New Zealand vs Australia, AUS in NZ, 2 Tests, 2024 Full score card

FOUR! Australian skipper finishes off in style and propels his team to clean sweep the series by 2-0, and New Zealand's wait to beat Australia in their own backyard just extends for the time being. Sears bowls it on a length and outside off, Pat Cummins punches it through backward point for a boundary and hits the winning runs. From being 80/5 to triumphing in this game, this is some performance from Australian batters, courtesy of Alex Carey's 98, and Mitchell Marsh's 80. Australia retains this Trans-Tasmanian rivalry in style with three wickets remaining.

Outside off on a length, Pat Cummins under edges it short to Tom Blundell.

On the top of off, on a length, Pat Cummins punches it off the back foot. Ben Sears stops it with one hand on his follow-through.

Short, on the body, Pat Cummins hops and punches it back to the right of the bowler.

On a length aiming the body, it shoots further and takes Alex Carey squared up. It takes off from his gloves and rolls to deep square leg and they cross for a single. Just a couple of runs needed now.

FOUR! What a shot! Just 3 needed now and Alex Carey is also 3 away from the century. On a short length angling in the bodyline, Alex Carey pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary at deep mid-wicket.

FOUR! Straight as an arrow! A classy shot! Full and on the stumps, Pat Cummins presents the full face of the bat and drives it along the carpet and straight down the ground for a boundary. 50-run stand comes up between the two and Pat Cummins has looked cool, calm and collected.

Short and nipping back in, Pat Cummins tucks it in front of short leg.

On off and full, Pat Cummins presents a solid front foot defence.

Full and on the stumps, Alex Carey drives it straight clearing his front foot. Matt Henry flicks it off with his leg on the way, and the ball rolls to mid on. Pat Cummins puts in a dive to reach home at the non-striker's end. A single taken.

On the back of a length on top of off, Alex Carey pats it back to Henry off the back foot.

FOUR! Inching closer now! On a good length on the off stump, Alex Carey gets the outside edge off the bat and it bullets away through gully and slip cordon for a boundary. Alex Carey into the 90s now.

On the back of a length around off, Alex Carey dabs it in front of backward point for an easy single. 16 runs needed to win for Australia.

Below 20s now. Another misdirected delivery on the leg side, and on a shortish length, Pat Cummins guides the ball off the back foot toward deep fine leg. Scott Kuggeleijn sprints to his right from deep square leg and puts in a dive to save one.

Short, bounces a bit more off the deck, and outside off, Pat Cummins ducks and stays away from the line.

Bowls it outside off on a shade fuller length, Pat Cummins shoulders arms at it.

On the back of a length, the ball springs up further on the body, Pat Cummins jumps and blocks it off.

Oh no, Sears has hit the stump at the non-striker's end on his follow-through with his back leg. On a length, Alex Carey tucks it to the leg side for an easy single. Just 20 now the equation.

On a short length, just outside off, Pat Cummins cuts it off the back foot towards deep point for a single.

Full, and outside off, with a good amount of flight on offer, Alex Carey strides forward and defends it. This partnership has flourished pretty well as these two have added 36 together now.

On the dragged length around off, Alex Carey cuts it straight to point.

Brings the ball on the middle and full, Alex Carey squeezes it inside out to covers.

Floats it outside off on a length, Alex Carey misses to cut it away.

FOUR! Looks in a hurry now! This is clever batting! An extra bit of pace from Phillips on a fuller length, Alex Carey sits down on his knee and sweeps it fine enough towards deep fine leg for another boundary. Just 23 needed now.

FOUR! Swept away neatly! Around the wicket bowls Phillips, on a fuller length and on off, Alex Carey reaches out to the ball with the sweep shot before getting it through the deep mid-wicket region for a boundary.

Drinks! Australia are 31 runs away from the win here and they will be hoping that this pair of Pat Cummins and Alex Carey finish the job. New Zealand have done an excellent job of getting back into the game but they do not have a lot of runs to defend here and need to break this partnership quickly to put pressure on the visitors. A really exciting phase of cricket awaits us.

Straight and full, Pat Cummins bends low to clear the covers but inside edges it to mid on instead. Time for Drinks and probably the last one of the series. Australia need 31 runs to win now.

Good work there by Scott Kuggeleijn but not a good delivery by Sears. Serves him down leg on full, Pat Cummins simply guides it away to deep fine leg where Scott Kuggeleijn dives and saves two.

Around the wicket on a short length, Alex Carey climbs on the bounce and pats it towards widish point for a single.

Angles it down leg on a fuller length, Pat Cummins flicks it away to deep square leg for a single. Not a good area to bowl him.

Full and on the stumps now, Pat Cummins defends it back to Sears.

FOUR! What a superb timing! On the back of a length, and on the sixth stump, Pat Cummins rocks back and punches it through backward point for a boundary.

Turning in on a fuller length, and on the middle, Pat Cummins steers it through mid-wicket for a single. Australia needs 39 more runs to win and New Zealand is 3 wickets away to pull off a miracle.

Full, just around off, Pat Cummins gets a stride ahead and drives it straight to covers.

Drags his length a bit on the middle with a little turn in, Pat Cummins tucks it off the back foot to short mid-wicket.

Flat, full, and on off, Pat Cummins prods ahead and eases it back to the bowler.

Drifts it on the off stump line and keeps it fuller, Pat Cummins defends it with a long stride ahead.

Lands it on off and full, Pat Cummins leans and blocks it back to Phillips.

Full and on off, Alex Carey pats it back to Sears.

Angles it down leg, Pat Cummins guides it away to deep backward square leg for a single.

Short and wide outside off, no shot on offer.

JUST OVER! What a valiant effort by Glenn Phillips! The ball springs on a good length around off, angling in, Alex Carey gets surprised by the bounce and fails to keep it down, getting off over the leaping Glenn Phillips at gully who gets a tinge of his fingertips over his head with the jump. A single taken.

A bit more on the stumps on a length, Alex Carey rocks back and punches it solidly on the pitch.

FOUR! Guided away! Clever shot by Carey! Sears bangs it short and on the off, Alex Carey backs away in the crease and aerially cuts it over gully for a boundary.

Fuller in length with a little bit of turn from outside off, Pat Cummins strides ahead and defends it off the inside half of the bat. The ball rolls through short leg and allows the batters to scamper back for the second. 46 needed now.

Flatter trajectory at 91.1 clicks, outside off, and full, Pat Cummins leaves it covering his stumps.

Outside off on a fuller length, Pat Cummins lets it go alone.

Turns a bit in from off and keeps the length full, Pat Cummins tucks it to short leg.

Flighted on the fourth stump, Pat Cummins leans onto the ball and defends it onto the pitch.

Tossed up on off and full, Pat Cummins eases it back to the bowler on the back foot.

Overpitched and on leg, Pat Cummins works it through square leg for one.

Short of a length and around leg, Alex Carey fails to work it away as the ball goes off his thigh pads to the right of the keeper. A leg bye is taken.

Goes fuller and on leg, Pat Cummins flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a run. Australia 50 runs away from the win now.

Short of a length and on off, Pat Cummins hops up to play but gets a bottom edge ont the bounce to short leg.

On a length and on middle, Pat Cummins keeps it out towards short mid-wicket.

Back of a length and around off, Alex Carey stabs it towards point for a single.

Looped up, full and on middle, Pat Cummins strides out and dead-bats it.

Flatter, full and on leg, Pat Cummins clips it aerially past short leg and comes back for the second run, the fielder needed to be a bit quicker to hurry Alex Carey at the bowler's end. Australia needs 52 runs to win now!

Flighted, full and on middle, Pat Cummins defends it on the front foot.

Short and on leg, Pat Cummins moves back and pats it past short leg.

Floated, full and on off, Pat Cummins goes for the drives but gets an inside edge uppishly but safely towards mid-wicket.

Tossed up, full and on off, Pat Cummins prods forward and blocks it out.

Fuller but down the leg side, Pat Cummins glances it towards fine leg for a single. A fantastic over and could prove to be the turning point in this game.

Back of a length and around off, Pat Cummins leaves it alone.

FOUR! Just short! Not hat-trick for Ben Sears! He lands this on a good length and just around off, Pat Cummins tries to push it away from his body and gets an outside edge that falls just short of Tom Latham at the second slip and runs away to the third man fence for a boundary.

Pat Cummins,the Australian skipper is in at number 9.

OUT! TWO IN TWO! Ben Sears, you beauty! He steams in and lands this on a good length, on middle and leg, Mitchell Starc stays back to flick it away but fails to keep it down due to the extra bounce, and the ball loops up straight into the hands of Will Young at square leg. Starch goes back for a golden duck. Australia seven down and still needs 59 runs to win now!

Mitchell Starc is in at number 8.

OUT! LBW! Ben Sears strikes or does he? Mitchell Marsh takes the review here but that does not save him here. New Zealand finally gets the much-needed breakthrough and this game is still alive. This one is very full and on middle, shaping in, Mitchell Marsh stays in his crease to work it away but misses due to the inward movement and the pace to get hit on the pads. There is a huge appeal for LBW, and up goes the finger. UltraEdge shows no bat involved and Ball Tracking indicates that it is just clipping the leg stump. Marsh walks back after an excellent knock and Australia lose their sixth wicket now.

So close! This is short of a length and outside off, Mitchell Marsh slashes at it but misses as the ball zips just past the outside edge.

Ben Sears (11-2-52-2) is back into the attack.

On the back of a length around off, Alex Carey cuts it straight to backward point.

Short of a length and on off, Alex Carey blocks it out.

Fuller one and on middle, Alex Carey clips it towards mid-wicket.

FOUR! Lovely shot! Matt Henry bangs this short and on middle, sits up nicely for the batter, Alex Carey gets on top of that and pulls it away between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Fuller one and on off, Alex Carey drives it firmly wide if sweeper covers for a brace.

On a length and around off, Mitchell Marsh guides it through point for a single.

Another short delivery, outside off, Alex Carey mistimes his cut towards point.

Goes short again and on middle, turns in sharply, Mitchell Marsh winds up for the heave across the line but ends up stabbing it towards long off for one.

Flighted, full and on off, Mitchell Marsh uses his feet and knocks it down the pitch.

Floated, short and around off, turns in sharply, Mitchell Marsh stays back and pushes it back to the bowler.

Flatter, short and on middle, turns away, Alex Carey moves back and punches it towards cover-point for a single.

Tossed up, full and on off, Alex Carey lunges out and taps it towards short covers.

Fullish delivery, on middle, shaping in, Mitchell Marsh takes a couple of steps forward and blocks it out towards mid on.

Pitched up and on middle, Alex Carey clips it through square leg for a run.

Goes fuller and on off, angling in, Alex Carey knocks it towards mid off.

Back of a length and on off, Mitchell Marsh dabs it towards point for a single.

On a length and on off, Mitchell Marsh steps across and nudges it towards short mid-wicket.

Fuller one and on middle, shaping in, Mitchell Marsh looks to drive but gets a bottom edge towards mid on.

Quicker, shorter once more and outside off, Alex Carey cuts it wide of point where Rachin Ravindra dives to his right to stop it.

Flighted, full and around off, Alex Carey defends it on the front foot.

Goes short again and outside off, Alex Carey once again cuts it straight to point.

Floated, full and on off, Alex Carey strides out and taps it towards covers.

Short and around off, Alex Carey moves back and cuts it towards point.

Tossed up, full  and on off, turns away, Alex Carey leaves it alone.

SIX! BANG! 16 runs off the over! Matt Henry bangs this into the pitch and on middle, Mitchell Marsh picks up the length early, swiveles and hammers it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie. Australia 70 runs away from the win now!

