Some loose shots threatened to undo the BLACKCAPS’ solid platform set by Aaron Redmond's highest test score on an even first day of the second cricket test against Australia in Adelaide.
After winning the toss the tourists were 196 for four at tea, with Ross Taylor again holding the innings together on 40 not out, and Daniel Flynn yet to score.
The BLACKCAPS lost three for 95 in the middle session on an excellent Adelaide Oval batting surface to hand back the initiative seized by Redmond's positive approach in the morning.
Jesse Ryder set the tone for the session when he departed for 16 in the first over after the interval, hitting a short ball from offspinner Nathan Hauritz to Michael Clarke at mid-wicket.
It was the recalled Hauritz's first wicket after being hit for 29 off his first three overs. The New South Welshman was recalled for his second test after first choice spinner Jason Krejza suffered a sprained ankle.
The aggressive Redmond's dismissal was equally disappointing after a rollicking 83, his second test half-century.
Having just back cut Hauritz for four, Redmond tried to hit him into the stands but offered a simple boundary catch to Andrew Symonds at deep mid-wicket.
Under pressure after scoring three and 10 in the first test, Redmond passed his previous best of 79 scored against Bangladesh last month, but missed a royal chance for a century after a 125-ball innings which included 14 fours and two sixes.
Taylor and the recalled Peter Fulton looked to have guided the BLACKCAPS safely to the tea break with a fourth wicket stand of 64 before Fulton threw his wicket away.
Two overs before tea he played a pull shot at Symonds' medium pace and was well caught at mid-wicket by Simon Katich for 29.
Hauritz had two for 63 off 16 overs at the break.
NZPA
