walks off to a standing ovation. He deserves every bit of it, an excellent innings, full of class and it is because of him Australia are in the position they are in.

89.6

.

Full delivery on middle, Wade drives it back towards the bowler. THAT IS STUMPS ON DAY 1!

89.5

.

On a good length on middle, Wade defends it off the back foot.

89.4

.

Good length delivery on middle, Wade blocks it off the front foot.

89.3

.

On a good length and outside off, Wade looks to defend but gets a bottom edge on this one. It goes towards the keeper on one bounce.

89.2

.

On a good length on middle, Wade defends it off the back foot.

89.1

.

Full delivery on middle, Wade drives it towards mid on.

88.6

1

Length delivery on middle, Wade flicks it towards fine leg for a single.

88.5

.

Bowls a bumper, Wade sways away from it.

88.4

.

Bowls a bouncer, Wade ducks under it.

88.3

1

Full delivery on middle, Labuschagne flicks it towards square leg. The batsmen cross ends.

88.2

.

Bowls it down the leg side, Marnus looks to flick but misses it.

88.1

1

On a length on middle, Wade nudges it towards square leg for a run.

87.6

1

Full delivery on off, Wade drives it through mid off for a run.

87.5

.

Full again on off, Wade drives it towards mid off.

87.4

1

Full delivery on off, Marnus drives it through covers for a run.

87.3

.

Good length delivery on middle, Marnus keeps it out.

87.2

.

Good length delivery on off, Labuschagne stands tall and defends it off the back foot.

87.1

.

On a good length on off, Labuschagne blocks it off the front foot.

Matt Henry is back on. 19-0-66-0 are his figures so far.

86.6

4

FOUR! This is excellent batting from Matthew Wade. Short delivery on middle, Wade pulls it through square leg for a boundary. 14 runs have come from the over.

86.5

6

SIX! Amazing shot. Short of a length delivery on leg, Wade pulls it over square leg for a biggie.

86.4

.

Bowls a bouncer, Wade ducks under it.

86.3

4

FOUR! That is put away! Short delivery on middle, Wade pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

86.2

.

Length delivery on middle, Wade punches it towards mid on.

86.1

.

On a good length on off, Wade blocks it well.

85.6

1

Length delivery on middle, Wade flicks it through square leg for a run.

85.5

.

Outside off, Wade offers no shot to this one.

85.4

.

Full delivery on middle, Matthew drives it to mid on.

85.3

.

On a length on middle, Wade flicks it to mid-wicket.

85.2

.

Full delivery on off, Wade drives it towards mid off.

85.1

.

Outside off, Wade does not bother to play at that.

84.6

4

FOUR! Classic shot. Full and outside off, Labuschagne drives it through covers for a boundary.

84.5

1

Short delivery on leg, Wade pulls it towards fine leg for a single.

84.4

.

Outside off, Wade offers no shot to this one.

84.3

.

On a good length on off, Wade defends it off the front foot.

84.2

.

Full delivery on middle, Wade drives it to mid on.

84.1

.

Outside off, Wade lets it go.

Neil Wagner is back on. 18-6-26-1 are his figures so far.

83.6

.

Outside off, Marnus shoulders arms to this one.

83.5

4

FOUR! This is Marnus at his best. Full and outside off, Labuschagne drives it through covers for a boundary.

83.4

.

Full delivery on middle, Labuschagne drives it to mid on.

83.3

.

On a good length on off, Marnus defends it off the back foot.

83.2

3

Full delivery on leg, Wade flicks it through mid-wicket. The fielder chases it and does well to stop it just before the ropes. The batsmen get three runs.

Matthew Wade walks out to bat next.

83.1

W

OUT! TAKEN! The second new ball has done the trick and once again it is Colin de Grandhomme who gets a wicket. He seems so harmless when he runs in but the shape he gets on the ball, the lengths he bowls is so good. Once again we see him landing it on a length and around off, it shapes away just enough to take the edge of Smith's bat as he tries to defend. It goes to first slip where Taylor takes another catch. Once again Smith fails to covert his half ton into a ton. End of a mammoth the 156-run stand. New Zealand would love another one before Stumps.

82.6

.

Full delivery on off, Marnus drives it towards mid off.

82.5

.

Again outside off, Labuschagne lets it go.

82.4

.

Outside off, Marnus offers no shot to this one.

82.3

1lb

Length delivery on middle, Smith looks to pull but gets hit on the thigh pad. It goes towards the leg side. The batsmen take a run. The umpire gives it as a leg bye.

82.2

1

On a length on middle, Labuschagne flicks it towards square leg for a single. 250 is up for Australia.

82.1

4

FOUR! Glorious shot! Full delivery outside off, Labuschagne drives it through covers for a boundary.

81.6

.

On a good length on off, Smith blocks it well.

81.5

.

Outside off, Steven offers a calm leave on this one.

81.4

.

Full delivery on middle, Smith drives it towards mid on.

81.3

.

Good length delivery on middle, Smith blocks it off the back foot.

81.2

.

Again outside off, Smith leaves it alone.

81.1

.

Outside off, Smith offers no shot to this one.

Colin de Grandhomme is back on. 15-0-55-1 are his figures so far.

80.6

.

On a good length on off, Labuschagne blocks it off the back foot.

80.5

.

Full delivery on middle, Marnus drives it back towards the bowler.

80.4

.

Good length delivery on off, Marnus defends it off the back foot.

80.3

4

FOUR! On a good length on off, Marnus looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man for a boundary. 150-run stand is up between Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith.

80.2

.

Full delivery on middle, Labuschagne drives it back towards the bowler.

80.1

.

Bowls a yorker on off, Marnus does well to dig it out.

The second new ball is available and it has been taken straightaway! Also, Matt Henry is back on.

79.6

1

Floated delivery on middle, Marnus nudges it towards square leg for a single.

79.5

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Labuschagne blocks it well.

79.4

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Labuschagne defends it out.

79.3

.

Short delivery on middle, Marnus pulls it to mid-wicket.

79.2

.

Flighted delivery down the leg side, Labuschagne pads it away.

79.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Marnus looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards point.

78.6

.

Punched off the back foot by the batsman.

78.5

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Smith pushes it to point.

78.4

1

Flighted delivery on off, Labuschagne punches it towards covers for a single.

