Cricket: Aussies looking good for third test win

By Herald Online staff

Australia is on track for a clean sweep of the test series against New Zealand finishing day three of the third test in Hamilton on 137 for three wickets in its second innings.

The Black Caps were bowled out for 229 shortly before tea, setting Australia a target of 210 to win the match. Chris Cairns was the top-scorer for the Kiwis, with 71.

It was a team effort from the Aussie bowlers. Brett Lee was the top wicket-taker with three wickets for 46, with Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne and Colin Miller all taking two wickets each.

Wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist set an Australian record taking ten catches in the match.

The New Zealand innings suffered from a consistent loss of wickets throughout the day. Craig Spearman (35), Craig McMillan (30), and Nathan Astle (26) all made good starts but failed to capitalise.

Shayne O'Connor, fresh from his five-wicket bag in the first innings, made a good start to the task of bowling Australia out trapping Michael Slater lbw for nine when the score was on 13.

Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden then put on 83 runs for the second wicket before Hayden was caught by Stephen Fleming off the bowling of Paul Wiseman for 37.

Mark Waugh (18) became Wiseman's second victim when the score was on 124.

The Australians require a further 73 runs to wrap up the match, with Langer resuming on 72 and Steve Waugh on 1.

A win in this match will extend their unbeaten run to 10 consecutive test victories.