Left Arm Around

Australia slump to 77/4 as New Zealand take a firm control of the second and final Test at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

The visitors still require another 202 runs to seal victory and secure a 2-0 series win in the Trans-Tasman rivalry.

First innings hero Matt Henry again starred to remove openers Usman Khawaja and the struggling Steve Smith, while debutant pacer Ben Sears picked up 2-22 after dismissing Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green with a ball that deflected onto off-stump.

From a position of 34-4, Travis Head (17*) and the counter-attacking Mitchell Marsh (27*) safely negotiated the Aussies to 77/4 from 24 overs at the close of play.

Beginning the day 134-2, the partnership of Tom Latham and Rachin Ravindra set about building a substantial lead.

Latham was first to depart for a fine 73 when he feathered Pat Cummins behind, but Ravindra continued his impressive work alongside Daryl Mitchell.

Their workmanlike stand of 123 ended when Mitchell (58) nicked Josh Hazlewood behind, before Ravindra followed shortly after for 82 when Cummins found the edge and Carey claimed another easy catch.

Cameron Green then looked on in sheer surprise as a short and wide delivery was struck uppishly by Tom Blundell and smartly snaffled by Labuschagne in the covers; the tourists fighting back to take three wickets for 18 runs.

A brilliant counterpunch of 44 off 49 from Scott Kuggeleijn propelled the innings well beyond 300, but the Black Caps may feel aggrieved that they finished on 372 all-out having been 278/3.

Captain Pat Cummins was pick of the bowlers with a brilliant 4/62, while Nathan Lyon continued his purple patch with 3/49- including the final wicket of Kuggeleijn.

Victory for New Zealand would give them their first home Test triumph over Australia since 1993.

One would think there’s plenty of drama to come…