Despite an early wobble in the second innings, Australia remains in charge.

The fast-paced second day saw Australia score 104 runs for the last wicket, with Josh Hazlewood and a dominant Green forming a combination that vexed the hosts. The two guaranteed that Australia’s situation had improved dramatically from 176/6 earlier in the innings.

Green scored his highest Test score as Australia posted a big total on a green top before Matt Henry terminated the innings and took up a five-for.

The conditions now favoured their hard speed attack, which they delivered with style. Mitchell Starc first castled Tom Latham early on, then Kane Williamson collided with Will Young, leading in a duck run out. Things worsened when Hazlewood caught Rachin Ravindra at cover for a blob three balls later. Daryll Mitchell and Young were bowled off successive balls by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Marsh, taking the score to 29/5 from 12/3.

Tom Blundell and a belligerent Glenn Phillips then began the repair job. Their 84-run stand saved New Zealand’s blushes, and Henry utilized the long handle to score 42 runs, including four sixes. The Australian pacers’ fine work, however, was completed by Nathan Lyon, who wiped out the tail to end with four wickets. This gave Australia a 204-run first-inning advantage.

The visitors, however, decided not to enforce the follow-up. This resulted in another small plot surprise, with New Zealand striking early. Tim Southee sacked both Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne. The former chopped on an oncoming delivery, while the later was strangled down the leg side, leaving Australia in a precarious position at 4-2.

Usman Khawaja and nightwatch Lyon finished off the rest of the day’s play, keeping Australia solidly in control despite New Zealand’s best efforts.