The BLACKCAPS lost both openers before the tea break as they pursued a record total of 327 to beat Australia in the first cricket test in Brisbane today.
Jamie How was dismissed first ball, caught by Ricky Ponting at second slip to give Australian paceman Brett Lee his 300th test wicket, then Aaron Redmond was caught and bowled by Stuart Clark for 10.
It left the BLACKCAPS teetering at 36 for two off 13 overs, with Jesse Ryder on 24 and Ross Taylor on one as they pursue the highest successful test run chase at the Gabba.
The record is Australia's 236 for seven against the West Indies in the 1951-52 season.
Lee became the fourth Australian bowler after Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Dennis Lillee to break the 300 mark when How drove at a delivery and edged a comfortable catch.
Clark then juggled and held a waist-high catch to remove Redmond for his second failure of the match.
Ryder had faced 44 balls and hit three fours in his innings at tea.
Earlier, the BLACKCAPS finally dismissed Australia in the 82nd over for 268, after they resumed the third day on 131 for six.
Opener Simon Katich was the thorn in the BLACKCAPS’ side, scoring 131 not out after he was dropped on 70 and 86 in the morning session.
He and Mitchell Johnson, who scored 31, added 53 for the ninth wicket to further frustrate the BLACKCAPS while No 11 Clark whacked a quick 18 before he was caught by captain Daniel Vettori off Tim Southee's bowling.
Vettori took two of the four wickets to fall today, ending with two for 46 off 19 overs, while paceman Chris Martin took three for 69 off 21.
NZPA
