New Zealand vs Australia 2nd Test, Day 3: Highlights from Christchurch

Right then, that is it from this riveting Test match. Australia clinch the series while it is now 31 years and counting for New Zealand's last win over the Aussies at their home. The Trans-Tasman trophy has been handed over to the Aussie skipper Pat Cummins who joins his team and they pose together for some pictures now. Now, most of the players from both sides will join their respective camps for the upcoming Indian T20 League season. However, plenty of cricketing action is going on around the world and you can just switch tabs to enjoy our coverage. Until next time, cheers and goodbye!

Pat Cummins, the skipper of Australia says it was pretty tense and everyone was trying to keep themselves busy and the boys did fantastic. On being asked about Carey missing out on his century, he says he didn't have the idea he was on 98 and it feels embarrassing. Says the lead was really important and the toss helped as well. Says it was a funny Test match as Day 1 moved quickly and the pitch flattened out. Mentions it was tough for the bowlers and the lead in the first innings was the key. Says they find ways to come back and appreciate the entire squad for contributing at times when needed.

Tim Southee, the captain of New Zealand says that it was a great match. Adds that the partnership between Mitchell Marsh and Alex Carey broke the back of their bowling attack. Tells that when you are playing against the number one side, you want to be ahead but heading into Day 4 both results were possible. Mentions that everyone makes mistakes in the middle and dropping catches is a part of the game. Praises Matt Henry for his performances and says that he has gone from strength to strength in the last couple of series.

Matt Henry is the PLAYER OF THE SERIES for 17 wickets in the series. He says it's disappointing to be on the losing side but proud of the way they fought throughout. Says they made Australia work hard to find runs. Adds it's nice being at home, and the pitch offers a nice bounce and swing as well. Says it's great to be a part of the New Zealand team and it's always nice to contribute to the side. Adds Southee has been an outstanding leader. On being asked about his contributions with the bat, he states they always take pride in making sure they keep scoring runs as well.

Alex Carey is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his match-winning knock. says it was a great series as it ebbed and flowed. Says they had backs against the wall but eventually made a great comeback. Adds it was tough to score initially but Mitch Marsh and him adjusted to the conditions well. Says their mindset was clear to play the natural game and seize the opportunities coming their way. Further adds and ends up by saying that he is happy with Cummins hitting the winning runs.

Presentation Time...

Australia faced a daunting task on Day 4, requiring 202 runs to win with six wickets in hand. Although Mitchell Marsh received a reprieve when Rachin Ravindra dropped him early on, Travis Head's dismissal on the next delivery heightened the pressure. Despite the opportunity, New Zealand failed to capitalize as Alex Carey and Marsh forged a crucial partnership, both scoring rapid fifties to shift the momentum back to the visitors. Their aggressive batting swiftly reduced the target to 59 runs. However, debutant Ben Sears intervened with a magical moment, dismissing Marsh and Mitchell Starc in consecutive deliveries, reigniting the game's intensity. Despite the setback, Carey's steadfastness and the skipper's support ensured victory, with Carey remaining unbeaten on 98 while the captain sealed the win.

New Zealand aimed to set a formidable target for Australia, with Rachin Ravindra and Tom Latham leading the charge steadily. Despite a breakthrough by Pat Cummins, the Kiwis built a promising partnership, frustrating the Aussie bowlers and heading into Lunch with confidence. In the second session, Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell extended their lead, forming a century partnership and frustrating the Aussies further. However, the introduction of the second new ball saw a shift in momentum as Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins dismissed both set batsmen. Yet, Scott Kuggeleijn and Glenn Phillips counter-attacked, frustrating Australia before Tea. The third session saw Nathan Lyon and Cummins striking crucial blows, but New Zealand set a challenging target of 279 runs. Australia's innings began shakily, with Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne struggling before Matt Henry and Ben Sears made crucial breakthroughs. Despite a resilient partnership between Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh, New Zealand retained the upper hand heading into Day 4.