78.3

2

Loopy delivery on middle, Labuschagne flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen pick up a couple.

78.2

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Marnus defends it out.

78.1

1

Floated delivery on middle, Smith flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

77.6

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Smith flicks it towards square leg for a run.

77.5

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Steven nudges it towards the leg side.

77.4

.

Floated delivery on middle, Smith flicks it to mid-wicket.

77.3

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Marnus flicks it through square leg for a single.

77.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Labuschagne defends it off the front foot.

77.1

.

NOT OUT! It is pitching outside leg and that is it! New Zealand lose one of their reviews. It was a desperate one to be honest. They need a breakthrough and went ahead with it. Somerville bowls a very full ball around leg. Labuschagne looks to sweep but the length is too full to do so. He misses and is hit on the pads. An appeal but the umpire shakes his head. After a long chat between the bowler, Latham and Taylor, Latham signals the 'T'. Time for the replays and it shows the on-field call is the right one.

Review time! A huge appeal for an LBW has been turned down and New Zealand review. If it has pitched in line, it looks out.

76.6

1

Short and outside off, Labuschagne slaps it through covers. The batsmen cross ends.

76.5

1

Flighted delivery on off, Smith punches it through covers for a single.

76.4

.

Loopy delivery on off, Steven defends it off the front foot.

76.3

.

Full delivery on middle, Smith drives it towards mid on.

76.2

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Smith defends it off the back foot.

76.1

1

Flighted delivery on off, Marnus punches it through point for a single.

Todd Astle is back on. 15-0-42-0 are his figures so far.

75.6

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Smith blocks it off the back foot.

75.5

2

Full delivery on off, Smith drives it through covers. The batsmen get two runs.

75.4

.

The batsman works it down the leg side.

75.3

1

Floated delivery on middle, Marnus sweeps it towards square leg for a run.

75.2

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Marnus nudges it towards the leg side.

75.1

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Smith flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

74.6

.

Outside off, Marnus lets it go.

74.5

1

Short delivery on leg, Steven pulls it towards fine leg for a single.

74.4

.

On a length on off, Smith plays it to covers.

74.3

.

Bowls a bumper, Steven does well to duck under it.

74.2

.

Outside off, Smith leaves it alone.

74.1

.

Bowls a bouncer, Smith ducks under it.

73.6

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Marnus defends it out.

73.5

.

Flighted delivery on off, Labuschagne blocks it off the back foot.

73.4

1

Loopy delivery on middle, Smith flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

73.3

.

Floated delivery on off, Smith blocks it off the front foot.

73.2

2

Short delivery on middle, Smith pulls it through mid-wicket. The batsmen pick up a couple.

73.1

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Smith defends it off the back foot.

William Somerville is back on. 9-0-42-0 are his figures so far.

Drinks Break!

72.6

.

Outside off, Marnus shoulders arms to this one.

72.5

.

Good length delivery on off, Labuschagne blocks it off the back foot.

72.4

.

BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Marnus looks to defend but misses it.

72.3

1

Length delivery on middle, Steven flicks it towards square leg for a run.

72.2

.

Bowls a bouncer, Smith does well to duck under it.

72.1

.

On a good length on middle, Smith blocks it off the back foot.

71.6

.

Good length delivery on middle, Marnus blocks it well.

71.5

.

On a good length on off, Labuschagne defends it off the front foot.

71.4

.

Outside off, Marnus offers no shot to this one.

71.3

4

FOUR! 100 for Marnus Labuschagne! His 4th in Tests. What a player he has become. He is probably one of the best batters going around at the moment. The right-hander just does not look like getting out. It has been an absolutely flawless innings till now. He gets a gift to get to the milestone. On the pads, he works it fine on the leg side for a boundary.

71.2

.

Length delivery on middle, Marnus flicks it to mid-wicket.

71.1

1

On a length on middle, Smith flicks it through square leg for a run.

70.6

.

Play and a miss! That seemed like a nervos poke by Labuschagne. It is shorter in length and outside off. ML hangs his bat out and gets beaten.

70.5

.

A dot! So just the one ball in this over left to bring up his ton. Shorter and around off, kept out.

70.4

1

Outside off, SS opens the face of the bat and guides it through point for one. Gets the man on 99 on strike.

70.3

.

A short one on middle, Smith stays back and keeps it out nicely.

70.2

.

Shorter one in length and on middle, Smith ducks under it.

70.1

.

In the air... short! A bumper right on the body, a nasty delivery. Smith had to play at it. He looks to fend at it by taking a hand off the handle. It hits the glove and lobs short of leg gully. Lucky escape.

69.6

1

50 for Steven Smith. It is his 29th Test fifty. This has been a fine innings from him. Can he convert this into a hundred? On a length on off, Smith pushes it towards covers and takes a quick single. The fielder goes for a direct hit at the bowler's end but misses it.

69.5

.

Good length delivery on off, Smith blocks it off the front foot.

69.4

.

That kept low! On a good length on middle, Smith looks to flick but gets it off the bottom part of the bat. It goes to mid-wicket.

69.3

.

Full delivery on off, Smith drives it to covers.

69.2

.

Outside off, Smith offers no shot to this one.

69.1

1

On a length on middle, Labuschagne flicks it through square leg. The batsmen cross ends.

Colin de Grandhomme is back on. 13-0-48-1 are his figures so far.

68.6

.

Good length delivery on middle, Steven defends it out.

68.5

.

On a good length on off, Smith blocks it off the back foot.

68.4

.

Bowls a bouncer, Smith does well to duck under it.

68.3

1

Short of a length delivery on leg, Labuschagne pulls it through square leg for a single.

68.2

.

Short again on leg, Labuschagne pulls it again to square leg.

68.1

.

Short delivery on leg, Marnus pulls it to square leg.

67.6

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Smith blocks it off the back foot.

67.5

.

Loopy delivery on off, Steven drives it to mid off.

67.4

.

Full delivery on middle, Smith drives it back towards the bowler.

67.3

.

Floated delivery on middle, Smith blocks it off the back foot.

67.2

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Smith drives it towards mid on.

67.1

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Labuschagne nudges it towards square leg for a run.

66.6

.

On a length on middle, Smith tucks it towards short leg.

