Christchurch : Opener Joe Burns and skipper Steve Smith crafted brilliant centuries to put Australia in a strong position at stumps on the second day of the second Test against New Zealand at Hagley Oval on Sunday.
At the end of play, Australia reached 363 for four and are trailing by just seven runs of New Zealand’s first innings.
Burns smashed 20 boundaries in his brilliant knock of 170 to provide an initial thrust to the visitors before Smith contributed a massive 138 runs in his side’s first innings.
For New Zealand, Trent Boult and Neil Wagner scalped two wickets each.
Meanwhile, Adam Voges and Nathan Lyon, who are unbeaten at their respective scores of two and four, will aim to keep Australia in a commanding position when they come on the field to bat on day three.
Earlier, New Zealand were bundled out for 370, with skipper Brendon McCullum (145) scoring his fastest Test century in his farewell match.
Corey Anderson (72) and BJ Watling 52 were other notable figures for the hosts.
Australia are currently leading the two-match series 1-0 following an innings and 52-run win in the opening match in Wellington. (ANI)