Cricket: Support for catch decision

Reece Young. Photo / Getty Images

Wicketkeeper Reece Young got a vote of support from within the New Zealand camp after the catch that wasn't early in Australia's second innings yesterday.

Young caught opener Phil Hughes down the leg side off Chris Martin before he had scored. Umpire Nigel Llong gave Hughes not out. New Zealand didn't seek a referral, but replays showed it had brushed Hughes' glove.

"The boys are a little bit disappointed but that's the game," said bowling coach Damien Wright last night.

"It was a tough call for Reece to challenge that. If he gets it wrong he feels like he let us all down. It was a real hard one."

For the second time in the test it's up to the bowlers to keep New Zealand afloat after a disappointing second innings with the bat, being dismissed for 226, after being well placed at the start of the day.

"The guys bowled really well in the first innings, all four of them did great job," Wright said. "Unfortunately in this innings we certainly haven't started the way we'd like to. We were off our lengths and overpitched a little bit.

"We have to turn up [today] and start really well. There has been a little bit of assistance throughout the game and that's certainly going to be there in the morning."

Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin praised his bowlers for their efforts yesterday, particularly hardworking Peter Siddle - "world class".

"Day three is always a massive day in a test and I thought the way we presented ourselves was first-class after being a bit flat going into the last session [on Saturday]. What we did with the ball was top shelf."

Australia recognised New Zealand's middle-lower order batting was fragile.