66.5

.

Length delivery on middle, Smith flicks it towards short leg.

66.4

.

Bowls a bouncer outside leg, Steven easily ducks under it.

66.3

.

Good length delivery on off, Smith blocks it well.

66.2

.

Bowls a bouncer, Smith ducks under it.

66.1

3

On a length on middle, Labuschagne flicks it through mid-wicket. The fielder chases it and does well to stop it. The batsmen get three runs. Marnus moves to 96.

Neil Wagner is back on. 13-6-19-1 are his figures so far.

65.6

1

Short delivery on off, Labuschagne cuts it towards point for a single.

65.5

.

BEATEN! Flighted delivery outside off, Marnus looks to cut but misses it.

65.4

1

Loopy delivery on off, Smith drives it through covers for a run.

65.3

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Smith defends it off the back foot.

65.2

.

Full delivery on middle, Smith drives it to mid on.

65.1

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Labuschagne flicks it towards mid on for a run.

64.6

1

Length delivery on off, Labuschagne taps it towards point for a run.

64.5

.

Outside off, Marnus shoulders arms to this one.

64.4

2

Short delivery on middle, Labuschagne pulls it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.

64.3

.

Full delivery on off, Marnus drives it to covers.

64.2

4

FOUR! Full delivery outside off, Labuschagne looks to drive but gets an outside edge. It goes between first slip and second slip towards third man for a boundary.

64.1

.

On a length on off, Labuschagne plays it to covers.

63.6

.

Defended off the back foot by the batsman.

63.5

1

Slightly shorter in length again, Labuschagne stays back and pushes it through covers for one.

63.4

1

Slightly shorter again, Smith stays back and pushes it through covers for a single.

63.3

1

Flatter and on off, Labuschagne waits for it and guides it through backward point for one.

63.2

.

On off, kept out.

63.1

.

On middle, it is played to mid-wicket.

62.6

1

Back of a length and on off, ML guides it through point for one.

62.5

1

100-run stand up between the two! They just enjoy batting together. Also, so many similarities in the way the two bat. It has probably been a chance-less partnership and the foundation is laid by the two for a big first innings score. A short ball on middle, Smith pulls it behind square on the leg side for one.

62.4

.

Another short one, the batter ducks under it.

62.3

.

The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.

62.2

.

One more short ball on the body of Smith. He ducks under it.

62.1

.

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

61.6

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Labuschagne plays it to point.

61.5

1

Floated delivery on off, Steven punches it towards point for a single.

61.4

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Smith blocks it off the front foot.

61.3

.

Flighted delivery on off, Smith drives it towards covers where the fielder makes a good stop.

61.2

1

Tossed up delivery on off, Marnus punches it through point for a run.

61.1

4

FOUR! Terrific shot. Full delivery outside off, Labuschagne drives it through covers for a boundary.

60.6

.

Bowls a bouncer, Steven ducks under it.

60.5

.

On a length on leg, Steven nudges it towards square leg.

60.4

1

Short delivery on middle, Marnus pulls it through mid-wicket for a run.

60.3

.

Outside off, Labuschagne lets it go.

60.2

.

Full delivery on middle, Marnus drives it to mid on.

60.1

.

Good length delivery outside off, Labuschagne does not bother to play at that.

59.6

.

Short delivery on off, Smith cuts it to point.

59.5

.

Outside off, Smith lets it go.

59.4

.

Short delivery on off, Steven cuts it to point where Wagner makes a fine stop.

59.3

.

Floated delivery on off, Smith defends it off the front foot.

59.2

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Labuschagne flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

59.1

1

Flighted delivery on off, Smith comes down the track and plays it towards covers for a single.

Todd Astle to bowl from the other end. 10-0-27-0 are his figures so far.

58.6

.

Outside off, Marnus offers no shot to this one.

58.5

1

Short delivery on middle, Steven pulls it through square leg for a run.

58.4

.

Bowls a bumper, Smith ducks under it.

58.3

1

On a length and outside off, Labuschagne guides it towards gully for a run.

58.2

1

Short delivery on middle, Smith pulls it towards fine leg for a single.

58.1

.

Bowls a bouncer, Smith lets it sail through to the keeper.

We are back for the final session of Day 1. The New Zealand players are out in the middle. Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith will resume their innings for the hosts. Matt Henry will start the proceedings for the final session of Day 1.

... Day 1, Session 3 ...

Marnus Labuschagne says it is hard work out there, the wicket is a little slow and they need to go about things slowly. Further adds he did not realize Smith took so many balls to get off the mark but he seems to be back to his best.

Another session which belongs to the Aussies! Just the one wicket again and they have managed to score 87 runs. However, it did not start in the best of manners as they lost Warner almost immediately after the break but since then, it has been Smith and Labuschagne. It was hard work for the first hour of this session as the Kiwi bowlers gave nothing away but after Drinks, they managed to score freely and the duo are amidst a very good stand. So the story remains the same like the first session, the hosts would want more of the same whereas, the visitors will need wickets quickly. Join us for the last session in a bit but for now, Labuschagne is giving an interview.

57.6

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Marnus tucks it towards mid-wicket. THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 1!

57.5

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Smith drives it through mid on for a single.

57.4

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Smith drives it towards mid on.

57.3

.

Full delivery on off, Smith drives it towards mid off.

57.2

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Marnus flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

57.1

.

Flighted delivery on off, Labuschagne punches it to point.

56.6

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Smith tucks it to mid-wicket.

56.5

.

Flighted delivery on off, Steven blocks it well.

56.4

2

Loopy delivery on middle, Smith comes down the track and flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.

56.3

1

Floated delivery on middle, Labuschagne flicks it towards fine leg for a run.

56.2

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Marnus defends it off the back foot.

56.1

.

Flighted delivery on leg, Labuschagne flicks it towards short leg.

55.6

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Smith pushes it to point.

55.5

.

Full delivery on middle, Smith drives it back towards the bowler.

55.4

.

Loopy delivery on off, Steven punches it to point.

55.3

4

FOUR! Easy pickings for Steven Smith. Short delivery on off, Smith makes room and cuts it hard through point for a boundary.

55.2

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Labuschagne flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

55.1

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Smith drives it through mid on for a single.