Back of a length and outside off, Alex Carey cuts it towards deep point for one.

FOUR! A poor delivery and gets the treatment! Matt Henry pitches it up but on the pads, Alex Carey just tickles it away nicely towards the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Short of a length and on middle, Mitchell Marsh pulls it towards deep square leg for a single. Marsh completes 2000 runs Test cricket!

Goes fuller this time on middle, Alex Carey shows the full face of the bat and drives it down the ground as mid off chases after to collect it. Three runs taken.

A shout for LBW, but turned down! Matt Henry lands this on a good length and on middle, nips back in sharply, Mitchell Marsh tries to play it but gets a slight inside edge onto his pads as the ball lobs up to the off side. A leg bye is taken.

Matt Henry (15-1-60-2) replaces Tim Southee.

Maiden over! This is short and outside off, Alex Carey cuts it straight to point.

Flighted, full and on middle, Alex Carey defends it on the front foot.

Quicker, full and on middle, Alex Carey backs away and digs it out towards short covers.

Floated, full and on off, Alex Carey prods forward and blocks it out.

Flatter, short and around off, Alex Carey moves back for the cut but gets beaten on the outside edge once again.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Alex Carey strides out and taps it to short covers.

Fuller one and on off, Mitchell Marsh pushes it towards short covers.

Another short delivery, outside off, Mitchell Marsh leaves it alone this time.

FOUR! Up and over! Tim Southee bowls this back of a length and outside off, Mitchell Marsh slashes hard at it and slices it well over gully for another boundary. 10 runs already in the over and the Kiwis cannot afford this.

Goes fuller and on off, Mitchell Marsh knocks it towards mid off.

Short of a length and outside off, Mitchell Marsh cuts it away towards deep point where Rachin Ravindra is a bit slow to pick up the ball and the batters comes back for the second run.

FOUR! Fine shot! Tim Southee lands this on a hard length and wide outside off, Mitchell Marsh accepts the width on offer and flashes it towards the deep extra cover fence for a boundary.

Quicker, full and on middle, Alex Carey pushes it to the left of the bowler.

Oh..close! This is flatter, shortish and just around off, Alex Carey moves back to cut but this one is too close to his body and he misses. This could have gone anywhere.

Slower through the air, short and on middle, Mitchell Marsh shuffles down the track to play but gets an outside edge well wide of first slip, the ball runs away to the third man region as the batters take a triple.

Flighted, full and on middle, Mitchell Marsh knocks it down the pitch.

Floated, full and around off, Mitchell Marsh goes down to paddle it away but misses it completely.

Tossed up, full and on off, Mitchell Marsh uses his feet and drills it hard and wide of short covers, Kane Williamson dives to his right to make a fine stop.

Length again and around off, Mitchell Marsh punches it towards deep point for one. That brings up the 100-run partnership between these two batters. Australia needs under 100 runs to win now!

On a length and on off, Mitchell Marsh steps forward and pushes it towards short covers.

Goes fuller now and around off, Alex Carey strides out and steers it towards deep point for a single.

Short of a length now and around off, Alex Carey pulls it straight to short mid-wicket.

Back of a length and outside off, Alex Carey tries to cut but chops it down towards gully.

This is on a good length and around off, Alex Carey moves across a long way and stabs it towards cover-point.

Flatter, full and on off, Mitchell Marsh prods forward and blocks it out.

A loopy full toss, on off, Alex Carey drills it towards long off for a single.

Looped up, full and on off, Alex Carey defends it on the front foot.

Flighted, full and around off, Alex Carey bunts it out towards short covers.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Alex Carey reverse sweeps it to point.

Glenn Phillips begins with a floated delivery, full and on off, Alex Carey taps it straight to short covers.

Glenn Phillips to continue from the other end.

On a length and on off, Alex Carey pushes it through covers for a single.

Buzzers! This is back of a length and outside off, Alex Carey cuts it towards deep point for a single, he sets off for the second but is sent back. The fielder throws it at the bowler's end where it deflects off the stumps and the batters get the overthrow run.

Fuller-length delivery around the off stump at 127.8 clicks, this is pushed towards cover by Alex Carey.

Back of a length and just outside off, Alex Carey defends this to cover.

Length delivery swinging back from outside off, firmly pushed in the covers by Carey.

Length delivery outside off to start with. Alex Carey gets in two minds and deflects it in the slip cordon.

We are back with the post-Lunch session to begin! The two Umpires Nitin Menon and Marais Erasmus walk out to the middle. New Zealand disperse to the field after a brief chat in the huddle near the ropes. Mitchell Marsh and Alex Carey to resume their innings for Australia. Tim Southee (11-1-24-1) will lead us to the second session of the day with the ball. Let's play...

...Day 4, Session 2...

Right then, Australia takes the first session hands-on and is sniffing a victory as they have all the time in the world to get the job done. On the other hand, New Zealand is in desperate need of breaking this partnership whatsoever to bounce back into the contest. It's surely going to be a cliffhanger of a second session with Australia needing 105 runs to seal the series, and New Zealand on the hunt for those 5 wickets to find the leveler. Can New Zealand break its 31-year win drought at home against Australia? Or will the tourists maintain the status quo? Stay tuned as the post-Lunch session commences at 6.40 am IST (1.10 am GMT).

On the Australian side, they lost an early wicket with Travis Head departing soon after Marsh's dropped chance. By the time Australia reached 80 runs, half of their side was back in the pavilion. Alex Carey then joined Marsh in the middle, building a resilient partnership amid some fortunate escapes, including a successful review to overturn an LBW decision. He had a bit of an edgy affair but crucial runs kept coming off his bat. But both went on to construct an unbeaten 94-run partnership. Mitchell Marsh notched up a pivotal half-century after he was dropped on 28. The two scored quick runs and looked at ease as runs came thick and fast. Carey too, struck a gutsy 50 and Australia inched closer to the win.

The game commenced after a brief rain delay, with Tim Southee and Matt Henry bowling in tandem. Initially, Southee created an opportunity that Rachin Ravindra couldn't grasp at point, giving Mitchell Marsh a reprieve. However, in the very next delivery, Southee dismissed Travis Head with a similar shot caught at point and broke the 46-run stand. Henry maintained pressure with a lengthy spell, troubling the Australian batters. Ben Sears joined the attack and nearly found success, only for the review to save the batter. But after that, runs kept flowing as no maidens were bowled in the first hour or so. Scott Kuggeleijn gave away a few boundaries and runs kept leaking at an alarming rate.

Lunch, Day 4 - Session Summary - 19 Overs, 97 Runs, 1 Wicket. As the players head back to the sheds after the conclusion of the first session, it's time for Lunch on Day 4 amidst an intense contest, but Australia would be the happier side of the two as they made a strong comeback in the contest after being 34/4 at the end of Day 3.

Fires this one full and outside off, Mitchell Marsh mistimes his drive back to the bowler. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 4!

Looped up, full and around off, Mitchell Marsh advances down the track and pushes it towards short covers.

Flighted, full and on middle, Mitchell Marsh clips it towards short mid-wicket.

A loud appeal for LBW, but the finger stays down! Glenn Phillips darts in a yorker now, on middle, Mitchell Marsh uses his feet again to tuck it away but gets hit on the toes. The replay shows that he may have just hit that with the toe-end and UltraEdge confirms it. Very lucky for Marsh and New Zealand only one review left now!

EDGED AND FOUR! This is tossed up, full and around off, Mitchell Marsh uses his feet to drive it through covers but gets an thick outside edge wide of first slip and to the third man fence for a bodunary.

Flatter, short and around off, Mitchell Marsh moves across and taps it towards short covers.

First sight of spin on Day 4 as Glenn Phillips (2-0-4-0) is brought into the attack now.

On a length and on middle, Alex Carey blocks it out.

FIFTY FOR CAREY! A gutsy half-century and his first one against the Kiwis. This is overpitched and outside off, Alex Carey reaches for it and squeezes it through point for a couple of more rus.

Full again and outside off, Alex Carey leaves it alone.

Fuller one and on off, Alex Carey drills it wide of sweeper covers for a brace.

FOUR MORE! Australia moving fast now! Ben Sears bangs this short and outside off, Alex Carey accepts the width on offer and cuts it away nonchalantly through point for four more runs.

FOUR! Streaky! Ben Sears lands this on a good length and around off, Alex Carey tries to push it away but gets an outside edge wide of gully as the ball wins the race to the fence for a boundary.

FOUR LEG BYES! The runs keep on coming thick and fast now. Scott Kuggeleijn bangs this into the pitch, on middle, angling away, Mitchell Marsh moves across to leave it along but fails to get out of the way as the ball deflects off his back and runs to the fine leg fence for another boundary.

Yet another bouncer, on middle, Mitchell Marsh ducks under it again.

Back of a length and on middle, angling away, Mitchell Marsh tries to work it away but misses as the ball goes off his thigh pads behind the keeper. Two runs taken.

Another bouncer, on middle, Mitchell Marsh ducks under it.

FOUR BYES! More runs for Australia! Scott Kuggeleijn bangs this short again, on middle, takes off sharply, Mitchell Marsh ducks under and it flies well over Tom Blundell to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

A bouncer now, on middle, Mitchell Marsh watches it through and ducks under it.

Maiden over! This is full again and well outside off, Alex Carey lets it go to the keeper.

Pulls his length back a bit now, on off, Alex Carey taps it towards short covers.

Full again and on middle, angling in, Alex Carey blocks it back to the bowler.

Goes fuller and just outside off, angling away, Alex Carey leaves it alone.

On a length and around off, Alex Carey dabs it down towards point.

Fuller one and on off, Alex Carey drills it straight to cover-point.

FOUR! FIFTY FOR MARSH! He has made the Kiwis pay here with a brilliant knock. Scott Kuggeleijn bangs this into the pitch, on middle, Mitchell Marsh picks up length early and slaps it towards the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

Short of a length and on middle, Alex Carey pulls it towards deep square leg for a single.

A confident appeal for caught behind, but turned down! Scott Kuggeleijn bangs in a sharp bouncer, on middle, Alex Carey sways away and tries to ramp it away but the ball passes very close to the bat and to the keeper. Tom Blundell grabs and the slips appeal for it. UltraEdge clearly shows no bat involved. New Zealand lose a review!

FOUR! Good shot! Scott Kuggeleijn lands this back of a length and around off, Alex Carey gets on top of the bounce and punches it with excellent timing through point for a boundary.

On a length and on middle, Alex Carey blocks it out.

FOUR BYES! Australia won't mind this at all! Scott Kuggeleijn loses his line and bowls this full but way down the leg side, Alex Carey is nowhere near to play it, and Tom Blundell behind the stumps dives to his right, gets some gloves on it but it still race away to the third man fence for a boundary.

Full again and on middle, Michael Neser tucks it through mid-wicket for a brace.

Pitched up and outside off, Mitchell Marsh leaves it alone.

Length again and on middle, Mitchell Marsh is solid in his defence.

On a length and around leg, Alex Carey clips it through square leg for one.

FOUR! A bit streaky! Ben Sears lands this on a good length and on off, Alex Carey looks to guide it away but gets a thick outside edge past gully for boundary.

BEAUTY! Ben Sears serves this full and on off, angles away, Alex Carey tries to play at it but his head falls a bit and the ball zips past the outside edge to the keeper.

Overpitched and on middle, Mitchell Starc knocks it towards mid on.

Goes fuller now, on middle, Alex Carey tries to push it away but gets an inside edge towards deep square leg for a run.

Short of a length and on off, Alex Carey dabs it down towards point.

A bit fuller and down the leg side, Mitchell Marsh misses his flick as the ball goes off his pads towards square leg. A leg bye is taken.

