29 Mar 2010

Australia back on even terms in deciding test

6:13 am on 29 March 2010

Despite Ross Taylor's record-breaking century in the second cricket test in Hamilton, Australia are back on even terms going into the third day.

Taylor suspects New Zealand's hope of a rare test victory over Australia may have already been lost after New Zealand were dismissed yesterday for 264, and when bad light ended play early yesterday, Australia were 35 without loss after trailing by 33 runs on the first innings.

The Black Caps lost their last eight wickets yesterday for only 150 runs, and it could have been worse with Taylor dropped three times before posting his 81-ball century.

Taylor's century was the fastest by a New Zealand player, beating Daniel Vettori's hundred off 82 deliveries against Zimbabwe in 2005.

New Zealand last won a test against Australia 17 years ago.

25 overs were lost yesterday, and play starts earlier this morning at 10.30.