54.6

3

Whipped nicely! Smith makes excellent use of the wrists and hits it through mid-wicket. Wagner from mid on gives it a chase and pulls it back in just before it crosses the ropes.

54.5

1

The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single.

54.4

1

Tosses it up on off, it is eased down to long on for a single.

54.3

1

ML comes down the track and nudges it through the leg side for a single.

54.2

.

Tossed up on off, blocked.

54.1

.

On off, there is extra bounce. Labuschagne does well to work it towards square leg with soft hands.

William Somerville is back on. 7-0-33-0 are his figures so far.

53.6

2

Short delivery on off, Steven cuts it through point. The batsmen get two runs.

53.5

.

Outside off, Smith offers no shot to this one.

53.4

.

Loopy delivery on off, Smith blocks it off the front foot.

53.3

.

Floated delivery on middle, Smith defends it off the front foot.

53.2

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Smith plays it to point.

53.1

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Steven defends it off the back foot.

Todd Astle is back on. 7-0-17-0 are his figures so far.

52.6

.

Full delivery on off, Marnus drives it to covers.

52.5

1

On a length on middle, Smith flicks it towards square leg for a single.

52.4

.

Full delivery on off, Smith drives it to covers.

52.3

.

On a good length on middle, Smith blocks it off the back foot.

52.2

.

Good length delivery on middle, Steven blocks it well.

52.1

.

On a good length on off, Smith keeps it out.

51.6

.

Outside off, Labuschagne does not bother to play at that.

51.5

1

Length delivery on middle, Smith flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

51.4

.

Outside off, Smith shoulders arms to this one.

51.3

.

On a good length on off, Steven defends it out.

51.2

.

Good length delivery on off, Smith offers a solid defense on this one.

51.1

1

On a length on middle, Labuschagne flicks it through square leg. The batsmen take a single.

50.6

2

A couple to end a good over for the hosts! On a length and around off, Smith hits it on the up through covers for two. Labuschagne played a similar shot early on which found the edge. Smith managed to hit it off the middle as he was more in control and did not lose his shape while doing so.

50.5

1

Goes short now, Labuschagne has no problem as he pulls it through square leg for one more.

50.4

4

EDGY FOUR! Lucky boundary for Labuschagne. It is a cross-seamer, it is on a length and outside off, Labuschagne goes hard after it away from his body. It flies off the outside edge past the gully fielder and into the third man fence.

50.3

1

One more single as this is guided through point.

50.2

1

Good shot! Shorter in length, ML gets on top of the bounce, rolls his wrists over and then pulls it all along the ground through square leg for one.

50.1

1

Angled into the pads, it is worked through square leg for an easy run.

49.6

1

Length delivery on middle, Smith flicks it through square leg for a run.

49.5

1

On a length on middle, Labuschagne flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run.

49.4

1

Length delivery on middle, Smith flicks it towards square leg for a single.

49.3

.

On a good length on middle, Smith blocks it well.

49.2

.

Good length delivery on off, Steven keeps it out.

49.1

.

On a good length on off, Smith defends it off the back foot.

48.6

.

Again outside off, Labuschagne offers no shot to this one.

48.5

.

Outside off, Marnus shoulders arms to this one.

48.4

.

Full delivery on middle, Labuschagne drives it towards mid on.

48.3

.

On a good length and outside off, Marnus lets it go.

48.2

1

Full delivery on off, Steven drives it towards mid off where Todd Astle fumbles and concedes a run.

48.1

.

Length delivery on off, Smith plays it to point.

47.6

.

The batsman dances down the track.

47.5

.

Floated delivery on off, Labuschagne blocks it off the back foot.

47.4

.

Outside off, Labuschagne offers no shot to this one.

47.3

2

Loopy delivery on middle, Marnus flicks it through square leg. The batsmen get two runs.

47.2

6

SIX! Amazing shot. Flighted delivery on middle, Labuschagne comes down the track and lofts it over mid-wicket for a maximum.

47.1

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Labuschagne nudges it towards the leg side.

46.6

2

On a length on leg, Smith flicks it towards fine leg. The batsmen pick up a couple.

46.5

.

On a good length on off, Steven blocks it well.

46.4

1

Short delivery on middle, Labuschagne pulls it towards fine leg for a run.

46.3

.

Full delivery on off, Labuschagne drives it towards mid off.

46.2

.

Good length delivery on middle, Marnus defends it out.

46.1

.

On a good length on off, Labuschagne blocks it off the back foot.

Matt Henry is back on. 9-0-29-0 are his figures so far.

45.6

.

Flighted delivery on off, Smith defends it out.

45.5

4

FOUR! Poor delivery from Somerville. Short on off, Smith makes room and cuts it through point for a boundary.

45.4

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Smith nudges it towards the leg side.

45.3

3

Fifty for Labuschagne! This guy just can't stop scoring runs. What a player he has turned out to be for the Australians. Absolutely brilliant. He gets there by stroking this through covers for three. He will surely be eyeing a big one now.

45.2

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Labuschagne flicks it to mid-wicket.

45.1

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Marnus blocks it well.

44.6

.

Loopy delivery on off, Smith punches it to point.

44.5

4

FOUR! Cracking shot. Short and outside off, Smith makes room and cuts it hard through point for a boundary.

44.4

.

Floated delivery on off, Steven makes a forward defense on this one.

44.3

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Smith defends it off the back foot.

44.2

.

Full delivery on off, Steven drives it to mid off.

44.1

1

Full toss on leg, Labuschagne sweeps it through mid-wicket for a run.

43.6

1

This time it is a single towards deep mid on as it is not hit as firmly as the last one.

43.5

.

Another full ball, this is hit to the fielder who is a touch deep at mid on but no runs.

43.4

.

A touch fuller, Labuschagne leans into it and strokes it to mid off.

43.3

1

Flatter again on off, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

43.2

.

This is worked with the turn to short leg.

43.1

.

On middle, blocked.

DRINKS BREAK!

42.6

.

Floated delivery on middle, Labuschagne keeps it out.

42.5

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Marnus punches it to point.

42.4

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Labuschagne comes down the track and blocks it.

42.3

.

Loopy delivery on off, Marnus plays it to point.

42.2

2

Tossed up delivery on middle, Labuschagne flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.

42.1

.

