New Zealand has dominated Australia in the first session of the third day of the Test at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval today, Ravin Ravindra celebrating a half century and the Black Caps going to lunch at 243-3.
It means the home side has a lead of 149 runs.
Tom Latham was the only wicket to fall – he was out caught behind off Pat Cummins for 73, the Australian captain getting the ball to move back to the left-hander and Latham edging a thin edge on to his thigh pad and through to wicketkeeper Alex Carey.
It was initially given not out, but Cummins reviewed the decision.
Latham had added eight runs to his overnight score, with Daryl Mitchell walking to the crease with the score 155-3.
Ravindra and Mitchell then took control – a total of 109 runs were scored in the session (at a rate of 3.89 an over), with Ravindra bringing up his half century with a straight drive off Mitchell Marsh to be unbeaten on 67 at lunch.
Mitchell was particularly harsh on offspinner Nathan Lyon and part-timer Travis Head to be unbeaten on 42.
New Zealand must win the Test to draw the series and the fact Lyon isn’t getting the spin he enjoyed at the Basin Reserve will presumably give them a little more hope.
Ravindra, circumspect last night as he and Latham attempted to survive, chased a few wide ones and top-edged an attempted pull before lunch but looked in good form and will be a key figure in New Zealand's second innings.
They will hope to set Australia a target of at least 300.
The next challenge for the Black Caps will be to survive the new ball which is due in two overs.
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