Kane Williamson's defiant century helped New Zealand to 317 all out on the third day of the first test on Saturday but Australia raced to 86 without loss at tea to extend their already imposing lead to 325 runs.
Williamson's dismissal for 140 after a magnificent knock brought an end to New Zealand's innings an hour before the break, leaving them 239 runs in arrears. David Warner, who contributed 163 to Australia's 556-4 declared in the first innings, will resume on 47 not out for the final session with his new opening partner Joe Burns unbeaten on 36.
Tim Southee scored 14 runs with the bat to help extend New Zealand's innings but he was unable to bowl because of the back injury he sustained on Friday, leaving Trent Boult and Doug Bracewell to take the new ball.
Australian left-arm paceman Mitchell Starc had showed them the way by claiming the final two New Zealand wickets to finish with figures of four for 57. New Zealand had resumed on 157-5 and although Mitchell Johnson dismissed BJ Watling for 32 with his first delivery and spinner Nathan Lyon sent Mark Craig back for 24, Williamson was not about to be shifted.
Underlining his status as one of the best young batsmen in the game, the 25-year-old right-hander kept his cool in the most trying of circumstances at the Gabba, hitting 17 fours to reach his 11th test hundred 20 minutes before lunch.
Mitchell Marsh bowled Bracewell for 16 with the fourth ball of the second session but Williamson, farming the strike, continued to use his fine footwork and powerful drive to score runs all over the ground.
Starc brought about the beginning of the end with his fourth delivery with the new ball to take out Southee's off stump before an inswinger induced Williamson into an inside edge which Peter Nevill claimed behind the stumps. Williamson faced 178 deliveries and scored 24 fours in his innings.
Write a comment
...