New Zealand eagerly sought early breakthroughs on Day 2, with Daryl Mitchell missing a crucial catch. However, disciplined bowling paid off when Matt Henry removed the nightwatchman, continuing his impressive spell with the dismissal of Mitchell Marsh. Tim Southee's decision to introduce Glenn Phillips proved fruitful, as he claimed the wicket of Alex Carey. Despite Nathan Nathan Lyon's valuable contribution with the bat, Marnus Labuschagne stood firm, falling just 10 runs short of a century before Lunch. In the subsequent session, skipper Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc extended Australia's lead to 94 runs before Henry clinched a seven-wicket haul. New Zealand's pursuit was initially thwarted when Starc dismissed Will Young, but Tom Latham and Kane Williamson resolutely anchored the innings until Tea, frustrating the Aussie bowlers. The third session saw Latham and Williamson dominate, notching up fine fifties and building a century-run partnership. Latham's milestone of crossing 10,000 international runs added to New Zealand's momentum. However, Kane Williamson's dismissal after reaching his half-century provided Australia with a breakthrough. Despite Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood's fiery spells, Latham and Rachin Ravindra avoided further setbacks until Stumps, ensuring a promising position for New Zealand going into the next day's play.

Australia chose to field first but initially struggled to make breakthroughs. However, just before Lunch, they managed to dismiss Will Young, Tom Latham, and Rachin Ravindra, putting New Zealand on the back foot. The second session saw Australia dominate, led by Hazlewood's exceptional spell. Daryl Mitchell and Kane Williamson fell early, and although Tim Southee and Matt Henry provided resistance, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood eventually took control. As the final session commenced, Australia's batting line-up started cautiously, with Steven Smith and Usman Khawaja steadying the ship. Ben Sears, making his debut, made a breakthrough by dismissing Smith, while Henry struck again to remove Khawaja. Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green fought hard, but Henry claimed another scalp by dismissing Green. Despite Travis Head's attacking shots, he fell victim to Henry, while Labuschagne remained unbeaten on 45, guiding Australia safely to stumps.

AUSTRALIA WINS A THRILLING TEST MATCH! They clinch the series and add another chapter to the storied Trans-Tasman rivalry. Their dominance over the Kiwis in this format remains unchallenged. Despite facing a daunting challenge, Alex Carey's remarkable innings along with Mitchell Marsh's support, and Australia's resilience under pressure propelled them to victory. While putting up a brave fight led by Ben Sears and Matt Henry, New Zealand will rue the missed opportunity as victory slipped from their grasp. The BlackCaps continue to await a home victory over the Aussies, extending their longing for a triumphant moment against their Trans-Tasman rivals.

64.6: Ben Sears to Pat Cummins, 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.

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

64.4: Ben Sears to Pat Cummins, 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.

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

64.2: Ben Sears to Alex Carey, 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.

64.1: Ben Sears to Alex Carey, 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.

63.6: Matt Henry to Pat Cummins, 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.

63.5: Matt Henry to Pat Cummins, Short and nipping back in, Pat Cummins tucks it in front of short leg.

63.4: Matt Henry to Pat Cummins, On off and full, Pat Cummins presents a solid front foot defence.

63.3: Matt Henry to Alex Carey, 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.

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

63.1: Matt Henry to Alex Carey, 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.

62.6: Ben Sears to Alex Carey, 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.

62.5: Ben Sears to Pat Cummins, 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.

62.4: Ben Sears to Pat Cummins, Short, bounces a bit more off the deck, and outside off, Pat Cummins ducks and stays away from the line.

62.3: Ben Sears to Pat Cummins, Bowls it outside off on a shade fuller length, Pat Cummins shoulders arms at it.

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

62.2: Ben Sears to Alex Carey, 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.

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

61.6: Glenn Phillips to Alex Carey, 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.

61.5: Glenn Phillips to Alex Carey, On the dragged length around off, Alex Carey cuts it straight to point.

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

61.3: Glenn Phillips to Alex Carey, Floats it outside off on a length, Alex Carey misses to cut it away.

61.2: Glenn Phillips to Alex Carey, 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.

61.1: Glenn Phillips to Alex Carey, 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.

60.6: Ben Sears to Pat Cummins, 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.

60.5: Ben Sears to Pat Cummins, 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.

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

60.3: Ben Sears to Pat Cummins, 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.

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

60.1: Ben Sears to Pat Cummins, 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. 

59.6: Glenn Phillips to Pat Cummins, 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.

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

59.4: Glenn Phillips to Pat Cummins, 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.

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

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

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

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

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

58.4: Ben Sears to Pat Cummins, Short and wide outside off, no shot on offer.

58.3: Ben Sears to Alex Carey, 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.

58.2: Ben Sears to Alex Carey, A bit more on the stumps on a length, Alex Carey rocks back and punches it solidly on the pitch.

58.1: Ben Sears to Alex Carey, 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. 