Back of a length and on middle, Mitchell Marsh moves across and blocks it out.

Scott Kuggeleijn starts with a hard-length delivery, on off, Mitchell Marsh hops up and pats it down to short covers.

Scott Kuggeleijn is now introduced in the second innings. He replaces Ben Sears.

Back of a length and middle, angling in, Alex Carey looks to play but gets an inside edge through backward square leg for a brace.

Length again and on off, Alex Carey is solid in his defence again.

On a length and on middle, Alex Carey blocks it out well.

Short of a length and on middle, angling in, Mitchell Marsh gets cramped up as the ball goes off his thigh pads to the leg side. A leg bye is taken.

Fuller one and on off, Mitchell Marsh taps it towards short covers again.

Back of a length and around off, Mitchell Marsh pats it down towards short covers.

Pitched up again and on off, shaping in, Alex Carey blocks it down the pitch.

Overpitched and on off, Alex Carey drills it towards mid off.

On a length and around off, Alex Carey steers it towards point,

Goes fuller and on middle, Alex Carey drives it firmly past mid on for a couple of runs.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Ben Sears lands this on a good length but down the leg side, Alex Carey glances off his pads nicely towards the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Short of a length and on middle, Mitchell Marsh pulls it towards deep square leg for a single.

Drinks! An eventful first hour of play comes to an end. Australia have reduced their target a but lost Travis Head. Mitchell Marsh has also lived dangerously but has scored runs at a good rate as well while Alex Carey is also doing the same. New Zealand bowlers have been solid creating a few opportunities but they know that they need to break this partnership as soon as possible. An exciting phase of cricket awaits us.

Swings in on a fuller length around off, Alex Carey gets forward and drives it straight to covers.

Short and outside off, Alex Carey climbs on the ball and cuts it but finds the backward point fielder.

Bowls it full and on the off, Alex Carey drives it back to Henry.

A strong and confident appeal for LBW and up goes the finger! Alex Carey decides to review it straight away. Henry steams in from around the wicket and lands it on the fuller length around off, it slightly nips back in as well, Alex Carey goes for a straight drive and gets beaten before wearing it on the pads. UltraEdge shows no bat is involved and Ball Tracker confirms that the ball is missing on the leg stump. A smart review there by Carey as he survives a scare.

FOUR! Lose delivery and rightly punished! Misfires it on the pads, and full in length, Alex Carey clips it off the hips towards deep fine leg for a boundary. A feel-good boundary for Carey.

Short and climbs on Carey, nipping in as well, Alex Carey gets it off the top half of the bat to the off side.

Aims on the pads with an inswing, Alex Carey gets a brush off his pad towards fine leg and runs a leg bye.

On the back of a length, outside off, Mitchell Marsh arches back and slashes it uppishly over covers and quickly hustles back for the third as the ball runs out of steam in the deep before the ropes.

BEATEN! Touch full in length, a moves away a bit as well, Mitchell Marsh goes for a poke but backs the shot and gets beaten on the outside edge. Good start for Sears.

At 135.6 clicks on the fifth stump line, nipping back in a bit, Mitchell Marsh decides to leave it alone.

Hard length on the middle and leg, Alex Carey flicks it to widish mid-wicket for a quick single.

Gets a good bounce on the back of a length, in the stumps line, Alex Carey splices it off through the shoulder of the bat and controls it to keep it down towards the off side.

Ben Sears comes into the attack for the first time on Day 4.

Full, around off, Mitchell Marsh strides forward and defends it in front of covers.

On the off stump line, Mitchell Marsh blocks it off solidly.

Almost chopped on! Lands it on off and on the back of a length, Mitchell Marsh arches back to cut it through but inside edges onto the back of his pad. The ball just closely rolls past the off stump.

A bit overpitched on the fourth stump line, Alex Carey gets ahead and drives it through cover-point for a quick single.

Gets it to slant across off on a fullish length, Carey is not interested to go fishing at it and leaves it alone.

An inward movement on off, and full in length, Alex Carey defends it on the front foot to the off side.

On the back of a length, outside off, Marsh leaves.

FOUR! Flashes off in style! A bit of width outside off on a length, Mitchell Marsh arches back and goes hard at it and cuts it a bit uppishly through the gap between the backward point and gully for a boundary.

Again, on a hard length at 135 clicks, just around off, Mitchell Marsh confidently defends it to the pitch.

Angles on the top of off and on a hard length, Mitchell Marsh stays tall and bunts it underneath the bat.

Almost a half-tracker on the leg stump line, Alex Carey tucks it off the back foot in front of square leg for a quick single.

Slants it on the off stump, full in length, Alex Carey prods ahead and solidly defends it on the front foot.

This one swings in at 127 clicks, on a fuller length, and on the middle and leg, Mitchell Marsh drives it straight to mid on.

Angles it on the off stump and gets it to swing away a bit on a length, Mitchell Marsh pushes it back to the bowler.

Moves a bit away from the outside off on a fuller length, Mitchell Marsh with no footwork at all, tries to hit it through the covers, but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Fuller in length, on the stumps, Alex Carey drives it down to long off for a single.

BEATEN! Beauty! Slants it across the off stump on a nagging length, Alex Carey drives and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Gets a fair bit of outswing outside off, full in length, Mitchell Marsh attempts to go through the covers but gets off the inside half of the bat straight down the ground and hurries back for the third by the time the fielder in the deep throws it back to the bowler. This brings up the 100 for Australia.

FOUR! Nicely done by Carey! On the back of a length, on top of off, Alex Carey hops and cuts it above the gully fielder for a boundary.

Full-length delivery, angling away outside off, Alex Carey covers the stumps and leaves it alone.

Full and outside off, nipping away, Carey leans forward and drives it straight to extra cover.

Angles it on the pads, on a length, Mitchell Marsh misses to flick it off to the leg side and gets a ping on the thigh pad. The ball rolls in front of short square leg and they run a quick leg bye.

Oh, this one sharply nips back in with the angle from outside off, Mitchell Marsh hangs his arms in the air and leaves it. The ball zips past over the top of off and through to the keeper.

This one keeps a bit low on the bounce, in the channel of off, Mitchell Marsh blocks it off the back foot towards point.

Full and gets to swing in this time on off, Alex Carey leans onto the ball and caresses it through cover-point for a brace.

BEATEN! Bowling in a tough corridor there Southee! Lands it on the off-stump line, with a slight nip away across with a bit of bounce as well, Alex Carey gets squared up and the ball beats his outside edge.

On a length outside off, Alex Carey covers his stumps and leaves it for the keeper to carry.

Gets it to nip away from off on a fuller length, Alex Carey gets a thickish outside edge on his front foot towards gully where Phillips makes a good stop.

On a fullish length, outside off, Alex Carey pushes it back to Southee.

FOUR! Nicely driven! An inswinger across off, overpitched a bit, Alex Carey gets on his front foot before driving it through covers for a boundary. That will give him a lot of confidence.

On a nagging length, pitching in the middle and leg channel, Alex Carey prods ahead and eases it to mid off for a quick single.

Full, and on the stumps, Alex Carey defends it back to the bowler.

Full in length, and outside off, Marsh leans forward and pushes it to cover-point for a single.

Seams in now on the length, aiming the stump line, Mitchell Marsh wears it on the pads.

EDGED AND FOUR! This one nips away a bit with a good shape, around off, on a length, Mitchell Marsh gets it off the thickish outside edge past the slip and gully gap for a boundary at deep third. This area has been a bit more productive in this game.

Jags back in on the length around off, Mitchell Marsh defends it off the back foot to the off side.

Back of a length ball, angling away outside off, Carey leaves it alone to the keeper.

BEATEN! Across off on a fuller length, Alex Carey plays it inside the line of the ball to defend it and gets beaten all ends up on the outside edge.

Full-length delivery with a hint of movement in the air around off, Alex Carey prods forward and defends it.

Full and on the stumps, Carey defends it in the off-side.

Alex Carey comes out to the middle now.

OUT! TAKEN! This time it's taken and Ravindra would be the happiest man right now. A sharp catch there by Will Young and Travis Head departs! Around the wicket comes Southee and lands it on the good length angling a bit in on the fourth stump line, Travis Head shuffles and backs a bit before cutting it uppishly and straight to Will Young stationed at point. Young takes a dolly reverse cupping it and New Zealand have their first wicket!

DROPPED! Rachin Ravindra has shelled it and it could be a big moment in the game right on! Tim Southee is absolutely in disbelief with hands on his head. Southee starts off on the back of a length on the fourth stump line, Mitchell Marsh backs and cuts it but fails to keep it along the ground and the ball fires straight to Rachin Ravindra at point who drops it. Marsh survives.

Tim Southee to share the attack.

On a nagging length around off, nipping back in with the angle, Mitchell Marsh tucks it with soft hands to widish mid-wicket for a single to end the over.

On a good length that nips back from the fourth stump line on off, Mitchell Marsh inside edges on the defence and onto the pads.

On the back of a length on off, Mitchell Marsh punches it off the back foot in front of covers.

Short, angling in on top of off, Travis Head hangs back and awkwardly pats it to the off side in front of covers and takes a quick single.

Too close to leave! Angles it in and pitches just around off on a hard length, Travis Head hangs his bat in air and leaves. The ball sneaks above the top of off and to the keeper.

Henry steams in and lands short in length just around off, Travis Head camps back and bunts the ball on the pitch.

We are all set to begin Day 4! The New Zealand players make their way out to the middle and spread out to take their respective field positions. The revised session timings are that Lunch will be taken at 6 pm IST (12.30 pm GMT) and Tea will be at 9.10 am IST (3.40 am GMT). Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh are the two batters to continue the chase for Australia. Matt Henry to start proceedings with the ball. Let's play...

UPDATE - 3.55 am IST (10.25 pm GMT, Previous Day) - Good news, folks, the rain has eased off and the covers are coming off as well at the Hagley Oval. The inspection is scheduled just about a few minutes from now. And we might get the play of Day 4 underway at 4.30 am IST (11.00 pm GMT, Previous Day).

UPDATE - 3.33 am IST (10.03 pm GMT, Previous Day) - There has been a bit of rain around in Christchurch and the start of Day 4 has been delayed. However, the weather forecast is not that gloomy, and we can expect the game to begin sooner rather than later. Stay tuned for more updates.

Matt Henry dismissed Smith with a sensational delivery, setting the tone for his fierce spell. He bowled ten overs on the trot and interrogated the Aussie batters by eventually claiming the wicket of Usman Khawaja as well. Ben Sears supported Henry with two crucial wickets of Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green. Australia, reeling at 34-4, faced immense pressure with their backs against the wall. Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh exhibited resilience with a partnership of 43 runs. However, with Australia trailing by 202 runs and having lost four wickets, the odds are stacked against them. New Zealand aims to dismantle the Australian partnership and seize control. Stay tuned for the action on day 4 of this thrilling Trans Tasman rivalry.

Contrarily, the Australian bowlers faced a challenging day at the office, managing to secure only one wicket in the initial session. However, in the subsequent session, skipper Pat Cummins rose to the occasion, claiming an impressive four-wicket haul. But it was Josh Hazlewood who played a pivotal role by breaking a centurion partnership between Ravindra and Mitchell, creating a breakthrough, and the collapse followed. Nathan Lyon contributed with a three-wicket haul, and quick dismissals initiated a turnaround from what initially appeared to be a one-sided affair as they restricted the lead below 300. Australia were invited to chase the target of 279 runs in the final session of the third day and they had all the time in the world for the chase. Steven Smith again continued with his lacklustre form and was dismissed in the eighth over.