Flighted delivery on off, Marnus plays it to point.

41.6

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Smith comes down the track and blocks it well.

41.5

4

FOUR! Good shot. Tossed up delivery on middle, Smith comes down the track and lofts it over mid on for a boundary.

41.4

.

Floated delivery on off, Smith defends it off the back foot.

41.3

1

Loopy delivery on middle, Labuschagne nudges it towards square leg for a single.

41.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Marnus flicks it to mid-wicket.

41.1

.

Tossed up delivery on leg, Labuschagne looks to flick but gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head.

William Somerville is back on.

40.6

.

Flighted delivery on off, Smith punches it to point.

40.5

.

Bowls a yorker on off, Smith digs it out.

40.4

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Steven defends it off the front foot.

40.3

.

Full delivery on off, Smith drives it to covers.

40.2

.

Floated delivery on middle, Smith flicks it to mid-wicket.

40.1

2

Full delivery on middle, Smith comes down the track and flicks it through square leg. The batsmen pick up a couple.

39.6

.

Full delivery on off, Labuschagne drives it to mid off.

39.5

1

On a length on leg, Smith tucks it through square leg for a single.

39.4

.

Bowls a bumper, Steven does well to duck under it.

39.3

1

Short of a length delivery, Labuschagne pulls it through mid-wicket for a run.

39.2

1

A huge cheer by the crowd here as Steven Smith finally gets off the mark. On the 39th delivery. That too it was a risky run. Shorter and on the body, it is worked towards square leg. The batters take off. The fielder picks the ball up and has a shy at the striker's end but misses. Marnus had to dive to get in there.

39.1

1

On a good length on off, Marnus defends it towards mid-wicket. The batsmen cross ends.

38.6

.

Outside off, Steven offers no shot to this one.

38.5

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Smith tucks it towards short leg.

38.4

.

Floated delivery on middle, Smith nudges it towards the leg side.

38.3

.

Full delivery on off, Smith drives it towards mid off.

38.2

.

Outside off, Smith offers a calm leave on this one.

38.1

1

Excellent fielding! Labuschagne steps down the track and then creams it towards cover. Latham dives to his right and makes a one-handed half stop. He can't stop the single.

37.6

.

Short delivery on leg, Smith pulls it towards the leg side. Another maiden over.

37.5

.

Bowls a bouncer down the leg side, Smith ducks under it.

37.4

.

Good length delivery on middle, Smith blocks it well.

37.3

.

Bowls it down the leg side, Steven does not bother to play at that.

37.2

.

Short delivery on leg, Smith pulls it towards short fine leg.

37.1

.

On a good length on off, Smith offers a solid defense on this one.

36.6

.

Loopy delivery on off, Marnus drives it towards mid off.

36.5

4

FOUR! Nice shot. Flighted delivery on middle, Labuschagne lofts it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

36.4

.

Full delivery on middle, Labuschagne drives it to mid on.

36.3

.

Floated delivery on off, Marnus pushes it to point.

36.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle and leg, Marnus looks to defend but gets hit on the thigh pad. The bowlers appeal for lbw but the umpire shakes his head.

36.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Labuschagne drives it to covers.

35.6

.

Length delivery on off, Steven taps it to point.

35.5

.

On a length on middle, Smith flicks it to mid-wicket.

35.4

.

Bowls it down the leg side, Smith lets it go.

35.3

1

Short delivery on middle, Labuschagne pulls it towards square leg for a run.

35.2

.

Good length delivery on off, Marnus keeps it out.

35.1

.

On a good length on middle, Labuschagne defends it off the back foot.

34.6

.

Ends it with a loopy ball on off, blocked.

34.5

.

Astle gets away with another one! Short, wide and asking to be hit. Smith goes back and hits it hard but to point again. Struggling to find the gaps is Smith.

34.4

.

Smith fails to put this one away! Shorter and outside off, Smith goes back and cuts it but finds point. 22 balls done, Smith is yet to get off the mark.

34.3

.

Good bowling! Gives it a nice loop and lands it on off, SS is solid in defense.

34.2

.

Quicker and outside off, Smith guides it to point.

34.1

1

Slightly shorter and turning away from off, Labuschagne goes back and pushes it through covers for one.

Todd Astle is back on. 1-0-2-0 are his figures so far.

33.6

.

Length delivery on middle, Smith flicks it to mid-wicket.

33.5

.

Good length delivery on off, Smith defends it off the back foot.

33.4

1

On a length on middle, Labuschagne flicks it towards square leg for a run.

33.3

.

Full delivery on off, Labuschagne drives it to covers.

33.2

.

On a good length on off, Marnus blocks it well.

33.1

.

Outside off, Labuschagne does not bother to play at that.

32.6

.

On a good length on off, Smith defends it off the back foot.

32.5

.

Full delivery on middle, Smith looks to flick but gets it off the inner half of the bat. It goes towards mid-wicket.

32.4

.

Outside off, Smith offers a calm leave on this one.

32.3

.

On a good length on off, Smith blocks it off the back foot.

32.2

.

Outside off, Smith shoulders arms to this one.

32.1

1

Short of a length delivery, Labuschagne pulls it through mid-wicket for a run.

31.6

.

On a good length on middle, Smith flicks it towards the leg side.

31.5

.

Good length delivery on off, Steven keeps it out.

31.4

.

Bowls a bumper, Smith does well to duck under it.

31.3

.

Length delivery on middle, Steven tucks it towards square leg.

31.2

.

On a good length on middle, Smith defends it to mid-wicket.

31.1

.

Bowls a bouncer, Smith ducks under it.

30.6

.

Good length delivery on off, Marnus blocks it off the front foot.

30.5

.

Full delivery on middle, Labuschagne drives it towards mid on.

30.4

2

Full delivery on middle, Marnus flicks it through square leg. The batsmen get two runs.

30.3

.

On a good length on off, Labuschagne defends it off the back foot.

30.2

.

Good length delivery on middle, Marnus keeps it out.

30.1

.

On a good length on off, Labuschagne defends it off the front foot.

29.6

1

Length delivery on middle, Marnus flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.

29.5

.

BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Labuschagne looks to cut but misses it.

29.4

.

Outside off, Marnus does not bother to play at that.

29.3

.

Good length delivery on off, Labuschagne blocks it well.