57.6: Glenn Phillips to Pat Cummins, 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.

57.5: Glenn Phillips to Pat Cummins, Flatter trajectory at 91.1 clicks, outside off, and full, Pat Cummins leaves it covering his stumps.

57.4: Glenn Phillips to Pat Cummins, Outside off on a fuller length, Pat Cummins lets it go alone.

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

57.2: Glenn Phillips to Pat Cummins, Flighted on the fourth stump, Pat Cummins leans onto the ball and defends it onto the pitch.

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

56.6: Ben Sears to Pat Cummins, Overpitched and on leg, Pat Cummins works it through square leg for one.

56.5: Ben Sears to Alex Carey, 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.

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

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

56.2: Ben Sears to Pat Cummins, On a length and on middle, Pat Cummins keeps it out towards short mid-wicket.

56.1: Ben Sears to Alex Carey, Back of a length and around off, Alex Carey stabs it towards point for a single.

55.6: Glenn Phillips to Pat Cummins, Looped up, full and on middle, Pat Cummins strides out and dead-bats it.

55.5: Glenn Phillips to Pat Cummins, 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!

55.4: Glenn Phillips to Pat Cummins, Flighted, full and on middle, Pat Cummins defends it on the front foot.

55.3: Glenn Phillips to Pat Cummins, Short and on leg, Pat Cummins moves back and pats it past short leg.

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

55.1: Glenn Phillips to Pat Cummins, Tossed up, full and on off, Pat Cummins prods forward and blocks it out.

54.6: Ben Sears to Pat Cummins, 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.

54.5: Ben Sears to Pat Cummins, Back of a length and around off, Pat Cummins leaves it alone.

54.4: Ben Sears to Pat Cummins, 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.

54.3: Ben Sears to Mitchell Starc, 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.

54.2: Ben Sears to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

54.1: Ben Sears to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

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

53.5: Matt Henry to Alex Carey, Short of a length and on off, Alex Carey blocks it out.

53.4: Matt Henry to Alex Carey, Fuller one and on middle, Alex Carey clips it towards mid-wicket.

53.3: Matt Henry to Alex Carey, 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.

53.2: Matt Henry to Alex Carey, Fuller one and on off, Alex Carey drives it firmly wide if sweeper covers for a brace.

53.1: Matt Henry to Mitchell Marsh, On a length and around off, Mitchell Marsh guides it through point for a single.

52.6: Glenn Phillips to Alex Carey, Another short delivery, outside off, Alex Carey mistimes his cut towards point.

52.5: Glenn Phillips to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

52.4: Glenn Phillips to Mitchell Marsh, Flighted, full and on off, Mitchell Marsh uses his feet and knocks it down the pitch.

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

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

52.1: Glenn Phillips to Alex Carey, Tossed up, full and on off, Alex Carey lunges out and taps it towards short covers.

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

51.5: Matt Henry to Alex Carey, Pitched up and on middle, Alex Carey clips it through square leg for a run.

51.4: Matt Henry to Alex Carey, Goes fuller and on off, angling in, Alex Carey knocks it towards mid off.

51.3: Matt Henry to Mitchell Marsh, Back of a length and on off, Mitchell Marsh dabs it towards point for a single.

51.2: Matt Henry to Mitchell Marsh, On a length and on off, Mitchell Marsh steps across and nudges it towards short mid-wicket.

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

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

50.5: Glenn Phillips to Alex Carey, Flighted, full and around off, Alex Carey defends it on the front foot.

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

50.3: Glenn Phillips to Alex Carey, Floated, full and on off, Alex Carey strides out and taps it towards covers.

50.2: Glenn Phillips to Alex Carey, Short and around off, Alex Carey moves back and cuts it towards point.

50.1: Glenn Phillips to Alex Carey, Tossed up, full  and on off, turns away, Alex Carey leaves it alone.

49.6: Matt Henry to Mitchell Marsh, 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!

49.5: Matt Henry to Alex Carey, Back of a length and outside off, Alex Carey cuts it towards deep point for one.

49.4: Matt Henry to Alex Carey, 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.

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

49.2: Matt Henry to Alex Carey, 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.

49.1: Matt Henry to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

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

48.5: Glenn Phillips to Alex Carey, Flighted, full and on middle, Alex Carey defends it on the front foot.

48.4: Glenn Phillips to Alex Carey, Quicker, full and on middle, Alex Carey backs away and digs it out towards short covers.

