Cricket: NZ in trouble at stumps

Adam Gilchrist scored 162. Picture / Fotopress

Australia were well in command of the second cricket test with two days to go as New Zealand slumped to 122 for four at stumps on the third day.


New Zealand lost Nathan Astle for nine in fading light just before the close as they chased Australia's mammoth first innings of 570 for eight declared.


Lou Vincent was unbeaten on 38 with night watchman James Franklin on six, with 421 needed to avoid the follow-on.


Glenn McGrath was again the main destroyer, dismissing New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming leg before wicket first ball then adding the wicket of Hamish Marshall for 18 to end the day with figures of two for 31.


Earlier, a sixth wicket stand of 256 between Damien Martyn and Adam Gilchrist gave Australia a base for a big total.


Martyn notched his highest test score of 165 while Gilchrist cracked his 15th test century, 162 off just 146 balls.


James Franklin was the most successful New Zealand bowler with four for 128 off 28 overs.


- NZPA