Updated on
Summary
Australia claimed three wickets in the final session on day four of their Test against New Zealand to leave the home side struggling for survival on 185 for five at stumps. New Zealand were in enough trouble on 89 for two at tea before some quick wickets left the tail dangerously exposed.None of the New Zealand batting line-up managed to score more than 30 runs in an innings dominated by Mitchell Johnson who collected three wickets after bowling the quickest he has in the series. Martin Guptill (29 not out) and Brendon McCullum (19 not out) are the not-out batsmen at stumps, but they are the last line of defence before New Zealand's bowlers will be forced to take the crease. Johnson was the pick of the Australian bowlers with figures of 3-39 while the spin of Michael Clarke and Nathan Hauritz both managed to pick up a wicket. Australia had earlier declared on 511 for eight at lunch, setting New Zealand a huge total of 479 runs. And with only five wickets remaining, and still 294 runs behind, there is little hope of New Zealand avoiding defeat.
