Pattinson’s strikes put Aussies in charge of second Test against Kiwis

The Black Caps had been in trouble after starting their second innings 135 runs behind, then being reduced to 105 for four. He removed left-hander Henry Nicholls in his very next over with the home side reeling at 72/3.

They had earlier dismissed the hosts in their second innings for 335 after tea. “We bowled well to him at the start and it took him a while to get going”. Total: (10 wickets, 153.1 overs) 505.

Australian batsmen have had rich pickings against New Zealand bowlers this summer, compiling innings of 556-4, 559-9 and 562 during the three-test series in Australia before Christmas and the return series in New Zealand.

He survived an LBW decision review from the Australians which sparked consternation from the tourists.

NZ were 4-138 and Anderson was on 17 in the morning session when he drove a wide delivery from Pattinson.

He was snared by Josh Hazlewood. His yorker tailed in late and Williamson was knocked off his feet by the impact, but Sri Lankan umpire Ranmore Martinesz gave it not out.

Those frustrations bubbled over in the first session of the day when a series of appeals, referred to the television umpire, went against Australia, leading to a brief confrontation between captain Steve Smith and the on-field umpires.

Smith followed in identical fashion in Wagner’s following over but Australia saw it out to the close without further damage.

But from then on the day was one of unremitting toil for the New Zealand bowlers as a steady stream of runs flowed from the bats of Burns and Smith and barely a chance was offered to excite the fielding side.

That made it 67 for two and New Zealand thought they had the Australians 77 for three when Burns was given out caught behind off a rising delivery from Matt Henry with his score on 35. Both kept the ball on the ground and took few risks.

Australia’s fielding, a highlight over the previous three days, dropped off early in the day. Smith challenged but replays showed Kettleborough was correct, again, and Anderson inside edged onto his pad.

It was a much more disciplined effort from Pattinson who had McCullum caught for 39 in the first innings only for the wicket to be ruled out because of a no ball and McCullum added another 106 rapid runs before he was dismissed.

Williamson was a lot more sedate but invaluable for his team with BJ Watling the only other recognised batsman remaining.

Williamson was typically hard to dislodge, driving powerfully and dispatching anything short.

Joe Burns (27) and Usman Khawaja (19) were in the middle after David Warner fell for 22 in Australia’s chase of 201.