Batsman Ross Taylor loomed as the BLACKCAPS’ big hope as wickets tumbled on an absorbing second morning of the first cricket test against Australia in Brisbane.
Taylor raced to 40 not out at lunch on another sun-drenched Brisbane day as the BLACKCAPS reached 108 for four at the Gabba in reply to Australia's first innings of 214.
Resuming on seven without loss, the BLACKCAPS batsmen found it tough against Australia's five pacemen on a pitch still offering some movement, although Taylor and Jesse Ryder took the attack to the bowlers.
Taylor crashed seven boundaries in his 46-ball innings, including back-to-back fours off Mitchell Johnson which flew over the slips cordon and cover-point.
He also survived a raucous caught behind appeal from Andrew Symonds just before lunch, with replays showing umpire Rudi Koertzen made the correct decision when the ball brushed Taylor's back leg.
A watchful Daniel Flynn was unbeaten on six at the interval as the BLACKCAPS pursue a vital first innings lead.
After Aaron Redmond and Jamie How survived the first five overs last night, the BLACKCAPS made the worst possible start to day two when Redmond was out for three off the first ball.
Stuart Clark enticed a defensive prod and captain Ricky Ponting held the chance at second slip.
Fellow opener Jamie How batted over an hour for his 14 before he drove at Brett Lee and was bowled past the outside edge.
In just his third test match, Ryder had an eventful stay as he crashed five boundaries in a quickfire 30, and was dropped on 11 by gloveman Brad Haddin who should have left it for Matthew Hayden at slip.
Ryder's luck ran out when he chased a wide one from Shane Watson and Haddin held the chance.
Vice-captain Brendon McCullum made a flying start with exquisite boundaries off Watson and Johnson, but the latter got his revenge when McCullum drove to Ponting at second slip.
At that stage it was 73 for four and the BLACKCAPS’ reply was teetering.
NZPA