In the initial session, the hosts showcased a strong batting performance, with key contributions from the Kiwi batters. As the innings progressed into the second session, partnerships flourished but wickets also fell. Notably, Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra built a brilliant 123-run partnership, before both fell within a span of 8 runs, leading to a dramatic collapse. Despite losing 6 wickets for 98 runs, the lower order displayed resilience with the bat. Scott Kuggeleijn's rapid 44 further solidified their lead, while Matt Henry's brisk 16 provided a valuable contribution. Consequently, the hosts set a competitive target of 279 runs

Hello and a welcome to our coverage of Day 4 of this sensational humdinger of a second and the final Test between New Zealand and Australia. This contest has been nothing short of thrills and chills and this fourth day is expected to be no less than engaging.

...Day 4, Session 1...

Right then, that is it from a riveting Day 3 of this Test. The Kiwis have made an exceptional comeback and have the slight upper hand but the Aussies also have enough quality in their ranks to make a turnaround. Day 4 which will probably be the final day of this match will start on 11th March, Monday at 3.30 am IST (10 pm GMT, Previous Day), but you can join us early for all the build-up. Cheers!

Tom Latham is up for a quick chat. He says it was a good day and the guys fought well with the bat first and then came strongly with the ball as well. Adds the bowlers, Matt Henry and Ben Sears bowled on tight lines and lengths and troubled their batters. He says the way they bowled, sets up a perfect platform for the next day and states that they have a big job when they come out again.

The third session was packed with action right from the outset. Nathan Lyon's introduction into the attack proved fruitful as he struck with his first ball after Tea, dismissing Glenn Phillips. Matt Henry showcased some aggressive batting before falling victim to Lyon.  Australia's skipper, Cummins, then removed the Kiwi captain, while Lyon claimed his third wicket by dismissing Scott Kuggeleijn, who missed out on a well-deserved fifty. Although the hosts would have hoped for more runs, they set a challenging target of 279 runs for the visitors. Australia's innings began on a shaky note as Steven Smith struggled from the start and was eventually dismissed by Matt Henry. Daryl Mitchell's dropped catch of Marnus Labuschagne seemed like a pivotal moment, but Ben Sears swiftly got rid of him in the same over. Tim Southee took a sensational catch in the slips to dismiss Usman Khawaja, while Sears struck again to remove Cameron Green, leaving Australia reeling at 34-4. However, Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh showed resilience, steadying the ship and surviving some hostile spells while maintaining a good scoring rate until Stumps.

In the second session, the Kiwis picked up from where they left off in the first. Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell continued to accumulate runs steadily, forming a century partnership and extending the lead beyond 150 runs. Mitchell also reached an impressive fifty during this period. However, the introduction of the second new ball provided a turning point for Australia, as Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins dismissed both set batsmen, with Ravindra falling short of a well-deserved century on 82. Shortly after, Marnus Labuschagne showcased his brilliance with a sensational catch to dismiss Tom Blundell. However, a missed opportunity by Marnus allowed Scott Kuggeleijn to capitalize, as he and Glenn Phillips launched a counter-attacking partnership, frustrating the Aussies and increasing the lead to 251 runs before Tea.

New Zealand aimed to establish a formidable target for Australia. Rachin Ravindra showcased aggression from the outset, while Tom Latham anchored the innings steadily. However, Pat Cummins' astute review led to Latham's dismissal, providing an opening for the Aussies. Yet, they failed to capitalize on this breakthrough and leaked runs, allowing Ravindra to reach a superb half-century. Daryl Mitchell supported him well, maintaining a steady flow of runs and gradually extending their lead. This resilient partnership exerted pressure on the Australian bowlers, culminating in a promising position for the Kiwis as they headed into the Lunch break.

What an enthralling day of Test cricket! Session Summary - 104 runs and 8 wickets in 29.2 overs! It was filled with drama as momentum shifted back and forth. New Zealand's batters showcased remarkable resilience to set up a challenging target, while Matt Henry and Ben Sears delivered fiery spells to dismantle the Aussie lineup. However, with the dynamic duo of Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh still at the crease, Australia remains optimistic about their chances of staging a comeback in the match. With Australia needing 202 runs to win and New Zealand requiring six wickets, the stage is set for an intriguing finale to this gripping Test match.

Pace off from Southee on a length, with an inward angle on the middle and leg stump channel, Travis Head gets deceived by the slow pace and misses to tuck it away before wearing it on the pads. The ball rolls in front of square leg and the batters cross for a leg bye. With this, a thrilling Day 3 comes to an end, and New Zealand will surely go into the sheds as the happier side of the two. Australia still require 202 runs to win when they come out to bat on Day 4 with six wickets in hand.

Lands it full, and angles it on the middle, Travis Head jams it to the mid on fielder.

Good length angling into the stumps, Travis Head hangs back and defends it in the off-side.

Play and a miss! Changes the angle and comes from around the wicket now on a length, angling in at off, Travis Head plays inside the line of the ball and it flirts with his outside edge before going to the keeper's gloves. Excellent delivery!

On a shorter length and aiming the body, Travis Head ducks underneath to let it sail through to the keeper.

Swings it into the batter on the back of a length at 124 clicks, keeps the line on top of middle, Mitchell Marsh tucks it off the back foot toward widish mid-wicket for a quick single.

Too full and on off, Mitchell Marsh drives it along the carpet toward long off for a single.

Drags his length a bit on a length, outside off, Travis Head cuts it off the back foot toward extra covers for a single.

Quicker and on off, fuller in length, Travis Head defends it off the front foot to the covers.

Floats it up with a wild away turn on a fuller length, Travis Head brings his front foot ahead and decides to let it go.

Drifts it a bit on off and keeps the length full, Travis Head leans onto the ball and blocks it underneath his bat.

Drops it full, on off, Travis Head covers his off stump and defends it.

This one swings into the batter but stays on the fourth stump line, and the length is full, Mitchell Marsh drives it straight to mid off.

Angles it on the middle and off, and keeps the length full, Mitchell Marsh prods forward and defends it under his eyes.

Good amount of swing from outside off, and full in length, Mitchell Marsh leaves it alone.

Outside off, on a length, Mitchell Marsh drives but finds the cover fielder.

On the back of a length on the fourth stump line, Mitchell Marsh punches it off the back foot through the cover-point region and hurries back for the second.

Hint of an outswing on the back of a length outside off, this is punched off the back foot to covers.

Fuller in length from over the wicket, Mitchell Marsh steps ahead and drives it through cover-point for a single to end the over.

Drifts it on the pads, and keeps it full, Travis Head leans ahead on the ball and steers it to deep mid-wicket or a single.

Tossed up, outside off, turning away, left alone by Head.

A slip in place now on the middle, Travis Head steers it to mid on.

Flighted ball with a good amount of turn and bounce, outside off, Travis Head leaves.

Around the wicket comes Phillips and drops it full, on off, Travis Head leans ahead and drives it back to the bowler.

Glenn Phillips to bowl some offies now.

In the channel of off with an inward movement this time, and on a fuller length, Travis Head turns it with the wrists towards deep mid-wicket for an easy single.

Surprises him with a good bumper on the body, Travis Head sits underneath it and leaves.

Gentle outswing again on offer, on the middle and full, Travis Head prods and blocks it to mid on.

Subtle away movement across off at a gentle pace of 125 clicks, Travis Head punches it off the back foot to the off side.

Over the wicket and with a bit of outswing on a length, on off, Travis Head again hops and pushes it back to Southee.

Hurls at the off stump line on a good length, Travis Head rocks back and pats it underneath his bat.

Stays outside off on a nagging length this time, Mitchell Marsh is happy to leave it alone.

Fuller in length, and swinging away a tad around off, Mitchell Marsh leans forward and pushes it in the off side.

FOUR! Shot! Sears offers some width outside off on a fuller length, Mitchell Marsh cashes on the opportunity as he strides ahead and stretches his arms before driving it uppishly over backward point for a boundary.

Attacks the stumps on a length, Mitchell Marsh bunts it to mid on off the back foot.

On the pads, straighter on a fullish length, Travis Head turns it with wrists toward deep square leg for one.

Bowls it slightly outside off on the fourth stump line, keeps it full and shapes in, Travis Head pushes it back to Sears on the front foot.

Overpitched from Henry, on off, Mitchell Marsh with a little prod ahead, drives it hard but finds the cover fielder.

Angles into the batter from off on a length, Mitchell Marsh gets in line of the ball and punches it off the back foot toward short cover.

Short in length and on the body, Travis Head hops back and drops it in front of square leg for a quick single.

Back of a length on the stumps, Head hangs back and defends it in the leg side.

FOUR! Nicely done! Missed his line a bit here Henry as he sprays it on the leg stump line angling across the southpaw from around the wicket, Travis Head guides the ball with the pace towards deep fine leg for a boundary.

Steams from around the wicket and lands it around off on a fuller length, this is punched off the back foot by Travis Head to the off side.

Aims on the pads on a hard length, Travis Head hops and tucks it off the back foot towards deep mid-wicket for an easy single.

Down leg on the length, Head misses to flick away and the ball carries to the keeper.

EDGED AND ANOTHER FOUR! On the back of a length, outside off, Travis Head camps back on the back foot for a punch but gets a thickish outside edge that flies through the slip and the gully fielder for a boundary. An edgy affair at the moment for Australia but it's showering boundaries at the moment.

Bangs in short and on off, Mitchell Marsh stands tall and swivels to pull it through mid-wicket for a single at deep mid-wicket.

On the back of a length with a wobbled seam, and outside off, Mitchell Marsh hangs his bat in the air to leave.

EDGED AND FOUR! Playing with fire at the moment. Swinging away on a fullish length outside off, Mitchell Marsh swings hard to drive it through the covers but catches the leading edge that flies over the slip cordon for a boundary towards deep third. Also, it brings up the 50 for Australia.

Back of a length outside off, Mitchell Marsh punches it through the extra cover. Kane Williamson does the hard yards to chase it down from the covers and eventually manages to keep it before the ropes. Saves one for his team. Excellent effort which is reflecting in the field as well.

Holds onto the off stump line on a full length, Mitchell Marsh guides the ball through the backward point and gully region and scampers back for the second.

Oh, this one keeps a bit low. Angles it on the middle and off stump line, on a shade fuller length, Mitchell Marsh blocks it to the leg side off the back foot.

On the back of a length and slightly nipping in on off, Mitchell Marsh rocks back and bunts it on the pitch from the crease.

EDGED AND FOUR! On the length outside off, Mitchell Marsh walks down a couple of steps and guides the ball off the thickish outside edge through the gap between gully and the third slip for a boundary.

Shade short in length and on the top of off at 127 clicks, Travis Head tucks it and steers it towards deep square leg for a single.

Back of a length, outside off, Mitchell Marsh leaves it alone to the keeper.

On a length outside off, Marsh leaves it alone to the keeper.

On the back of a length, swinging away from outside off, Marsh prods forward and gets beaten on the outside edge.

FOUR! Off the mark in style! Full-length delivery on the middle and leg stump line, Mitchell Marsh rolls his wrist and flicks it towards deep backward square leg for a boundary.

Mitchell Marsh walks out to bat now with his side in a spot of bother.

OUT! CHOPPED ON! New Zealand have their fourth and it's a big scalp of Cameron Green. Ben Sears is pumped up and so are the Kiwi players along with the crowd as well. This is turning out to be a lethal phase of bowling. Sears cannons it on the back of a length and keeps it shade outside off, Cameron Green looks to block it off the back foot but he plays it too late getting caught up in two minds about whether to leave or block. He pokes at it and the ball nips slightly in as well. It takes the inside edge of the blade and bamboozles the sticks in a blink. Australia are in a huge, huge trouble now.