29.2

.

On a good length and outside off, Marnus leaves it alone.

29.1

.

Outside off, Labuschagne offers no shot to this one.

28.6

.

Length delivery on middle, Steven tucks it towards mid-wicket.

28.5

.

On a good length on off, Smith keeps it out.

28.4

.

Outside off, Smith does not bother to play at that.

28.3

1

On a length on middle, Marnus flicks it towards square leg for a run.

28.2

.

Full delivery on off, Labuschagne drives it to covers.

28.1

.

On a good length on off, Marnus defends it out.

Colin de Grandhomme to bowl from the other end. 8-0-39-1 are his figures so far.

27.6

.

On middle, it is worked to mid-wicket.

27.5

.

Shorter and on middle, Warner defends it.

27.4

.

Short and on middle, Smith looks to flick but misses to get hit high on the thigh pad.

Steven Smith is the new man in.

27.3

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Warner is a goner! What a start for the Kiwis after the break! The well-set Warner is out of here and the partnership which looked at ease comes to an end. It is Wagner once again who provides the important breakthrough. He bowls a short one on the body, Warner pulls but straight towards leg gully where Colin de Grandhomme takes a sharp catch. Can New Zealand now build on this?

27.2

.

Bowls it wide down the leg side, Warner again leaves it alone.

27.1

.

Bowls it down the leg side, Warner lets it go.

We are back for the second session. The New Zealand players are out in the middle. David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne will resume their innings for the hosts. Neil Wagner will start the proceedings for the second session.

... Day 1, Session 2 ...

David Warner says they put us under a little pressure at the start as the ball was moving around but they went through that and are happy to build a good partnership. He hopes they can continue.

New Zealand on the other hand, will be a tad disappointed to get only the one wicket. The ball did do a bit at the start but they were a touch short. Also, they did not have a lot of luck on their side as the ball beat the edges a few times, even when the edges were found, it either fell short or went in the gap. Colin de Grandhomme was probably the pick and the only wicket taker. The Kiwis need a few quick wickets after the break or they will be staring down a big first innings score. Do join us for the second session in a while but for now David Warner is giving an interview.

A good session for the Aussies! They have only lost the one wicket and have scored at a decent rate too. After electing to bat, their openers started off well before Burns was dismissed off a very good delivery. Warner though continued along with Labuschagne and the two are amidst a good 50-plus stand. Australia will hope the duo can continue for a longer time.

26.6

.

Floated delivery on off, Labuschagne defends it out. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 1!

26.5

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Marnus defends it off the back foot.

26.4

1

Loopy delivery on middle, Warner plays a sweep through square leg for a run.

26.3

.

Full delivery on off, Warner drives it to mid off.

26.2

1

Tossed up delivery on off, Marnus punches it to point. The batsmen take a run.

26.1

.

Flighted delivery on off, Labuschagne defends it off the back foot.

Todd Astle is into the attack.

25.6

.

Loopy delivery on off, Warner plays it towards point.

25.5

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Marnus flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

25.4

.

Tossed up delivery on leg, Labuschagne flicks it towards the leg side.

25.3

.

On off, blocked.

25.2

3

Again, nicely played! Slightly shorter and outside off, Warner looks to cut but the ball takes off after pitching. Warner does well to ride on top of the bounce and slap it through covers for three.

25.1

2

Nicely played! Flatter and outside off, Warner waits for it and then guides it down towards third man and takes two. 50-run stand is up between David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne.

24.6

.

Outside off, Marnus offers no shot to this one.

24.5

4

FOUR! Poor delivery from Henry. On a length on leg, Labuschagne flicks it towards fine leg for a boundary.

24.4

1lb

Full delivery on leg, Warner looks to flick but gets it off the pads. It goes towards square leg. The batsmen take a single. The umpire gives it as a leg bye.

24.3

.

On a good length on off, David blocks it off the back foot.

24.2

2

Length delivery on middle, Warner flicks it through square leg. The batsmen get two runs.

24.2

1wd

WIDE! Bowls a bouncer, Warner lets it sail through to the keeper.

24.1

.

On a good length on off, Warner keeps it out.

23.6

2

Tossed up delivery on middle, Labuschagne sweeps it through square leg. The fielder in the deep does well to stop it. The batsmen pick up a couple.

23.5

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Marnus flicks it towards the leg side.

23.4

.

Loopy delivery on off, Labuschagne defends it off the back foot.

23.3

.

Floated delivery on off, Marnus defends it to point.

23.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Labuschagne flicks it to mid-wicket.

23.1

2

Tossed up delivery on off, Marnus punches it through covers. The batsmen get two runs.

22.6

1

Length delivery on middle, Labuschagne flicks it towards square leg for a run.

22.5

1

On a length on off, David taps it towards point for a single.

22.4

1

Length delivery on middle, Marnus flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.

22.3

.

On a good length on off, Labuschagne defends it out.

22.2

2

Short delivery on middle, Marnus pulls it through square leg. The batsmen pick up a couple.

22.1

.

On a good length on off, Labuschagne defends it off the back foot.

Matt Henry is back on. 7-0-17-0 are his figures so far.

21.6

.

Flighted delivery on middle, David keeps it out.

21.5

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Warner defends it off the back foot.

21.4

1

Loopy delivery on middle, Labuschagne flicks it through square leg for a run.

21.3

.

Floated delivery on leg, Labuschagne looks to flick but gets it off the pads. It goes towards the leg side.

21.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Marnus flicks it to mid-wicket.

21.1

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Labuschagne defends it off the front foot.

First signs of spin. William Somerville is into the attack.

20.6

.

On a good length on off, David defends it off the front foot.

20.5

.

Outside off, David leaves it alone.

20.4

4

FOUR! Dispatched! Short and outside off, Warner slaps it through covers for a boundary.

20.3

.

Good length delivery outside off, Warner offers a solid defense on this one.

20.2

.

On a good length on off, David blocks it off the front foot.

20.1

.

Outside off, Warner does not bother to play at that.

19.6

.

On a good length and outside off, Labuschagne leaves it alone.

19.5

.

Outside off, Marnus offers no shot to this one.

19.4

.

On a good length on off, Marnus defends it off the back foot.

19.3

.

