How the Waca test could play out

Australian captain Steve Smith celebrates his century at the Waca. Photo / Getty

Three result options going into the final day of the second test between Australia and New Zealand at the Waca.

1: Australia win.

Possible, but for that to be the outcome, a couple of things must happen - Australian skipper Steve Smith gets his declaration right; and New Zealand botch their second innings.

Australia will start the final day at 258 for two, leading by 193. Smith will have an idea in mind of both how many runs he'd want to set New Zealand, and how many overs he believes his bowlers would need to do the job.

Pick a number. Say Australia get 130 in the first session. About 60 overs would be left for New Zealand to get 323. That's a touch over five runs an over on a pitch which has been seriously unfriendly to bowlers. Too simple.

New Zealand could get in a pickle depending on the chase, and the pitch was starting to play the odd trick in the final hour yesterday. But remember, Australia are 1-0 up, so Smith holds all the cards and his reputation is not as a gambler.

2: New Zealand win.

Slim. New Zealand would need to go like the clappers when Smith declares.

The target may be unrealistic, in which case the smart play will be ensuring they get to Adelaide and the third test still a chance to square the series.

If captain Brendon McCullum believes the target is gettable, he might promote himself to open.

If he then got a flier who knows, but you'd tip this the least likely eventuality.

3: Draw

The shortest odds, considering the behaviour of the pitch.
It'll be a tough game for either side to win.

New Zealand have also done superbly well to get right back in the match after a dismal opening day with the ball.

They're unlikely to want to risk tossing away all the hard won ground in both the game and for the sake of the series.

Plus, with one match to play they simply must not lose; Australia don't need to win.