The BLACKCAPS quelled the threat of Ricky Ponting but there was little else to celebrate as Australia's batsmen took control of the second cricket test in Adelaide today.
The hosts will resume on day three tomorrow on 241 for three, trailing the BLACKCAPS’ sub-standard first innings by just 29 runs, with Michael Hussey and Michael Clarke well set on a dream batting surface at the Adelaide Oval.
Hussey survived some probing overs from BLACKCAPS captain Daniel Vettori to post another test half-century, 69 not out at stumps, while Clarke was on 43 as the pair added an unbroken 86 for the fourth wicket.
Vettori again shouldered the bowling burden but his only success was a sharp turning delivery which removed Simon Katich.
The captain ended the day with one for 54 off 28 demanding overs which included 12 maidens, with plenty more work in store tomorrow as the hosts look to build a big lead.
The BLACKCAPS sniffed a chance just before lunch when they reduced Australia to 49 for two.
In his 100th test, Matthew Hayden began like a steam train but on 24 he got too excited and tried a short single to a diving Jamie How, was sent back by Katich and run out at the striker's end.
Then Vettori deceived Brisbane centurymaker Katich on 23, caught at short leg by Jesse Ryder, as the BLACKCAPS went to the main break with a spring in their steps.
But Ponting took control after lunch, with a positive approach to Vettori and punishing anything loose from the BLACKCAPS’ three pacemen.
The Australian captain cruised past 50 and at tea was on 79, well poised for another test century as he and Hussey added 106.
But without adding to his tea score, Ponting gave the BLACKCAPS some reward for their toil when he pulled an Iain O'Brien short delivery straight to Peter Fulton at mid-wicket.
It ended a dominant 124-ball innings, including 13 fours, and there was a heated aftermath.
Ponting didn't appreciate a verbal send-off from O'Brien and exchanged angry words, which moved Vettori to also issue a verbal direction to the pavilion.
Hussey began watchfully before booking in for an extended stay as Vettori tried everything, including a change of ends, to remove him.
The closest the BLACKCAPS got to further success was a confident Vettori leg before wicket shout, and a loose square drive from Clarke off Tim Southee which just evaded Ryder at point.
At stumps Hussey had batted 268 minutes and faced 178 balls in a lesson in application for visiting batsmen, for whom Aaron Redmond's breezy 83 was the top score.
Earlier, the BLACKCAPS’ batting resistance lasted just 8.3 overs as their last four wickets fell for four runs as they resumed on 262 for six.
Hopes of a fighting stand between Vettori and vice-captain Brendon McCullum didn't last, as McCullum was caught behind from a loose shot against paceman Brett Lee without adding to his overnight score of 30.
Vettori was left stranded on 18 not out as Lee took three of the last four wickets to fall, to end with figures of four for 66.
NZPA