Over the stumps steams Sears and fires at 136 clicks on the stumps, full in length, Cameron Green nudges it to mid-wicket.

Drinks! New Zealand have been exceptional with the ball already exposing the middle order of Australia. Matt Henry is leading the charge again while debutant Ben Sears have been good as well. The Kiwis will hope to get at least a couple of more wickets before Stumps. Australia desperately needs a partnership and some calmness out there in the middle and will hope that Cameron Green and Travis Head can get then out of this situation. An exciting phase of cricket awaits us.

Full in length and angles on the stumps, Head drives it back to the bowler.

Fires it on the back of a length, on the middle and leg stump line, Travis Head closes the face of the bat and nudges it in the leg side.

Short of a length on the stumps. Head hops and drops it onto the pitch.

Full-length delivery, angling on the pads, Travis Head flicks it to backward square leg and returns for the second run.

Oh, that's too close to be left alone! This one sharply jags in with the angle on a length, Cameron Green leaves it too close for his comfort and it sneaks whistling the off stump. Tom Blundell who is standing up near the wickets fails to collect it cleanly and the ball trickles to short third allowing them to run a bye.

On the back of a length around off, Cameron Green rides on the bounce and punches it towards point off the back foot.

Swings it away from off on a fuller length, Travis Head squeezes it to the leg side off the toe-end of the blade to end the over.

On the off and middle channel, fuller in length, Cameron Green inside edges on the defensive shot towards deep square leg for a single.

Full-length delivery seaming on the stumps, Cameron Green leans forward and pushes it in the leg side.

A hint of outswing from outside off on a nagging length, Cameron Green lets it go alone.

Bangs in short and targets the bodyline, Cameron Green ducks at the right time to let it go through to the keeper.

Back of a length on the stumps, Cameron Green tucks across in the leg side.

Short of a length outside off, Travis Head hops and defends it in the off-side.

Full-length delivery again, but on the stumps. Head flicks it to mid-wicket.

Full-length delivery on the middle and leg stump line, Travis Head flicks it to mid-wicket.

Travis Head is the next man in.

OUT! TAKEN! What a sensational catch in the slips, and what a Test match Matt Henry is having with the ball. Usman Khawaja departs now and Australia are three down now. Matt Henry cannons this one on the back of a length and shade outside off, Usman Khawaja looks to block it forward off the back foot but pushes hard at it and he is also a bit early on the shot, playing it inside the line of the ball. He ends up catching the leading edge that flies like a tracer-bullet towards the third slip. Tim Southee gets low to his left and takes an absolute one-hand stunner to get rid of Khawaja. The Third Umpire confirms that Southee has taken the catch cleanly as his fingers are well beneath the ball. What a contest brewing up here at Hagley Oval.

Full, overpitched and outside off, Usman Khawaja drives it straight to mid off on the front foot.

Around the wicket on a length, outside off, Usman Khawaja is not interested to poke at it.

Brings the line on the middle and leg corridor on a fuller length, Cameron Green flicks it to short mid-wicket where Rachin Ravindra dives to his left and stops the ball cleanly. Excellent fielding display by New Zealand. They are not giving away easy runs to Australia.

Straighter, fuller, and outside off, left alone for the keeper to collect.

Excellent stop by the skipper! Full and shaping away from off, Cameron Green prods and drives it straight but fails to evade mid off as Tim Southee dives in the way to his left.

A bit of an outswing on the off stump line, Cameron Green places it with soft hands to backward point.

Sears lands this one on a fuller length, and outside off, Cameron Green again offers no shot at it.

Keeps the length outside off, Cameron Green shoulders arms at it.

Full and outside off, Khawaja leaves it alone to the keeper.

FOUR! Timed nicely! Full-length delivery outside off, Usman Khawaja leans into it and drives it beautifully through the gap between mid off and extra cover for a boundary.

A long chase and Kane Williamson slides to save one. Lands it full and on off, Cameron Green presents full face of the bat and drives it to the right of mid off but the ball eventually loses its steam. Kane Williamson chases it down from mid off and flicks it before the ropes with a timely slide and saves one.

On the fourth stump line and on a nagging length, Cameron Green shimmies ahead and dabs it to backward point.

A steep bouncer at 132 clicks on the bodyline, Cameron Green ducks underneath it.

Cannons on off on a hard length, Cameron Green defends it watchfully back to the bowler.

Fuller one and on middle, shaping in, Cameron Green tries to drive but gets an inside edge to the leg side for a single.

On a length and around off, Cameron Green lets it go to the keeper.

Cameron Green is in at number 4.

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Ben Sears gets his man this time! He does not have to rely on anyone as he completes the job himself. This full and around middle, nips away a bit, Marnus Labuschagne tries to flick it away but loses the grip on his bottom hand and closes the face of the bat a bit early too, the ball lobs up off the leading edge back to the bowler where Ben Sears gets low well and grabs it. He is pumped and celebrates wildly, and Daryl Mitchell will be a relived man here. Marnus Labuschagne, the hero of the first innings goes back without making much impact here. Australia in early trouble!

Short of a length and around off, shaping in, Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone.

DROPPED! Daryl Mitchell drops another at slips! Ben Sears bowls this on a good length and just around off, nips away sharply, Marnus Labuschagne looks to play at it but gets a thick outside edge toward the first slip, Daryl Mitchell reacts a bit late, and dives to his right, gets both hands onto it, wobbles a lot and fails to hold onto it as his shoulders hit the ground. A huge let-off for Marnus Labuschagne!

Ben Sears starts with a full delivery, on leg, Usman Khawaja flicks it through square leg for a single.

Ben Sears replaces Tim Southee.

Hard-length delivery around off, Marnus Labuschagne tries to push at it but gets an outside edge past gully, Glenn Phillips chases it down and slides forward to stop it. Two runs taken.

Short of a length and around off, Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone.

FOUR! Lovely shot to get off the mark! Matt Henry overpitches it, on middle, Marnus Labuschagne brings out the on-drive with the full face of the bat, the ball teases the mid on fielder all the way to the fence and wins the race for a boundary.

On a length and around off, Marnus Labuschagne tries to play but gets an outside edge along the ground towards gully.

What a beauty! Matt Henry bowls this full and on off, Marnus Labuschagne looks to defend but his head falls and he gets squared up trying to block, the ball zips past the outside edge to the keeper.

Marnus Labuschagne walks in at number 3.

OUT! LBW! Matt Henry draws first blood! This was coming as Steven Smith was not looking comfortable at all out here. This is fuller in length and on off, nips back in sharply with pace, Steven Smith steps across to play it but gets beaten on the inside edge to get hit on the pads. There is a huge appeal for LBW, and the finger goes up. Smith has a chat with his partner and takes the review just before the timer runs out. UltraEdge confirms no bat involved and Ball Tracking shows three reds. Henry and the whole Kiwi team celebrate as this is a big wicket.  Australia lose their first and one review as well!

Well bowled! Tim Southee pitches it up on the sixth stump line, angles in and then shapes away sharply, Usman Khawaja play inside the line of it as the ball goes through to the keeper.

Full again and on middle, shaping in late, Usman Khawaja tucks it towards short mid-wicket.

A bit fuller and around off, Usman Khawaja leaves it alone.

Back of a length and around off, Steven Smith punches it nicely through covers for three runs. Good running between the wickets!

Just on the bounce! Tim Southee lands this on a good length, on middle, holds its line, Steven Smith tries to play but it goes off the shoulder of the bat and lands just in front of second slip, Kane Williamson dives to his right to stop it well.

Short of a length and on middle, Usman Khawaja pulls it towards deep square leg for a single.

Pitched up and on off, Steven Smith knocks it down the pitch.

Back of a length and on off, Steven Smith looks to play at it but gets an outside edge along the ground towards point.

Goes back to his fuller length, on off, Steven Smith moves across and blocks it out.

Matt Henry bowls this on a hard length and in that channel outside off, Steven Smith gets his bat away and leaves it alone.

Full again and angling into the pads, Usman Khawaja clips it towards fine leg for a single.

Fuller delivery, on middle, Usman Khawaja tucks it towards short mid-wicket.

Good-length delivery, outside off, shaping further away, Steven Smith offers no shot at it.

Pitched up and on off, Usman Khawaja pushes it towards covers for another run.

Back of a length and on middle, Steven Smith clips it off his hips through square leg for a run.

A mix-up in the middle, but no harm done! This is full and on of, Steven Smith drives it towards point where the fielder only makes a half-stop, Smith is halfway down the pitch but Usman Khawaja sends him back just at the right moment.

On a length and around leg, Usman Khawaja nudges it through backward square leg for a single.

Fuller one and on middle, shaping in, Usman Khawaja knocks it towards short mid-wicket.

Touch fuller and on off, Steven Smith is solid in his defence.

Short of a length and around off, Steven Smith leaves it alone.

FOUR! Classic Smith! Matt Henry overpitches it this time, on off, Steven Smith uses the flick of the writs to whip it away between mid on and mid-wicket for a glorious boundary.

Full again and on off, shaping in, Steven Smith tries to work it away but misses to wear it on the pads again. Another appeal but the umpire says no. LBW is almost out of question her as Smith is moving a long way across.

Goes a bit fuller now, on off, jags back in sharply, Steven Smith steps across to block but misses and gets hit on the pads. A slight appeal for LBW, but turned down.

BEATEN! Matt Henry lands this on a good length and around off, shaping away, Steven Smith moves across to play at it but gets well beaten on the outside edge.

Back of a length and on middle, Usman Khawaja blocks it out well.

Tim Southee hits the hard length now on the sixth stump line, Usman Khawaja withdraws his hands at the last moment.

A slower one now, on a length and on middle, Usman Khawaja is early into his defensive stroke and misses to get hit high on the body.

Short of a length and around off, Steven Smith punches it towards covers for a single and gets off the mark.

Unconvincing! Tim Southee lands this back of a length and outside off, Steven Smith moves too far across and tries to cut but chops it down on the ground behind, Tom Blundell leaps up to grab it.

This is on a good length and around off, shaping away, Steven Smith leaves it alone.

Pulls his length back a bit now, on middle, Usman Khawaja stays back and blocks it down the pitch.

Australia gets underway in this chase! Matt Henry overpitches this on middle, Usman Khawaja steps forward and tucks it through mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Pitched up and around off, angling away, Usman Khawaja offers no shot again.

On a length and outside off, Usman Khawaja lets it go to the keeper.

Goes fuller and around off, angling away, Usman Khawaja leaves it alone.

A huge appeal for caught behind, but turned down! Matt Henry begins with a back-of-a-length delivery, on middle, shaping away with some bounce, Usman Khawaja tries to sway away but the ball kisses his shoulders and goes to the keeper. New Zealand decides against the review and rightly so!

Matt Henry to operate from the other end.

Tim Southee starts with a maiden over! He serves this one full and around off, Steven Smith drives it nicely but finds cover-point.

Hard-length delivery around off, shaping away, Steven Smith moves across and pats it down to short covers.

Width on offer, short of a length and outside off, Steven Smith cuts it straight to point.

On a length and on middle, Steven Smith nudges it towards short mid-wicket again.

Back of a length and on middle, shaping away again, Steven Smith moves across and pats it down towards short mid-wicket.

Tim Southee starts with a good-length delivery around off, shaping away sharply, Steven Smith leaves it alone.

OUT! TAKEN IN THE DEEP! Nathan Lyon wraps things up with his third wicket in no time. He tosses it up, full and around the middle, Scott Kuggeleijn skips down the track to slog it away but gets more elevation than distance, the ball flies high in the air towards deep mid-wicket where Cameron Green settles under it and takes a fine catch. New Zealand have been bowled out for 372 runs and the target for Australia will be 279!