48.3: Glenn Phillips to Alex Carey, Floated, full and on off, Alex Carey prods forward and blocks it out.

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

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

47.6: Tim Southee to Mitchell Marsh, Fuller one and on off, Mitchell Marsh pushes it towards short covers.

47.5: Tim Southee to Mitchell Marsh, Another short delivery, outside off, Mitchell Marsh leaves it alone this time.

47.4: Tim Southee to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

47.3: Tim Southee to Mitchell Marsh, Goes fuller and on off, Mitchell Marsh knocks it towards mid off.

47.2: Tim Southee to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

47.1: Tim Southee to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

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

46.5: Glenn Phillips to Alex Carey, 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.

46.4: Glenn Phillips to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

46.3: Glenn Phillips to Mitchell Marsh, Flighted, full and on middle, Mitchell Marsh knocks it down the pitch.

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

46.1: Glenn Phillips to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

45.6: Tim Southee to Mitchell Marsh, 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!

45.5: Tim Southee to Mitchell Marsh, On a length and on off, Mitchell Marsh steps forward and pushes it towards short covers.

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

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

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

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

44.6: Glenn Phillips to Mitchell Marsh, Flatter, full and on off, Mitchell Marsh prods forward and blocks it out.

44.5: Glenn Phillips to Alex Carey, A loopy full toss, on off, Alex Carey drills it towards long off for a single.

44.4: Glenn Phillips to Alex Carey, Looped up, full and on off, Alex Carey defends it on the front foot.

44.3: Glenn Phillips to Alex Carey, Flighted, full and around off, Alex Carey bunts it out towards short covers.

44.2: Glenn Phillips to Alex Carey, Tossed up, full and on middle, Alex Carey reverse sweeps it to point.

44.1: Glenn Phillips to Alex Carey, 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.

43.6: Tim Southee to Alex Carey, On a length and on off, Alex Carey pushes it through covers for a single.

43.5: Tim Southee to Alex Carey, 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.

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

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

43.2: Tim Southee to Alex Carey, Length delivery swinging back from outside off, firmly pushed in the covers by Carey.

43.1: Tim Southee to Alex 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.

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

42.5: Glenn Phillips to Mitchell Marsh, Looped up, full and around off, Mitchell Marsh advances down the track and pushes it towards short covers.

42.4: Glenn Phillips to Mitchell Marsh, Flighted, full and on middle, Mitchell Marsh clips it towards short mid-wicket.

42.3: Glenn Phillips to Mitchell Marsh, 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!

42.2: Glenn Phillips to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

42.1: Glenn Phillips to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

41.6: Ben Sears to Alex Carey, On a length and on middle, Alex Carey blocks it out.

41.5: Ben Sears to Alex Carey, 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.

41.4: Ben Sears to Alex Carey, Full again and outside off, Alex Carey leaves it alone.

41.3: Ben Sears to Alex Carey, Fuller one and on off, Alex Carey drills it wide of sweeper covers for a brace.

41.2: Ben Sears to Alex Carey, 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.

41.1: Ben Sears to Alex Carey, 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.

40.6: Scott Kuggeleijn to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

40.5: Scott Kuggeleijn to Mitchell Marsh, Yet another bouncer, on middle, Mitchell Marsh ducks under it again.

40.4: Scott Kuggeleijn to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

40.3: Scott Kuggeleijn to Mitchell Marsh, Another bouncer, on middle, Mitchell Marsh ducks under it.

40.2: Scott Kuggeleijn to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

40.1: Scott Kuggeleijn to Mitchell Marsh, A bouncer now, on middle, Mitchell Marsh watches it through and ducks under it.

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

39.5: Ben Sears to Alex Carey, Pulls his length back a bit now, on off, Alex Carey taps it towards short covers.

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

39.3: Ben Sears to Alex Carey, Goes fuller and just outside off, angling away, Alex Carey leaves it alone.

39.2: Ben Sears to Alex Carey, On a length and around off, Alex Carey dabs it down towards point.

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

38.6: Scott Kuggeleijn to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

38.5: Scott Kuggeleijn to Alex Carey, Short of a length and on middle, Alex Carey pulls it towards deep square leg for a single.

38.4: Scott Kuggeleijn to Alex Carey, 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!

38.3: Scott Kuggeleijn to Alex Carey, 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.

38.2: Scott Kuggeleijn to Alex Carey, On a length and on middle, Alex Carey blocks it out.