BEATEN! Full and outside off, Labuschagne looks to drive but misses it.

19.2

.

Closer to the off pole this time, Labuschagne keeps it out.

19.1

.

Outside off, it is not played at.

18.6

4

FOUR! Nice shot. Full and outside off, Warner drives it through covers for a boundary.

18.5

.

Good length delivery on off, David keeps it out.

18.4

.

On a good length on off, Warner blocks it off the front foot.

18.4

1nb

NO BALL! Colin de Grandhomme oversteps! Outside off, Warner shoulders arms to this one.

18.3

.

On a length on middle, Warner looks to defend but gets an inside edge on it. It goes towards the leg side.

18.2

.

Full delivery on off, David drives it to mid off.

18.1

2

On a good length on off, Warner looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes between slip and gully towards third man. The batsmen get two runs.

17.6

.

Again outside off, Labuschagne lets it go.

17.5

.

Outside off, Marnus shoulders arms to this one.

17.4

.

Good length delivery on middle, Labuschagne blocks it well.

17.3

.

On a good length on off, Marnus defends it off the back foot.

17.2

1

Was that a chance? Not sure. Short of a length delivery, Warner pulls it over fine leg but does not get the distance. It goes towards William Somerville on one bounce. The batsmen take a run.

17.1

.

On a length on middle, Warner nudges it towards the leg side.

16.6

.

On a good length on off, Labuschagne stands tall and defends it off the back foot.

16.5

2

On a length on middle, Labuschagne flicks it towards fine leg. The batsmen get two runs.

16.4

.

Good length delivery on middle, Labuschagne keeps it out.

16.3

.

On a good length on off, Marnus blocks it off the front foot.

16.2

1

On a length on middle, Warner flicks it towards square leg and Labuschagne wants the run so Warner responds quickly. The fielder goes for a direct hit at the keeper's end but misses it. The batsmen cross ends.

16.1

.

On a good length on middle, Warner comes forward and tucks it to mid-wicket.

15.6

.

Outside off, Labuschagne lets it go.

15.5

1

Length delivery on middle, Warner nudges it towards square leg for a run.

15.4

3

On a length on middle, Labuschagne flicks it through mid-wicket. The fielder chases it and does well to stop it before the ropes. The batsmen get three runs.

15.3

.

Full delivery on off, Labuschagne drives it to covers.

15.2

.

Outside off, Marnus makes a calm leave on this one.

15.1

3

On the pads, Warner works it through square leg. Astle from there hares after it, Somerville from fine leg runs to his right. In the end, there is a confusion as to who is going to stop the ball as it nears the ropes. Somerville looks to pull out of the dive whereas, Astle looks to bend down but then does not. In the end it is the fielder from fine leg who does the job. Three taken.

14.6

.

Outside off, Marnus does not bother to play at that.

14.5

4

FOUR! Good shot. Full delivery on middle, Labuschagne flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

14.4

.

Outside off, Labuschagne offers no shot to this one.

14.3

4

FOUR! First boundary for Marnus. Full delivery on leg, Labuschagne flicks it towards fine leg for a boundary.

14.2

.

On a good length on off, Marnus defends it off the front foot.

DRINKS BREAK! Marnus Labuschagne is the new batsman in.

14.1

W

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! That is an excellent nut from Colin de Grandhomme to get rid of Burns. Another low score for JB. A well-deserved wicket for Colin. He has been good so far, he though has troubled Warner a lot more but gets his partner. It is the perfect outswinger. It is slightly fuller, it starts on middle and then shapes away. Burns is squared up as he tries to defend, the ball takes the outside edge and goes to the first slip fielder where Taylor makes no mistake. Change of ends does the trick for de Grandhomme. A budding opening stand has been cut short.

Colin de Grandhomme is back on. 4-0-17-0 are his figures so far.

13.6

.

On a good length on middle, Warner blocks it off the front foot.

13.5

.

Good length delivery on off, Warner blocks it well.

13.4

.

Outside off, Warner does not bother to play at that.

13.3

.

Bowls it down the leg side, Warner looks to go after it but misses it.

13.2

.

Good length delivery on middle, David defends it out.

13.1

.

On a good length on off, Warner blocks it off the back foot.

12.6

1

Full delivery on off, Warner looks to drive but gets an inside edge. It goes towards fine leg. The batsmen take a run.

12.5

.

On a good length on leg, Warner looks to flick but gets it off the thigh pad. It goes towards the keeper where Watling appeals for caught behind but the umpire shakes his head.

12.4

.

Outside off, David leaves it alone.

12.3

.

BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, Warner looks to defend but misses it.

12.2

.

On off, David blocks it off the front foot.

12.1

.

On a good length on off, Warner defends it off the back foot.

11.6

.

Good length delivery on off, Burns defends it off the front foot.

11.5

.

On a good length on off, Burns looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

11.4

.

On a length on off, Burns plays it to point.

11.3

.

Full delivery on off, Burns drives it towards mid off.

11.2

.

Outside off, Burns does not bother to play at that.

11.1

.

Full delivery on middle, Burns plays it to mid on.

10.6

.

Bowls a bouncer, Warner sways away from it.

10.5

1

Full again on off, Burns drives it through mid off for a single.

10.4

4

FOUR! Excellent shot. Full and outside off, Burns drives it beautifully through covers for a boundary.

10.3

.

Outside off, Burns shoulders arms to this one.

10.2

1

On a length on middle, Warner flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.

10.1

.

On a good length on off, Warner blocks it off the front foot.

9.6

.

Good length delivery on off, Joe blocks it off the front foot.

9.5

.

On a good length on leg, Burns looks to flick but gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head. Replays show that there was an inside edge on this one.

9.4

.

On a good length on middle, Burns defends it off the back foot.

9.3

.

Good length delivery on off, Joe defends it off the front foot.

9.2

.

On a length on middle, Burns flicks it to mid-wicket.

9.1

4

FOUR! On a good length on off, Burns looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man for a boundary.

Neil Wagner is into the attack.

8.6

1lb

Full delivery on leg, Burns looks to flick but gets hit on the pads. It goes towards the leg side. The batsmen take a run. The umpire gives it as a leg bye.

8.5

1

On a good length on middle, Warner looks to defend but again gets an inside edge. It goes towards the leg side. The batsmen take a single.