Flatter, short and on off, Scott Kuggeleijn stays back and keeps it out to the off side.

Pat Cummins comes around the wicket and hits the length hard, on leg, angling away, Ben Sears misses his flick and gets hit high on the body.

A bouncer now, on middle, Ben Sears ducks under it.

Fuller one and on off, Ben Sears pushes it towards covers.

This is on a good length and on middle, Ben Sears leaves it on length as the ball goes over the stumps to the keeper.

Ben Sears is the last man in for New Zealand.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Pat Cummins gets his fourth now! He sends the back the opposition skipper for a duck here. He follows the batter and bangs this into the pitch hard, angling in sharply, Tim Southee backs away and looks for the ramp but gets cramped up as the ball takes his gloves and pops in the air behind, Alex Carey dives forward and takes his 10th catch of this Test. A record for Australia. New Zealand leads by 278 runs with only one wicket in hand.

Fuller one and on middle, Scott Kuggeleijn knocks it towards mid on for a single.

Short and on middle, Tim Southee pushes it back to the bowler.

Looped up, full and on off, Tim Southee dead-bats it.

Tim Southee, the skipper of New Zealand walks in at number 10.

OUT! TAKEN! Nathan Lyon strikes again! Matt Henry tries to take on the off-spinner here but holes out instead. This is flighted, full and on middle, turns in a bit, Matt Henry goes for the lofted shot but fails to get under it fully and hits it much straighter towards long on, Josh Hazlewood moves to his right and pouches it safely. Henry goes back after a quick little cameo and the Kiwis are eight down now!

Quicker, short and on middle, Scott Kuggeleijn moves back and clips it through square leg for a single.

Floated, full and on off, Scott Kuggeleijn guides it towards point.

Tossed up, full and on off, Scott Kuggeleijn taps it towards short covers.

FOUR MORE! Pat Cummins lands this on a good length and outside off, Matt Henry opens the face of the bat slightly and guides it through backward point for four more runs. 12 runs off the over!

A bouncer now, on middle and leg, Matt Henry ducks under it.

FOUR LEG BYES! Very handy runs for the Kiwis! This is full but down the leg side, Matt Henry misses his glance and the ball goes off his pads past the keeper for another boundary. This will be really frustrating for the Aussies.

BEATEN! Pat Cummins hits the length hard and just around off, nips away, Matt Henry has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

FOUR! Lucky for Matt Henry, not so much for Australia! This is a bit fuller and on middle, shaping in, Matt Henry stays in his crease to push it away but gets an inside edge just past the stumps to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

On a length and around off, Matt Henry steers it towards point.

Looped up, full and on off, Scott Kuggeleijn keeps it out to the off side.

Oh..turn and bounce! Nathan Lyon pushes it through quicker, short and on off, turns in sharply again, Matt Henry is late into his cut shot as the ball lobs up off his pads towards short fine leg. A leg bye is taken.

FOUR! Two in two! Nathan Lyon drags his length back and outside off, Matt Henry rocks back and punches it sweetly through covers for another boundary.

FOUR! Good shot! This is flighted, full and on middle, Matt Henry uses his feet and lofts it away wide of long on, Josh Hazlewood runs to his left and slides but fails to stop it from going to the boundary.

Tossed up, full and on off, Matt Henry blocks it out.

Matt Henry is in at number 9.

OUT! BOWLED'EM! Nathan Lyon strikes straight after Tea! Another first ball of a new spell and Australia gets another wicket. This has been a trend for them throughout this inning. Lyon floats this one up, fullish and well around off, grips and turns in a long way, Glenn Phillips moves back to cut it away but plays all over it as the ball goes through to rattle the stumps. A big wicket for Australia and the Kiwis are seven down now!

Time for some spin as Nathan Lyon (14-1-40-0) to operate from the other end.

On a length and on middle, Scott Kuggeleijn keeps it out on the pitch.

FOUR! Nicely played! Pat Cummins bangs this into the pitch and on middle, Scott Kuggeleijn picks up the length early, swivels and pulls it with good control through mid-wicket for a boundary.

Pitched up and on middle, Scott Kuggeleijn knocks it towards mid on.

Pat Cummins bangs in a bouncer now, on middle, Scott Kuggeleijn ducks under it.

Goes fuller now and on off, Scott Kuggeleijn stays in his crease and blocks it down the pitch.

Pat Cummins starts well! He lands this on a good length around off, jags back in sharply, Scott Kuggeleijn gets cramped up trying to play at it, and gets hit on the thigh pads as it rolls towards the keeper.

We are back with the final session of the third day to begin! The Umpires make their way out to the middle. Australian players scatter all around the field. Glenn Phillips and Scott Kuggeleijn will resume their innings with the bat. Pat Cummins (21-3-49-3) will get the proceedings underway for the post-Tea session with the ball. Let's play...

...Day 3, Session 3...

Tea, Day 3 - SESSION SUMMARY - 25 Overs, 102 runs, and 3 Wickets! The Blackcaps emerged determined to build on their lead, and they executed their plans effectively. Both Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell looked comfortable at the crease, steadily accumulating runs, with Mitchell reaching a resilient half-century. However, the introduction of the second new ball brought a sudden shift in fortunes as Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins struck quickly to dismiss both batters. Tom Blundell's stay at the crease was brief, ended by a spectacular catch from Marnus Labuschagne. Labuschagne's fortunes fluctuated as he went from hero to zero, dropping Scott Kuggeleijn shortly after. This drop proved costly as Scott capitalized on the opportunity, punishing the bowlers and frustrating the Aussie attack with a counterattacking partnership alongside Phillips which currently stands at 49. Despite Australia's short-ball strategy, runs flowed freely, and the Kiwis now hold a significant lead of 251 runs. They aim to extend it beyond the 300-run mark, setting a challenging target for the visitors. Meanwhile, Cummins and his bowlers will be eager to wrap up the Kiwi innings quickly in the final session. Join us at 8.30 am IST (3 am GMT) for what promises to be an exhilarating conclusion to the day's play.

Good length around off at 136 clicks, Phillips defends it to the cover region to end the over. And it will be Tea on Day 3. A solid counterattack from these two and the tug-of-war contest continues.

Fuller length around off, Scott Kuggeleijn pushes it down to mid-on for a quick single.

Aims on the bodyline and digs in a bumper, he sways out from the ball's radar.

FOUR! Shot! A predictable short delivery on the stumps, Scott Kuggeleijn anticipates the length early, gets in position quickly, and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary. Runs are coming thick and fast at the moment and this has been a solid counterpunch.

Ripper of a delivery this! Brings the angle in and straightens after pitching on a fuller length and beats Scott Kuggeleijn outside edge.

On the back of a length on top of off, Scott Kuggeleijn punches it off the back foot to the covers.

Fuller in length and on the stumps, Glenn Phillips presents the full face of the blade and drives it down the ground but Pat Cummins kicks the ball in the way on his follow-through and it deviates to mid on.

Back of a length around off, Phillips opens the face of the bat and steers it down to the gully fielder.

Absolute beauty from Cummins! Bowls it on the back of a length, and it shoots further on the bounce outside off, Glenn Phillips hops back and looks to punch but plays inside the line of the ball and gets beaten on the outside edge.

On a nagging length at the stumps, Glenn Phillips fends it to the point region off the back foot.

Lands it full, and at 138 clicks on the middle and leg channel, Scott Kuggeleijn inside edges to the leg side for a single at deep square leg.

Dishes in a short-pitched bouncer, Scott Kuggeleijn ducks underneath it.

In the channel of off on a length, Glenn Phillips punches it off the back foot towards covers.

Good-length delivery that nips back in, Phillips looks to defend it and gets hit on the body. That must have stung him there.

In the air...but safe! Short and angling on the leg stump line, on the shoulder height, Scott Kuggeleijn pulls it uppishly and lands on a bounce in front of deep fine leg for a single.

Slightly nips back in on the back of a length, Scott Kuggeleijn cuts it off the back foot towards point.

Shade full and on the stumps, Glenn Phillips punches it off the back foot towards mid on for a quick single.

Short and into the body, Scott Kuggeleijn mistimes his pull shot towards deep backward square leg for one.

Good-length delivery drifting down the leg side, Glenn Phillips lets it go as he wears it on the pads to the keeper. After 100 overs, New Zealand are 336/6 with a lead of 242 runs.

On the back of a length outside off, steered down to the point region for a single.

FOUR! Crucial runs these for New Zealand. Short again and on the off stump line, Scott Kuggeleijn stays deep in the crease and drags the pull shot through mid-wicket for a boundary. Costly over this.

FOUR! Salt on the wounds. Keeps the length identical on the leg stump line, Scott Kuggeleijn pulls it fine towards deep fine leg for a boundary.

A very confident appeal for caught behind and up goes the finger. Scott Kuggeleijn has reviewed it straight away as he thinks it's not off his gloves or bat. Starc dishes out on a shorter-length ball aiming the leg stump line. Scott Kuggeleijn swings his bat hard to go for a big pull shot and misses. UltraEdge shows that there's no spike. He survives a scare. A good review.

Short and angling across outside off, Scott Kuggeleijn swings his bat hard but inside edges to the slip cordon.

Lands it on a length and aims the stumps, Glenn Phillips blocks it watchfully.

In the channel of off on a hard length, Glenn Phillips lets it go alone.

On the middle and leg channel, Scott Kuggeleijn stays on the back foot and guides it to square leg for one.

Short in length at 137.6 clicks, just around off, Scott Kuggeleijn swings hard to clear mid-wicket but inside edges onto the pads, and the ball trickles in front of covers.

On the back of a length outside off, Glenn Phillips hops back and punches it through cover-point for a quick single.

Outside off on a length, Glenn Phillips offers no shot at it.

FOUR! Not a good delivery by Starc. A long full toss outside off, Scott Kuggeleijn throws his bat at it and reaches to it before guiding towards deep third for a boundary.

SIX! Goodness, that's into the crowd! Keeps his length on the pads this time and on a fullish length, Scott Kuggeleijn gets in the line of the ball before depositing it over the grass banks behind deep square leg for a maximum.

Overpitched outside off, Glenn Phillips prods ahead and drives it hard to evade the covers again but Marnus Labuschagne dives to his left and saves three as the batters do steal a quick single.

Slants it across off on a length, Glenn Phillips covers his stumps and hangs his bat in the air to let it go alone.

Slightly on the off stump line, and on a fuller length, Glenn Phillips pushes it to covers again.

Over the wicket and on a fuller length, aiming the stumps, Glenn Phillips drives it hard but finds the cover fielder.

Mitchell Starc is back on.

Short in length and on the shoulder height of Phillips. He pulls without looking at it towards deep square leg for a single.

Angling into the batter on a fuller length and on the middle and leg channel, Scott Kuggeleijn flicks it with the angle towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Swing and a miss! Outside off on the fourth stump line, on a shade fuller length, Scott Kuggeleijn again swings for a biggie but misses to connect and meets thin air.

SIX! Enough says Scott Kuggeleijn. Overpitched on the stumps, Scott Kuggeleijn clears his front leg and swings hard over the long on fence for a biggie.

Jeez! How's that missed the stumps? Fuller length that nips back in after pitching, Scott Kuggeleijn looks to defend and gets beaten on the inside edge as the ball goes over the stumps to the keeper.

Back of a length angling away outside off, Scott lets it go to the keeper.

On the top of the middle, Scott Kuggeleijn camps back and turns it towards deep square leg for a single.

Short in length and with an extra bit of bounce on the bodyline, Glenn Phillips gets it off the handle of his bat on the back foot for a single towards deep square leg.

