Australia 363 for 4 (Burns 170, Smith 138, Wagner 2-85) trail New Zealand 370 by seven runs
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
Joe Burns was patient in scoring his first overseas century © Getty Images
If day one in Christchurch was unforgettable for its exhilaration, day two was unmistakably about Australian resolve. Steven Smith‘s team dearly want to return home with the No. 1 Test ranking in their possession, and a day’s relentless batting at Hagley Oval was a long stride towards doing so.
Brendon McCullum’s world record had been that of the breathtaking daredevil, but the 289-run partnership between Smith and Joe Burns that stretched across the vast majority of play was something far sturdier, less explosion than construction. Even if the surface had flattened out considerably, both batsmen had to fight throughout against doughty bowling and McCullum’s ever-changing plans.
One of his last brainstorms resulted in a pair of belated wickets, accounting for Burns and Smith on the pull shot. Those wickets detracted somewhat from Australia’s day, and left New Zealand with a glimmer of hope should they be able to cut through the middle order in the morning.
Full report to follow…
Daniel Brettig is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo. @danbrettig
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Source: ESPN Crickinfo