New Zealand let go advantage at Christchurch as McGrath rips through on day two

New Zealand's final score of 433 must be read in perspective. They were 265/3 overnight. As observed yesterday, Australia did not take too long to get back into the game, thanks to a superb spell of reverse-swing by McGrath, who picked up six wickets. Marshall and Astle started off quite well but once Marshall went for a superb 146 to a piece of magic which could be conjured up only by that weather-reporter-turned-phone-sex-talker-turned-drug-peddlar, it all started to fall apart. McMillan then played a loose shot outside off-stump and Astle was out lbw to a superb inswinger.

After some bravado and copping a fair share of bruises, McCullum was nearly successful at getting through the cover fielder's chest, except that Langer's hands came in the way. Despite some flashy and risky shots from Vettori, McGrath wasted little time in cleaning up the tail. 330/3 to 433 all out is quite a poor performance and New Zealand will rue the fact that Australia have got their foot in the door. Australia ended the day on 141/3, Ponting looking dangerous on 41 with Gillespie in as night-watchman after Martyn was out just before stumps. Hayden rode his luck, with a catch and lbw not going in New Zealand's favour, while Langer's aggression caused his dismissal. Do watch out for Australia stuttering at 230/5 and New Zealand feeling that they have a chance. Enter Adam Gilchrist.