Full, on the fourth stump line, Glenn Phillips drives nicely but fails to breach Mitchell Starc at covers.

FOUR! Not exactly where he intended to hit but will take it! On off, shade fuller in length, Glenn Phillips swings hard at it and slices it off the outside half of the blade through backward point for a boundary.

Angles in on the middle and leg channel, Glenn Phillips tucks it towards mid on off the back foot.

On the back of a length on off, Glenn Phillips punches it off the back foot to the bowler.

An appeal for LBW but Marais Erasmus is unmoved. It's all furnace for Scott Kuggeleijn out there. On the back of a length, and jagging back in a bit, Scott Kuggeleijn prods forward and plays it inside the line of the ball and gets a ping on his pad.

Outside off on a length, Scott Kuggeleijn sees it sailing through to the keeper.

Fuller length angling in around off, Scott Kuggeleijn looks to defend and gets an inside edge to the midwicket region.

Good length climbing on the batter, Scott does well to defend it onto the pitch.

Wide of off, left alone to be collected by the keeper.

DROPPED! It's all happening here! The same man Marnus Labuschagne shells it in the third slip now. Fires it full and in the channel of off, Scott Kuggeleijn gets it off the thickish outside edge that flies towards the left of the third slip. Marnus Labuschagne gets low and dives to his left but couldn't hold onto it with the momentum.

Surprises him with a lethal bumper on the bodyline, Glenn Phillips ducks underneath to let it sail over.

Full in length and on off, Glenn Phillips gets it off the thickish outside edge to gully.

Back of a length around off, Phillips defends it to the cover region.

300 on the board for New Zealand. On the back of a length on off, Scott Kuggeleijn punches it in front of the cover region and sets off for a quick single. The fielder picks it up and has a shy at the striker's end. A quick single taken.

Aims it on the pads on a fuller length, Glenn Phillips mistimes his flick to widish mid-wicket for a single.

Sharply jags back in on a length, Glenn Phillips is beaten for room and wears it on the pads.

Bowls it on the good length on the pads, Glenn Phillips tucks it away to the mid on region for a single.

Fuller length around off, Scott Kuggeleijn looks to drive and gets an inside edge past the leg stump to fine leg for a single.

Good length on the stumps, Scott Kuggeleijn plays it with soft hands along the ground to the slip cordon.

Back of a length ball, moving away outside off, Scott lets it pass through to the keeper.

Good length around off, Scott Kuggeleijn defends it to the leg side.

Scott Kuggeleijn is the next man in.

OUT! TAKEN! Marnus Labuschagne has just taken an absolute blinder at covers and this match is changing drastically now as Blundell goes too. A dramatic collapse for New Zealand in the last 15 minutes. Cameron Green bowls it on a good length and way outside off, Tom Blundell stays in his crease and goes fishing at it, and slashes it hard but fails to keep it along the ground. The ball rockets to the covers where Marnus Labuschagne stretches his dive to his left and reverse cups it with both hands falling to his left. Green has his hands on his head as he cannot believe that this delivery has got him a wicket. After a couple of angles, the TV umpire confirms that it is a fair catch. A nothing shot from Blundell and now this game is wide open.

Is that a fair catch? The umpires send it upstairs to check. After a few replays, the third umpire is satisfied that Marnus Labuschagne has grabbed that cleanly. New Zealand loses another wicket.

Another tight leave! Nips back in from the fifth stump line and Glenn Phillips again lets it sail through to the keeper.

In the channel of off, and on a length, Glenn Phillips hangs his arms in air to leave.

Shorter in length and outside off, Glenn Phillips sways away from it for the keeper to collect.

Brings the angle in on the middle and leg channel, Glenn Phillips pushes it to short mid-wicket.

In the channel of off at 139 clicks on a length, Glenn Phillips punches it to the backward point region off the back foot.

Lands it on a good length on top of off, Glenn Phillips punches it off the back foot towards covers.

Time for another Drinks break. Well, this contest has swung back from being a one-sided affair to even-stevens as Australia has managed to send both the well-settled batters back in the dressing room within the span of 10 runs. The second new ball was taken by the Aussies, but for almost thirty minutes or so, Ravindra and Mitchell displayed good composure in negotiating those. But eventually, Josh Hazlewood got the better of Daryl Mitchell. He kept bowling consistently in the channel of off and interrogated the Kiwi batters. Pat Cummins then came for his new spell and removed Rachin Ravindra in the very first ball, creating an inroad for the tourists. With Tom Blundell and Glenn Phillips, the two new batters at the crease, Australian bowlers will be licking their fingers to get them out as soon as possible. New Zealand currently lead by 202 runs. Let's see how the next phase of play pans out...

Pitched up and on middle, Glenn Phillips pushes it through covers for a run.

Touch fuller and around off, Glenn Phillips strides out and leaves it alone.

And again! This is on a hard length and on off, nips away again, Glenn Phillips gets drawn into his defensive shot as the ball just goes past the outside edge.

Absolute cracker! Josh Hazlewood lands this on a good length and on the sixth stump line, shaping away sharply, Glenn Phillips tries to play at it but gets well beaten on the outside edge.

Back of a length and around off, Glenn Phillips leaves it alone.

On a length and around leg, Tom Blundell nudges it towards fine leg for a single. New Zealand leads by 201 runs now!

Excellent bowling! Pat Cummins bowls this back of a length and around off, shaping away with an extra bounce again, Glenn Phillips drops his hands and leaves it alone.

FOUR BYES! Pat Cummins bangs in a bouncer now, on middle, jags back viciously into the batter with extra bounce, Glenn Phillips ducks under it and Alex Carey has no chance of stopping that as it runs away to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

FOUR! Glenn Phillips gets off the mark in style! Pat Cummins lands this short of a length and on middle, Glenn Phillips picks up the length early, swivels and pulls it away nicely towards the deep square leg fence for a boundary.

On a length and on off, Glenn Phillips pushes it towards cover-point.

Back of a length and on off, Glenn Phillips dabs it towards point.

Glenn Phillips is in at number 7.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Pat Cummins, you beauty! The captain fantastic has done the trick once again for the Aussies. He gets rid of the dangerous Rachin Ravindra on his first delivery with the second new ball. He comes around the wicket and hits the deck hard, on middle, nips away with some bounce, Rachin Ravindra stays back and tries to push it away but only manages to get a thin outside edge behind where Alex Carey makes no mistake. A massive moment in this Test as Ravindra goes back after a fabulous knock and the Kiwis lose half their side now.

BEATEN! Josh Hazlewood serves this a bit fuller and just around off, Tom Blundell has a poke at it with no foot work as the ball zips past the outside edge.

Back of a length and on off, Tom Blundell stabs it towards covers.

FOUR! Beautiful shot! Josh Hazlewood bowls this a bit too full, on middle, Tom Blundell strides out and drives it elegantly with the full face of the bat wide of mid on, Pat Cummins dives over it to his left and it goes to the long on fence for a boundary.

Short of a length and on middle, angling in, Tom Blundell stays back and keeps it out towards mid-wicket.

On a length and on middle, shaping in, Tom Blundell fails to work it away as the ball lobs up off his pads to the leg side.

Fuller one and on off, Tom Blundell taps it towards covers.

Pitched up and on middle, Rachin Ravindra blocks it out solidly back to the bowler.

Back of a length and around off, Rachin Ravindra chops it down to the off side, he wants the run but is sent back.

Goes for the yorker but serves this down the leg side, Rachin Ravindra misses his flick.

Length again and on middle, Rachin Ravindra stays back and fends it down the pitch.

On a length and around leg, Rachin Ravindra pats it down towards mid on.

Full but shaping into the pads, Tom Blundell clips it off nicely towards the deep square leg region for three runs. Good running!

Fuller and on middle, shaping in, Tom Blundell looks to push it away but gets an inside edge towards square leg for a single and gets off the mark.

On a length and around off, Tom Blundell steers it towards point.

Tom Blundell is in at number 6.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! A brilliant replay from the bowler and Josh Hazlewood has the last laugh here. He hits the hard length and in the corridor of uncertainty, gets it to nip away slightly after angling it in, Daryl Mitchell stays in his crease to play at it, but just gets a feather behind where Alex Carey takes a good catch. Too good for Mitchell and he goes back after a fine knock. New Zealand four down and leads by 184 runs!

FOUR! Another streaky one! Josh Hazlewood serves this full and outside off, Daryl Mitchell throws his bat at losing his shape, and slices it over point for another boundary. Hazlewood will not like that.

EDGED AND FOUR! Josh Hazlewood lands this on a good length and on off, nips away a bit, Daryl Mitchell tries to play it but gets an outside edge, it lands just in front of Steven Smith at second slip and runs away to the third man fence for a boundary.

Full and on off, Daryl Mitchell pushes it towards short covers.

FOUR! That went like a rocket! Mitchell Starc lands this short of a length and outside off, Rachin Ravindra accepts the width on the offer and smacks it away through point for a boundary.

FIFTY FOR MITCHELL! His first against the Aussies and this has come at a great time for New Zealand. This is full again and on off, Daryl Mitchell taps it in front of cover-point and scampers across for one.

Pitched up this time, on off, Daryl Mitchell tries to drive but gets an outside edge through point for a couple of runs.

On a length and on the fifth stump line, angling away, Daryl Mitchell lets it go to the keeper.

BEAUTY! Mitchell Starc serves this a bit fuller and on middle, nips away a shy bit, Daryl Mitchell tries to defend but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Back of a length and around off, Daryl Mitchell leaves it alone.

Another maiden! This is full and on off, Rachin Ravindra drills it hard onto the ground and the bounce takes it over the bowler towards mid on.

Oh..that moves a long way! Josh Hazlewood lands this on a good length and around off, jags back in a long way, Rachin Ravindra gets well beaten on the outside edge and Alex Carey dives to his right to make a good stop.

Back of a length and on middle, angling in, Rachin Ravindra stabs it down to mid on.

Short of a length and outside off, Rachin Ravindra slashes hard at it but fails to connect.

Full again and on middle, shaping in, Rachin Ravindra knocks it with the full face of the bat towards mid on.

Fuller one and on off, angling in, Rachin Ravindra prods forward and blocks it out solidly.

Maiden over! Mitchell Starc pulls his length back now, on middle, Daryl Mitchell nudges it towards mid-wicket.

Pitched up and outside off again, Daryl Mitchell this time leaves it alone.

BEATEN! Mitchell Starc serves this full and outside off, Daryl Mitchell takes the bait and goes for the flashy drive but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Goes fuller and around off, Daryl Mitchell drives it towards mid off.

Length again and on off, Daryl Mitchell guides it off the outer half of the bat towards gully.

On a length and on middle, Daryl Mitchell stays back and pats it towards mid-wicket.

Another full delivery around off, nips away a bit, Rachin Ravindra offers no shot at it.

Pitches it up and outside off, tempting the batter but Rachin Ravindra lets it go to the keeper.

Short of a length and just outside off, Rachin Ravindra leaves it alone.

Just short! This is back of a length and around off, Rachin Ravindra pokes at it away from his body, and gets an outside edge just on the bounce to gully.

On a length and on off, Rachin Ravindra bunts it out in front of gully.

Fuller in length and on middle, shaping in, Daryl Mitchell strides out to defend but gets an inside edge towards fine leg for a single.

Full and around off, Daryl Mitchell taps it towards covers for a run.

On a length and on off, Rachin Ravindra dabs it wide of backward point for a single.

Loose from Mitchell Starc! He loses his grip and bowls this short and way, way outside off, Rachin Ravindra is noway near to play that. Wided.