38.1: Scott Kuggeleijn to Alex Carey, 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.

37.6: Ben Sears to Mitchell Marsh, Full again and on middle, Michael Neser tucks it through mid-wicket for a brace.

37.5: Ben Sears to Mitchell Marsh, Pitched up and outside off, Mitchell Marsh leaves it alone.

37.4: Ben Sears to Mitchell Marsh, Length again and on middle, Mitchell Marsh is solid in his defence.

37.3: Ben Sears to Alex Carey, On a length and around leg, Alex Carey clips it through square leg for one.

37.2: Ben Sears to Alex Carey, 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. 

37.1: Ben Sears to Alex Carey, 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.

36.6: Scott Kuggeleijn to Mitchell Marsh, Overpitched and on middle, Mitchell Starc knocks it towards mid on.

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

36.4: Scott Kuggeleijn to Alex Carey, Short of a length and on off, Alex Carey dabs it down towards point.

36.3: Scott Kuggeleijn to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

36.2: Scott Kuggeleijn to Mitchell Marsh, Back of a length and on middle, Mitchell Marsh moves across and blocks it out.

36.1: Scott Kuggeleijn to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

35.6: Matt Henry to Alex Carey, 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.

35.5: Matt Henry to Alex Carey, Length again and on off, Alex Carey is solid in his defence again.

35.4: Matt Henry to Alex Carey, On a length and on middle, Alex Carey blocks it out well.

35.3: Matt Henry to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

35.2: Matt Henry to Mitchell Marsh, Fuller one and on off, Mitchell Marsh taps it towards short covers again.

35.1: Matt Henry to Mitchell Marsh, Back of a length and around off, Mitchell Marsh pats it down towards short covers.

34.6: Ben Sears to Alex Carey, Pitched up again and on off, shaping in, Alex Carey blocks it down the pitch.

34.5: Ben Sears to Alex Carey, Overpitched and on off, Alex Carey drills it towards mid off.

34.4: Ben Sears to Alex Carey, On a length and around off, Alex Carey steers it towards point,

34.3: Ben Sears to Alex Carey, Goes fuller and on middle, Alex Carey drives it firmly past mid on for a couple of runs.

34.2: Ben Sears to Alex Carey, 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.

34.1: Ben Sears to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

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

33.5: Matt Henry to Alex Carey, Short and outside off, Alex Carey climbs on the ball and cuts it but finds the backward point fielder.

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

33.3: Matt Henry to Alex Carey, 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.

33.2: Matt Henry to Alex Carey, 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.

33.1: Matt Henry to Alex 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.

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

32.5: Ben Sears to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

32.4: Ben Sears to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

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

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

32.1: Ben Sears to Alex Carey, 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.

31.6: Tim Southee to Mitchell Marsh, Full, around off, Mitchell Marsh strides forward and defends it in front of covers.

31.5: Tim Southee to Mitchell Marsh, On the off stump line, Mitchell Marsh blocks it off solidly.

31.4: Tim Southee to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

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

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

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

30.6: Matt Henry to Mitchell Marsh, On the back of a length, outside off, Marsh leaves.

30.5: Matt Henry to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

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

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

30.2: Matt Henry to Alex Carey, 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.

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

29.6: Tim Southee to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

29.5: Tim Southee to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

29.4: Tim Southee to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

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

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

29.1: Tim Southee to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

28.6: Matt Henry to Alex Carey, 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.

28.5: Matt Henry to Alex Carey, Full-length delivery, angling away outside off, Alex Carey covers the stumps and leaves it alone. 

28.4: Matt Henry to Alex Carey, Full and outside off, nipping away, Carey leans forward and drives it straight to extra cover. 

28.3: Matt Henry to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

28.2: Matt Henry to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

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

27.6: Tim Southee to Alex Carey, 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.

27.5: Tim Southee to Alex Carey, 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.

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

27.3: Tim Southee to Alex Carey, 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.

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

27.1: Tim Southee to Alex Carey, 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.

26.6: Matt Henry to Alex Carey, 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.

26.5: Matt Henry to Alex Carey, Full, and on the stumps, Alex Carey defends it back to the bowler.

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

26.3: Matt Henry to Mitchell Marsh, Seams in now on the length, aiming the stump line, Mitchell Marsh wears it on the pads.

26.2: Matt Henry to Mitchell Marsh, 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. 

