Burns, Smith put Australia in charge

Neil Wagner dismissed both batsmen in identical fashion in the final halfhour to give his side some late reward for a day of toil under a cloudless Christchurch sky. “Obviously the two wickets at the end helped us and were quite crucial,” Wagner told reporters. 

“A bit of luck for us that we’ve been trying to get all day and obviously got us back into a bit of a better position at the end of the day. “Six wickets to get is still a long way, a lot of hard work to do and a bit of focus tomorrow on making that happen.” Burns, who had been dismissed early in his innings only to have the decision overturned on review, was well caught low down by Martin Guptill at square leg for 170, his highest test score and third century. 

Smith also fell to a short ball in Wagner’s next over for 138, his 14th test century, caught by the same fielder. Adam Voges was on two with nightwatchman Nathan Lyon on four as the visitors ended the day 363 for four, having all but mowed down New Zealand’s first innings 370.

Having won the opener in Wellington comprehensively, Australia need only draw in Christchurch to clinch the two-match series and take the number one ranking in test cricket. 

New Zealand’s only other success on a wicket offering little for the bowlers was when Usman Khawaja fell in the first hour for 24 off paceman Trent Boult. Burns and Smith then combined in a 289-run third wicket partnership, a record for Australia against New Zealand. 

Burns was given out caught behind on 35 but immediately asked for a review and television replays showed the Matt Henry delivery had brushed his forearm and not his gloves.

Steve Smith shook off a blow to the back of his head during his century knock earning the praise of his team mates and his opponents. Smith was on 78 when he was hit by a Neil Wagner bouncer and dropped to his knees.  “I ran up straight to him and he flashed his eyes a little bit. He said he was fine and he took a bit of time which we all said ‘make sure you take enough time and get yourself ready,” Wagner said.