Centuries from Burns and Smith put Australia in charge of second test
New Zealand’s lead reduced to just seven runs in perfect day for batsmen
Joe Burns and Steve Smith capitalised on perfect batting conditions to score centuries as Australia reduced New Zealand’s lead to just seven runs at the end of day two of the second test on Sunday.
Neil Wagner dismissed both batsmen in identical fashion in the final half-hour to give his side some late reward for a day of toil under a cloudless Christchurch sky.
“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.
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.
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.
“I was confident I was not out. I didn’t change anything the next ball I was facing ... it’s very satisfying,” Burns said of his century.
“I’ve done a lot of work with this tour coming up. It’ll give me a lot of confidence going forward, you always want to be backing up individual performances.”