Much fuller and on middle, shaping in, Rachin Ravindra drills it hard wide of mid on where Pat Cummins makes a good diving stop to his right.

FOUR! Lovely shot! Mitchell Starc lands this short of a length and outside off again, Rachin Ravindra hops on his toes nicely and crunches it through point for a boundary.

Back of a length and well outside off, shaping further away, Rachin Ravindra offers no shot at it.

Fuller and around off, just a hint of swing and it moves away, Rachin Ravindra leaves it alone.

Mitchell Starc (16-2-57-1) returns for his new spell and replaces Marnus Labuschagne.

On a length and on off, shaping in, Daryl Mitchell once again is not interested in playing at that.

Fuller one again and just around off, Daryl Mitchell offers no shot at it.

Pitches it up and on off, Daryl Mitchell mistimes his drives towards mid on.

Pulls his length back a bit now, on middle, shaping in, Daryl Mitchell tucks it towards mid-wicket again.

Touch fuller and on middle, Daryl Mitchell tries to play at it but gets an inside edge towards mid-wicket.

Length again and on the sixth stump line, Daryl Mitchell lets it go to the keeper. It is also called a No Ball for overstepping. That brings up the 100-run partnership between these two batters.

Tight leave! Josh Hazlewood lands this on a good length and around off, jags back on sharply, Daryl Mitchell watches it through and leaves it as the ball just goes past the off pole.

The second new ball is taken now and Josh Hazlewood (17-5-43-0) will operate with it. He replaces Travis Head.

Hits the length hard and on middle, Rachin Ravindra keeps it out to the off side.

Marnus Labuschagne bowls another bouncer above the head height, Rachin Ravindra sways away from it, Rachin Ravindra sways away from it.

FOUR! Nice shot! Marnus Labuschagne lands this short of a length and on off, Rachin Ravindra gets on top of the bouncer, rolls his wrists and swats it away past mid on for a lovely boundary.

On a length and on leg, Daryl Mitchell flicks it towards deep square leg for a run.

In the air...safe! Marnus Labuschagne bangs this short again and in the middle, Rachin Ravindra goes for the pull but gets a top edge, the ball goes in the air towards fine leg where it lands just in front of Josh Hazlewood. They cross. This would have been really special if that carried.

Another bouncer now, on middle and leg, Rachin Ravindra ducks under it. Two bounces done for the over.

Back of a length and around off, Daryl Mitchell steers it through point for a single.

Oh goodness me! Marnus Labuschagne goes for the bouncer straight up but this one is too high for the batter, Daryl Mitchell leaves it alone. Wided.

Marnus Labuschagne is brought into the attack now.

Slows it up, full and on middle, Rachin Ravindra defends it on the front foot.

Floated, full and on middle, Rachin Ravindra strides out and taps it towards point.

Darts in a yorker now, on off, Rachin Ravindra jams it out on the pitch.

Flighted, full and on ff, Daryl Mitchell knocks it wide of mid off for a run.

Tossed up, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell pushes it towards short covers.

Travis Head starts with a quicker one, full and on the pads, Rachin Ravindra clips it towards fine leg for a single. New Zealand leads by 150 runs now!

We are all in readiness for the post-Lunch session to begin! The two Umpires Marais Erasmus and Nitin Menon walk out to the middle. Australian players stroll out and disperse to their respective fielding positions. Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell to resume their innings on 67 and 42 respectively. Travis Head (1-0-5-0) to get the proceedings underway with the ball. Let's play...

...Day 3, Session 2...

Right then, the first session favored the hosts, with Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell steadfast at the crease. And will be aiming to extend their lead further as they have seven wickets in hand. Meanwhile, Australia will desperately seek to claim a couple of quick wickets to stage a comeback in the contest. The upcoming second session promises riveting action as the contest is getting interesting phase by phase. Stay tuned as the post-Lunch session commences at 6:10 AM IST (12:40 AM GMT).

However, Australia commenced their innings with Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins bowling together for the initial half-hour but failed to create any opportunities. Eventually, Pat Cummins successfully dismissed Tom Latham with an excellent review for a caught-behind, terminating the troublesome 44-run partnership. Subsequently, Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc were introduced into the attack, but couldn't exert pressure on the opposition batters and conceded runs instead. Mitchell Marsh too, didn't create any chances and inroads as the batters faced the Aussie bowlers with ease. Overall, it was an annoying session for them with the ball. With the new ball just a couple of overs away, Australian bowlers will bat an eye to grab the opportunity in breaking this partnership.

Lunch, Day 3 - Session Summary - 28 Overs, 109 Runs, 1 Wicket. A session unarguably in favor of New Zealand as they managed to extend the lead by 149 runs and lost just a solitary wicket of Latham. As the players head towards Lunch on Day 3, the first session of play has proven to be engaging, to say the least. New Zealand began with Tom Latham and Rachin Ravindra, both adeptly navigating the initial thirty minutes. Tom Latham capitalized on loose deliveries but succumbed to an exceptional delivery by Cummins when he reached 73. Nonetheless, he laid a solid foundation for incoming batters to build upon. Daryl Mitchell, initially cautious, came out with a positive intent and began to accumulate boundaries swiftly, including a six, contributing to the partnership's growth. He initially employed a barrage of reverse sweeps to unsettle the lines and lengths of the bowlers. Rachin Ravindra was watchful as well and the two counterpunched as runs kept flowing in a flurry. Ravindra looked solid in defence and also attacked when he was served poor deliveries. The two together notched up a quick 88-run stand that might surely give them an element of hope.

Overpitched and on off, Daryl Mitchell drives it firmly but straight to mid off. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 3!

Touch fuller and on off, Daryl Mitchell taps it to the left of the bowler.

On a length and on middle, Daryl Mitchell gets behind the line of it and blocks it out.

Back of a length and on leg, Rachin Ravindra swats it down towards deep square leg for a single.

Short of a length and around off, Rachin Ravindra winds up for the pull but leaves it alone in the end.

EDGED AND FOUR! A false shot and Rachin Ravindra is not looking as comfortable as he was a few overs before here. Cameron Green bangs in a sharp bouncer, on off, Rachin Ravindra fails to get on top of it and goes for the pull, the ball flies off the top edge, and luckily for him as it runs to the vacant fine leg fence for a boundary.

Slower through the air and on middle, Daryl Mitchell keeps it out well.

Flatter, short and on off, Daryl Mitchell moves back across and blocks i tout.

Flighted, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell pushes it towards covers.

FOUR! Got the dancing shoes on! This is floated, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell dances down the track and swipes it away towards the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

Tossed up, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell lunges out and blocks it out.

Travis Head begins with a flighted delivery, full and on middle, Rachin Ravindra tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Change from both ends as Travis Head is brought into the attack replacing Nathan Lyon.

Cameron Green bangs in a bouncer now, on middle, Daryl Mitchell ducks under it.

Uppish but safe! This is pitched up and on off, sticks to the surface a bit, Daryl Mitchell goes or the drive but does so uppishly just wide of the bowler.

Short of a length and on middle, Rachin Ravindra plays a controlled pull towards deep square leg for one.

FOUR! A gift from Cameron Green! He lands this back of a length but down the leg side, Rachin Ravindra gets some bat on it as he looks to glance it away and it races to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

On a length and on off, nips back in a shy bit, Daryl Mitchell strides out to platy it to the off side but gets an inside edge through square leg for a single.

Full and around off, Daryl Mitchell pushes it towards short covers.

Cameron Green (6-1-27-0) replaces Mitchell Marsh.

Looped up, full and on middle, Rachin Ravindra is solid in his defense again.

Flighted, full and on middle, Rachin Ravindra defends it on the front foot.

Floated, full and on middle, Rachin Ravindra waits and taps it under his eyes towards covers.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Rachin Ravindra prods forward and blocks it down the pitch.

Short again and on middle, Daryl Mitchell moves back and nudges it through mid-wicket for a run.

Short and around off, Rachin Ravindra once again cuts it off the back foot towards deep point for a single.

Mitchell Marsh bowls this on a hard length and outside off, gets some extra bounce, Daryl Mitchell leaves it alone.

Pitched up and on middle, shaping in, Daryl Mitchell clips it through backward square leg for a brace.

Short of a length and on off, Daryl Mitchell punches it towards short covers.

Goes fuller and on middle, Daryl Mitchell flicks it hard towards short mid-wicket, the fielder there gets a hand but only parries it behind. Two runs taken.

On a length and on off, Daryl Mitchell pats it down towards the bowler.

Back of a length and on middle, Daryl Mitchell nudges i towards square leg.

Looped up, full and on middle and leg, Rachin Ravindra defends it on the front foot.

Flighted, full and on middle, Rachin Ravindra backs away and drills it towards mid off.

Pushed through quicker, full and on middle, Rachin Ravindra thinks about taking it on the but decides against it at the last moment, he gets stuck in his crease and in the end hops to fend it away.

Flighted, full and around leg, Rachin Ravindra pads it away.

Tossed up, full and on middle and leg, Rachin Ravindra prods out and blocks it out.

Short and on middle, Daryl Mitchell flicks it off the back foot through mid-wicket for a single.

Another hard-length delivery, outside off, Rachin Ravindra makes an easy leave.

Much fuller and outside off, Rachin Ravindra offers not shot at it.

Oh..this is loose from Rachin Ravindra! Mitchell Marsh bangs this into the pitch and outside off, Rachin Ravindra goes after and slashes hard but just gets beaten on the outside edge Lucky for him he did not get an edge there.

Back of a length and on middle, shaping in, Rachin Ravindra gets a bit hurried and misses to keep it out and gets hit high on the pads.

Full again but close to the batter now, on the fifth stump line, angling away again, Rachin Ravindra still lets it go to the keeper.

Fuller one but well outside off, angling away, Rachin Ravindra leaves it alone.

Another short delivery, on middle, Daryl Mitchell stays back and negotiates it well.

Shortish and on middle, Daryl Mitchell pushes it to the right of the bowler.

Slows it up, short and on middle, Daryl Mitchell stays in his crease and fends it on the pitch.

Short once more, on off, Daryl Mitchell goes on his back foot and knocks it back to the bowler.

Floated, short again and on off, Daryl Mitchell moves back and keeps it out to the leg side.

Shorter in length and around off, Rachin Ravindra moves back and cuts it towards deep point for a single.

Back of a length and on off, Daryl Mitchell stabs it towards short covers.

Short of a length and just outside off, Daryl Mitchell leaves it alone.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Mitchell Marsh lands this on a good length but angling down the leg side, Daryl Mitchell glances it off his hips and the ball races to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Goes fuller again and on off, Rachin Ravindra mistimes his drives down the pitch and gets a single.

On a length and around off, angling away, Rachin Ravindra leaves it alone.

FOUR! FIFTY FOR RAVINDRA! What a way to get to it as well! Mitchell Marsh bowls this a bit too full, on middle, Rachin Ravindra presents the full face of the bat and drives it beautifully past the bowler for a boundary. He has looked impressive throughout this knock and will be eager to make this big now.

Mitchell Marsh (3-0-6-0) replaces Mitchell Starc.

Another short delivery, on off, Rachin Ravindra moves back and cuts it towards deep point for a run.

Shortish and no middle, Daryl Mitchell punches it down to long on for a run.

Flighted, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell defends it on the front foot.

Goes short again and on middle, Daryl Mitchell knocks it to the right of the bowler.

FOUR! Sweetly timed! This is tossed up, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell goes down across and nails his sweep shot towards the vacant deep square leg fence for a boundary. That also brings up the 50-run partnership between these two batters.

Flatter, short and around off, Rachin Ravindra moves back and punches it through cover-point for a single.