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

25.6: Tim Southee to Alex Carey, Back of a length ball, angling away outside off, Carey leaves it alone to the keeper. 

25.5: Tim Southee to Alex Carey, 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. 

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

25.3: Tim Southee to Alex Carey, Full and on the stumps, Carey defends it in the off-side. 

Alex Carey comes out to the middle now.

25.2: Tim Southee to Travis Head, 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! 

25.1: Tim Southee to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

24.6: Matt Henry to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

24.5: Matt Henry to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

24.4: Matt Henry to Mitchell Marsh, On the back of a length on off, Mitchell Marsh punches it off the back foot in front of covers.

24.3: Matt Henry to Travis Head, 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.

24.2: Matt Henry to Travis Head, 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.

24.1: Matt Henry to Travis Head, 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.

23.6: Tim Southee to Travis Head, 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.

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

23.4: Tim Southee to Travis Head, Good length angling into the stumps, Travis Head hangs back and defends it in the off-side. 

23.3: Tim Southee to Travis Head, 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!

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

23.1: Tim Southee to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

22.6: Glenn Phillips to Mitchell Marsh, Too full and on off, Mitchell Marsh drives it along the carpet toward long off for a single.

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

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

22.3: Glenn Phillips to Travis Head, 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.

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

22.1: Glenn Phillips to Travis Head, Drops it full, on off, Travis Head covers his off stump and defends it.

21.6: Tim Southee to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

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

21.4: Tim Southee to Mitchell Marsh, Good amount of swing from outside off, and full in length, Mitchell Marsh leaves it alone.

21.3: Tim Southee to Mitchell Marsh, Outside off, on a length, Mitchell Marsh drives but finds the cover fielder.

21.2: Tim Southee to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

21.1: Tim Southee to Mitchell Marsh, Hint of an outswing on the back of a length outside off, this is punched off the back foot to covers.

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

20.5: Glenn Phillips to Travis Head, 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.

20.4: Glenn Phillips to Travis Head, Tossed up, outside off, turning away, left alone by Head.

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

20.2: Glenn Phillips to Travis Head, Flighted ball with a good amount of turn and bounce, outside off, Travis Head leaves.

20.1: Glenn Phillips to Travis Head, 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.

19.6: Tim Southee to Travis Head, 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.

19.5: Tim Southee to Travis Head, Surprises him with a good bumper on the body, Travis Head sits underneath it and leaves.

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

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

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

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

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

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

18.4: Ben Sears to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

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

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

18.1: Ben Sears to Travis Head, 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.

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

17.5: Matt Henry to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

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

17.3: Matt Henry to Travis Head, Back of a length on the stumps, Head hangs back and defends it in the leg side. 

17.2: Matt Henry to Travis Head, 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.

17.1: Matt Henry to Travis Head, 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.

16.6: Ben Sears to Travis Head, 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.

16.5: Ben Sears to Travis Head, Down leg on the length, Head misses to flick away and the ball carries to the keeper.

16.4: Ben Sears to Travis Head, 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.

16.3: Ben Sears to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

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

16.1: Ben Sears to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

15.6: Matt Henry to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

15.5: Matt Henry to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

15.4: Matt Henry to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

15.3: Matt Henry to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

15.2: Matt Henry to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

15.1: Matt Henry to Travis Head, 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.

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

14.5: Ben Sears to Mitchell Marsh, On a length outside off, Marsh leaves it alone to the keeper. 

14.4: Ben Sears to Mitchell Marsh, On the back of a length, swinging away from outside off, Marsh prods forward and gets beaten on the outside edge. 

14.3: Ben Sears to Mitchell Marsh, 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.

14.2: Ben Sears to Cameron Green, 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.

14.1: Ben Sears to Cameron Green, 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.

13.6: Matt Henry to Travis Head, Full in length and angles on the stumps, Head drives it back to the bowler. 

13.5: Matt Henry to Travis Head, 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. 

13.4: Matt Henry to Travis Head, Short of a length on the stumps. Head hops and drops it onto the pitch. 

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

13.2: Matt Henry to Cameron Green, 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.

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

12.6: Ben Sears to Travis Head, 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. 

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

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

12.3: Ben Sears to Cameron Green, A hint of outswing from outside off on a nagging length, Cameron Green lets it go alone.

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

12.1: Ben Sears to Cameron Green, Back of a length on the stumps, Cameron Green tucks across in the leg side. 

11.6: Matt Henry to Travis Head, Short of a length outside off, Travis Head hops and defends it in the off-side. 

