Australia’s cricketers aren’t resting on their laurels with just four New Zealand innings wickets standing between them and an expected first Test victory at the Gabba.

Chasing 327 for an unlikely victory, NZ will resume at 6-143 on Sunday morning with Ross Taylor unbeaten on 67 and skipper Daniel Vettori, an improved batsman, to join him at the crease.

Two wickets in the last four overs of day three virtually killed off the Black Caps’ hopes of their first Test win over their transtasman rivals in 22 years.

Taylor and Daniel Flynn (29) had lifted the tourists spirits with an 84-run partnership after they slumped to 4-49 on a Gabba wicket that was at its best for batting.

But Mitchell Johnson had Flynn playing on and then Stuart Clark bowled Grant Elliott for a duck with a superb off-cutter off the last ball before stumps.

Batting hero Simon Katich, who carried his bat for 131 in Australia’s second-innings 268, said the home side needed to go for the jugular immediately and then rip into the NZ tail.

“We’ve still got a partnerships to break in the morning,” he said on Saturday night.

“They’ve still got batting yet. Taylor’s batting well and Dan Vettori can make runs.

“We’ve still got work to do tomorrow.”

© AAP 2012

Enjoy sports? Enjoy a bargain? All Sports Online has your favourite sporting brands at up to 70% off. Online only, premium quality sporting goods and merchandise at discounted prices. Get a deal now.