8.4

.

Good length delivery on off, Warner looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

8.3

.

On a length on off, Warner looks to drive but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

8.2

.

On a good length on off, Warner blocks it off the back foot.

8.1

.

Bowls a bouncer outside off, Warner does well to duck under it.

7.6

.

On a length on off, Joe plays it to covers.

7.5

4

FOUR! Terrific shot. Full and outside off, Burns drives it through point for a boundary.

7.4

1

On a good length on off, Warner taps it towards point. The batsmen cross ends.

7.3

.

Outside off, Warner leaves it alone.

7.2

2

Shorter and around off, Warner slaps it past the mid off fielder and takes two. Colin's first two in this over were quite short, not where he should bowl.

7.1

1

Very short, Burns goes back, gets on top of the bounce and pulls it towards deep backward square leg for a single.

6.6

.

Close leave that! Henry gets this to tail back in from outside off. It comes in late. Warner looks to leave but it clips the pads and goes towards the keeper. A huge appeal but it is turned down as it would have gone over. The length was a little short. Had it been a touch fuller, New Zealand probably would have got their first wicket.

6.5

.

Bowls it down the leg side, Warner looks to flick but misses it.

6.4

1

On a length on off, Burns plays it towards covers for a run.

6.3

.

Good length delivery on off, Burns looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

6.2

.

On a good length on off, Burns blocks it off the front foot.

6.1

1

Full delivery on off, Warner drives it through covers for a single.

5.6

.

Full delivery outside off, Burns looks to drive but misses it. The keeper appeals for a caught behind but the umpire shakes his head.

5.5

1

Full delivery on off, Warner looks to drive but gets an inside edge on this one. It goes towards fine leg. The batsmen cross ends.

5.4

.

Outside off, David offers no shot to this one.

5.3

.

Good length delivery on off, Warner defends it off the back foot.

5.2

1

On a good length on middle, Burns looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It goes towards the leg side. The batsmen take a single.

5.1

.

Full delivery on off, Burns drives it to covers.

4.6

1

On a good length on middle, Burns looks to defend but gets it off the inner half of the bat. It goes towards fine leg. The batsmen take a run.

4.5

3

Full delivery on middle, Warner flicks it through mid-wicket. William Somerville chases it and does well to pull it back just before the ropes. The batsmen get three runs.

4.4

1

Length delivery on middle, Burns flicks it through square leg for a single.

4.3

.

Good length delivery on off, Burns defends it off the front foot.

4.2

.

Full delivery on middle, Burns flicks it to mid-wicket.

4.1

.

On a good length on middle, Burns looks to defend but gets hit on the thigh pad.

3.6

.

BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Warner looks to drive but misses it.

3.5

2

On a length on middle, Warner flicks it through square leg. The batsmen pick up a couple.

3.4

4

FOUR! First real signs of aggression from Australia. Full delivery on middle, Warner flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

3.3

.

On a good length on middle, Warner blocks it well.

3.2

.

Good length delivery on off, Warner keeps it out.

3.1

.

BEATEN! Beauty of a delivery! On a good length and just outside off, Warner looks to defend but misses it due to the inswing on this one.

2.6

.

Outside off, Burns does not bother to play at that.

2.5

.

Full delivery on middle, Burns plays it towards mid on.

2.4

.

On a good length on off, Burns defends it off the front foot.

2.3

1

On a length on off, Warner taps it towards point for a run.

2.2

.

Good length delivery on off, David defends it off the front foot.

2.1

.

On a good length on off, David blocks it well.

1.6

.

Outside off, Joe lets it go.

1.5

.

Again outside off, Burns leaves it alone.

1.4

.

Good length delivery outside off, Burns shoulders arms to this one.

1.3

.

Full delivery on off, Burns defends it off the back foot.

1.2

.

Outside off, Burns offers no shot to this one.

1.1

1

On a good length on off, Warner looks to defend but gets squared up. It goes off the outside edge towards point. The batsmen cross ends.

Colin de Grandhomme to bowl from the other end.

0.6

1

Length delivery on off, Warner punches it through point and gets off the mark with a run.

0.5

.

Full delivery on middle, Warner defends it back towards the bowler.

0.4

.

Length delivery on off, David plays it to point.

0.3

.

Good length delivery on off, Warner keeps it out.

0.2

.

On a good length and outside off, Warner shoulders arms to this one.

0.1

.

A good, good start by Henry! It is slightly shorter and on off, Warner looks to fend it away but it takes off after pitching. Warner does well to drop his hands and let it go.

We are all set to begin. The New Zealand players are out in the middle. David Warner and Joe Burns will open the batting for Australia. Both the teams are seen wearing black arm bands in honor of the fire and emergency personnel who have been dealing with bushfires raging across Australia. Also, the numbers on the back of the Aussies are written in pink as it is the Pink Test. For New Zealand, Matt Henry will be starting proceedings for the visitors. Here we go...

Breaking News - A number of changes for the visitors however the biggest of them all is their skipper, Kane Williamson not playing. That is a huge blow, he hasn�t been amongst the runs but it is still a big miss.

NEW ZEALAND (PLAYING XI) - Tom Latham (C), Tom Blundell, Jeet Raval (In for Kane Williamson), Ross Taylor, Glenn Phillips (DEBUT) (In for Henry Nicholls), Colin de Grandhomme, BJ Watling (WK), William Somerville (In for Mitchell Santner), Todd Astle (In for Tim Southee), Neil Wagner, Matt Henry (In for Trent Boult).

AUSTRALIA (UNCHANGED PLAYING XI) - David Warner, Joe Burns, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Matthew Wade, Travis Head, Tim Paine (WK/C), James Pattinson, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon.

TOSS - Up goes the coin and it lands in favour of the hosts. Australia have won the toss and have opted to bat first.

Hello and a warm welcome to the third and the final Test of the series between Australia and New Zealand. With the series already won by the hosts, is this a dead rubber? Well, with the Test championship going on, don�t think any game is a dead rubber. Also, the home side will be eager to inflict a whitewash on their opponents whereas the visitors will be keen to end the series on a high. It has been too easy for Australia so far, can the Kiwis put up a better show?

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3rd Test, Sydney, January 03, 2020, 05:00 AM

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