11.5: Matt Henry to Travis Head, Full-length delivery again, but on the stumps. Head flicks it to mid-wicket. 

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

Travis Head is the next man in.

11.3: Matt Henry to Usman Khawaja, 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.

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

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

10.6: Ben Sears to Cameron Green, 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.

10.5: Ben Sears to Cameron Green, Straighter, fuller, and outside off, left alone for the keeper to collect.

10.4: Ben Sears to Cameron Green, 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.

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

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

10.1: Ben Sears to Cameron Green, Keeps the length outside off, Cameron Green shoulders arms at it.

9.6: Matt Henry to Usman Khawaja, Full and outside off, Khawaja leaves it alone to the keeper. 

9.5: Matt Henry to Usman Khawaja, 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. 

9.4: Matt Henry to Cameron Green, 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.

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

9.2: Matt Henry to Cameron Green, A steep bouncer at 132 clicks on the bodyline, Cameron Green ducks underneath it.

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

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

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

Cameron Green is in at number 4.

8.4: Ben Sears to Marnus Labuschagne, 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!

8.3: Ben Sears to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a length and around off, shaping in, Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone.

8.2: Ben Sears to Marnus Labuschagne, 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!

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

Ben Sears replaces Tim Southee.

7.6: Matt Henry to Marnus Labuschagne, 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.

7.5: Matt Henry to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a length and around off, Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone.

7.4: Matt Henry to Marnus Labuschagne, 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.

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

7.2: Matt Henry to Marnus Labuschagne, 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.

7.1: Matt Henry to Steven Smith, 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!

6.6: Tim Southee to Usman Khawaja, 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.

6.5: Tim Southee to Usman Khawaja, Full again and on middle, shaping in late, Usman Khawaja tucks it towards short mid-wicket.

6.4: Tim Southee to Usman Khawaja, A bit fuller and around off, Usman Khawaja leaves it alone.

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

6.2: Tim Southee to Steven Smith, 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.

6.1: Tim Southee to Usman Khawaja, Short of a length and on middle, Usman Khawaja pulls it towards deep square leg for a single.

5.6: Matt Henry to Steven Smith, Pitched up and on off, Steven Smith knocks it down the pitch.

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

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

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

5.2: Matt Henry to Usman Khawaja, Full again and angling into the pads, Usman Khawaja clips it towards fine leg for a single.

5.1: Matt Henry to Usman Khawaja, Fuller delivery, on middle, Usman Khawaja tucks it towards short mid-wicket.

4.6: Tim Southee to Steven Smith, Good-length delivery, outside off, shaping further away, Steven Smith offers no shot at it.

4.5: Tim Southee to Usman Khawaja, Pitched up and on off, Usman Khawaja pushes it towards covers for another run.

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

4.3: Tim Southee to Steven Smith, 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.

4.2: Tim Southee to Usman Khawaja, On a length and around leg, Usman Khawaja nudges it through backward square leg for a single.

4.1: Tim Southee to Usman Khawaja, Fuller one and on middle, shaping in, Usman Khawaja knocks it towards short mid-wicket.

3.6: Matt Henry to Steven Smith, Touch fuller and on off, Steven Smith is solid in his defence.

3.5: Matt Henry to Steven Smith, Short of a length and around off, Steven Smith leaves it alone.

3.4: Matt Henry to Steven Smith, 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.

3.3: Matt Henry to Steven Smith, 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.

3.2: Matt Henry to Steven Smith, 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.

3.1: Matt Henry to Steven Smith, 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.

2.6: Tim Southee to Usman Khawaja, Back of a length and on middle, Usman Khawaja blocks it out well.

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

2.4: Tim Southee to Usman Khawaja, 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.

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

2.2: Tim Southee to Steven Smith, 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.

2.1: Tim Southee to Steven Smith, This is on a good length and around off, shaping away, Steven Smith leaves it alone.

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

1.5: Matt Henry to Usman Khawaja, 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.

1.4: Matt Henry to Usman Khawaja, Pitched up and around off, angling away, Usman Khawaja offers no shot again.

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

1.2: Matt Henry to Usman Khawaja, Goes fuller and around off, angling away, Usman Khawaja leaves it alone.

1.1: Matt Henry to Usman Khawaja, 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.

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

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

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

0.3: Tim Southee to Steven Smith, On a length and on middle, Steven Smith nudges it towards short mid-wicket again.

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

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