Australia hold a lead of 503 runs at the close of the third day of the first Test at the Gabba, and now face the decision of whether or not to declare before the start of play tomorrow.
New Zealand were able to build something of a decent total in the early hours of Saturday after a collapse on Friday afternoon threatened to make their innings a very short one indeed.
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It was a strong performance from Kane Williamson, as the Black Caps no. 3 got them back into the match. He survived seven partners and was New Zealand’s last wicket to fall, bowled by Mitchell Starc and caught by Peter Nevill.
The wickets of BJ Watling, Doug Craig, Mark Bracewell and Tim Southee all fell in the morning before Williamson was taken.
Starc finished the innings with four wickets to his name for 57 runs off a little more than 17 overs.
New Zealand finished with a total of 317, leaving them 239 behind Australia, but the Aussies chose not to enforce the follow-on, going in to bat.
What followed was a truly remarkable performance from Australia’s openers, David Warner and new partner Joe Burns.
Burns notched his maiden Test century in thrilling style. Perched on 88 runs he took his chances and hit the triple-figure mark with two consecutive sixes.
He finished with 129 off just 113 balls, outshining his more experienced partner, though not by much. Warner hit 116 off 113 balls, making it two centuries in as many innings in this Test.
It was a partnership that would’ve looked more at home in a one-day match but with the Aussies comfortably in the lead the openers had a license to go big and delivered in spades.
Unfortunately their wickets – both of them bowled by Mark Craig, with Trent Boult catching Warner and Ross Taylor catching Burns – precipitated something of a collapse for Australia as Steve Smith and Mitch Marsh both fell shortly after.
Smith faced just two balls for a single run before being bowled by Boult and caught by Williamson, before Craig claimed his third wicket in short succession, taking Marsh on his sixth ball faced.
That leaves Usman Khawaja and Adam Voges as Australia’s incumbent batsmen at the end of the third day, Khawaja with nine runs to his name and Voges just the one.
The Aussies are 4-264, 503 runs in front, and it would appear likely that they’ll declare at the start of play tomorrow, and look to bowl New Zealand out over the remaining two days.
Rob JM
Guest
Williamson is certainly beautiful to watch as a batsman.
Rob JM
Guest
Marsh outscored Burns in the match they played and someone had to make way for Clarke to come back. Burns played some county cricket and struggled so it hardly would have made a difference. It should also be noted that Burns scored his runs against some pretty friendly bowling in home conditions. Still its great to see him being given a chance.
ak
Roar Guru
Gonna watch Walsh, Ambrose, Akram after a really long time. McGrath and Wane were playing in some T20 leagues atleast. But these 3 great fast bowlers will be in action after a really long time.
ak
Roar Guru
All Stars in action
peter chrisp
Guest
A very one sided affair by the Aussies, have to agree though he made it look so easy, Kane Williamson @ only 25 he made his innings look so effortless, i have to agree too even with the Aussie commentators they were in awe of his playing, a brilliant player
Mitcher
Guest
From the less cynical and bitter perspective: How good is this Williamson fella. What a joy to watch. He'll have some ups and downs of course but 40-odd tests in at 25 years old or so he's well in his way to being the kiwis best ever bat (the great Martin Crowe currently sitting comfortably on top of the pile). Not to mention a shining light of this current generation. Shame his colleagues couldn't back him up on this occasion.
Mitcher
Guest
Not sure why anyone is watching the match. Channel 9's revolutionary Viz predictor has told me exactly how the match will pan out. Rather than enjoying a test match organically unfold, I now have plenty of time to complete more fulfilling tasks like clipping my nail. Tho Mr Nicholas did clarify it may not be precisely what will eventuate. Glad he cleared that up. In the pantheon of annual coverage gimmicks this one surely takes the cake. Thank you Brad McNamara (accurate spelling to facilitate Google alerts).
Stan McCan
Guest
Bat at least just for a few overs just to annoy the Kiwis. Smith smart enough to know. Can't believe how good he has turned out!
Jimbob
Guest
Makes me wonder how smarsh got the gig ahead of burns in the ashes. Burns is clearly a class above.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
Some good bowling early on with a great innings from Williamson followed by some marvellous batting from the Australian openers. Bat for half an hour or so in the morning then declare.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Great days batting by Williamson, Burns and Warner. Williamson played superbly whilst losing team mates alround him. Congrats to Joe Burns on his maiden ton on his home deck. I'd declare overnight, there is always rain about in Brissie this time of year.