Cairns stands between Aussies and their record 9th win

At the close with two scheduled days to play, New Zealand were 189 for five — a lead of 68 runs — after Australia, who were all out for 419 at lunch, established a first innings lead of 121 runs.

Up until Cairns’ arrival at the crease with New Zealand teetering at 84 for five, and still 37 runs from wiping out the deficit, Australia’s bowlers were in charge, with Brett Lee and Shane Warne outstanding.

But just when all looked hopeless for the Black Caps at 84 for five and leg-spinner Warne looking menacing, Cairns produced the batting pyrotechnics to bludgeon New Zealand out of immediate trouble.

Cairns, who smashed 109 in the first innings, clubbed Warne for three sixes, express bowler Lee for two and Greg Blewett for another.

With Fleming playing the watchful role, New Zealand wiped out Australia’s lead and began posting a target which could, with 100 or so more runs, put some pressure on Australia as they chase their record ninth straight Test victory.

Cairns has been the player of the Test and his huge hits were the tonic for a New Zealand side, again second best for much of the third day. He hooked a 140 km/h flier from Lee for six out of the ground and into a nearby roadside garden and then hit over Lee’s head for another six.

But Cairns had a lucky escape when he was given the benefit of the doubt by the video umpire when he casually failed to ground his bat in going for a second run and the wicket was knocked down by a throw from the outfield.

Earlier, captain Steve Waugh was left 151 not out as Australia were dismissed for 419.

Waugh was the rock of the innings and ran out of partners as five wickets fell for 101 runs. Damien Martyn reached his highest Test score of 78 before he played a rash shot and was caught behind by Adam Parore off part-time bowler Craig McMillan.

New zealand got a run of wickets with Adam Gilchrist (3), Lee (0) and Miller (4) going cheaply before No 11 McGrath (14) put on 33 runs for the last wicket.

It was Waugh’s 22nd Test century and along with opener Michael Slater (143) scored the bulk of Australia’s runs.

McMillan finished with Test best figures of 3-78. Spinner Daniel Vettori did not come onto the field after injuring his lower back yesterday.

Scoreboard

New Zealand (1st innings): 298

Australia (1st innings; overnight 318-5): M Slater c Parore b McMillan 143, G Blewett c Astle b Doull 0, S Warne lbw b Vettori 7, J Langer c Parore b Cairns 12, M Waugh c Sinclair b Cairns 3, S Waugh not out 151, D Martyn c Parore b McMillan 78, A Gilchrist c Parore b O’Connor 3, B Lee lbw b O’Connor 0, C Miller c&b McMillan 4, G McGrath c&b Cairns 14; Extras (lb1, nb3) 4. Total: (all out in 102.3 overs) 419
Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-29, 3-47, 4-51, 5-250, 6-364,7-375, 8-375, 9-386
Bowling: Cairns 26.3-2-110-3, Doull 19-3-78-1, Vettori 15-1-50-1, O’Connor 26-2-78-2, Astle 11-2-45-0, McMillan 23-10-57-3

New Zealand (2nd innings): M Horne b Lee 14, C Spearman c Langer b Miller 38, M Sinclair b Lee 0, S Fleming batting 53, N Astle b Warne 14, C McMillan c M Waugh b Warne 0, C Cairns batting 61; Extras: (b3, lb5, nb1) 9. Total: (for 5 wkts in 58 overs) 189
Fall of wickets: 1-46, 2-46, 3-69, 4-84, 5-84
Bowling: McGrath 10-4-16-0, Lee 14-4-48-2, Miller 13-2-41-1, Warne 18-5-61-2, Blewett 3-0-15-0.