New Zealand, bowled out for 150 in its first innings, was 29 without loss at tea on the second day, an overall lead of 43 runs. [break]
A late half-century partnership from tailenders and first-innings bowling stars James Pattinson and Peter Siddle helped steer Australia past the 100 mark after the home side lost six wickets for 69 runs in the first session Saturday at Bellerive Oval.
Once Siddle (36), who took three wickets in New Zealand´s first innings, and Pattinson (17), who had five, were dismissed in consecutive overs, the two remaining batsmen could only add five runs.
Tasmanian local Ponting extended his century drought to 30 innings as Australia stumbled to 81-7 at lunch.
Australia looked in danger, at least for a while, of another sub-100 total until being rescued by the tailenders. In Cape Town last month during the first test against South Africa, Australia scored just 47 runs, its lowest total in 109 years and a performance that Australia captain Michael Clarke called "disgraceful."
Ponting, whose last century came at Bellerive Oval against Pakistan nearly two years ago, walked immediately from the crease — even before umpire Nigel Llong raised his finger — when he was out lbw for 5 off a plumb delivery from Tim Southee that hit the middle of his pads.
Boult, replacing injured allrounder Daniel Vettori, snared his first test wicket when he had veteran Mike Hussey caught behind for 8.
Clarke was bowled by Doug Bracewell, his second wicket of the innings, shortly before lunch for 22, leaving Australia with only its bottom order to chase the remaining 69-run deficit.
Australia, resuming Saturday on 12-1, lost its first wicket of the day when opener David Warner´s outside edge off Martin was caught by Ross Taylor at first slip for 15.
Warner was Martin´s second of three wickets after he claimed Australia´s other opener Phil Hughes for 4 before stumps on Friday. Usman Khawaja, caught on 7, again by Young, gave Martin his third.
Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin was the sixth Australian wicket to fall, out for 5 off the bowling of Bracewell, followed by Clarke, the 16th and 17th wickets to fall in four sessions on a pitch which still had plenty of green on it halfway through the second day.
Australia has never lost in nine test matches at Bellerive Oval — with seven wins and two draws. Both draws were against New Zealand.
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