Steve Smith‘s stunning catch has put the first Test between Australia and New Zealand in a precarious position.
With the Black Caps 2-59, chasing a target of 369, Smith removed opener Will Young after an inspired bowling change from captain Pat Cummins.
After New Zealand were 2-35 early in its chase, Young and Rachin Ravindra combined for a 24-run partnership.
AS IT HAPPENED: New Zealand v Australia first Test day three
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Cummins then brought on his part-timer Travis Head, who grabbed the outside edge of Young from his third ball with Smith reacting quickly and taking a one-handed catch low to his left.
“Great catch, Steve Smith, he’s unbelievable,” ex-Aussie cricketer Brendon Julian said on TVNZ+.
“What a magic moment from Pat Cummins with Travis Head coming in.”
“Excellent catch from Steve Smith and that is a great piece of captaincy,” Craig McMillan added.
Australia started the day at 2-13 after New Zealand were bowled out for 179.
Wickets consistently fell for the tourists with nightwatchman Nathan Lyon the top-scorer on 41.
Cameron Green (34) and Travis Head (29) also had handy contributions with Australia rolled for 164.
Glenn Phillips was the star for New Zealand, taking 5-45 with his side needing 369 to win.
The Black Caps were in trouble early when Nathan Lyon removed Tom Latham and Kane Williamson cheaply.
Young’s dismissal came not long after with New Zealand reeling at 3-59.
Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell steadied the ship for the Black Caps, putting on a 52-run partnership. Ravindra reached his half-century just before stumps and will be 56 not out when play resumes.
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New Zealand now needs 258 runs to win, with former Australian wicket-keeper Brad Haddin expressing his belief the Aussies are still in a better position.
”Australia will be very, very comfortable where they stand … and this surface is offering a lot still to both the fast bowlers and Nathan Lyon,” he said on TVNZ+.
“I think Australia will be comfortable where they are but New Zealand have a fighting chance.”