1st Test, Australia vs New Zealand, Day 4 preview: Australia take complete control in Perth day-night Test

Australia have New Zealand by the scruff of their neck, and it’s not an exaggeration. When Pat Cummins and Matthew Wade resume their second innings on the fourth morning, Australia will have a chance to extend their lead, which currently stands at a 417 runs. It’s already well beyond the target New Zealand would have hoped to chase in their worst-case scenario, and that’s saying something.

They only have themselves to blame. New Zealand were poor with the bat, and were bundled out for 166 in the first session, an addition of just 57 runs from their overnight 109/5. Mitchell Starc claimed his 13th five-wicket haul – four of those wickets were bagged in the late session on the second day – and all in all, it was a thoroughly poor performance from the visiting batsmen.

Their bowlers couldn’t do much thereafter, with the Australian batsmen on the attack. Marnus Labuschagne was once again in the thick of things, scoring a quick half-century, along with Joe Burns, who held up one end and took the more measured approach. Tim Southee took 4/63, but it had reached the point where that didn’t matter. Australia already had their imposing lead, and now it’s up to the New Zealand to pull off something close to a miracle.

How will they do that? For starters, they have to ensure Cummins and Wade and the rest of the Australian line-up are bundled out asap on the fourth morning. And then, their batsmen have to make amends for their horror show in the first innings. Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson will be key in doing that again. They have to lead the way – both in terms of approach and technique – as New Zealand look to get something out of this.

If they do, it’ll be a historic match.

Key players

Mitchell Starc (Australia): One expects Australia to want to get at the New Zealand batsmen as soon as possible, and expect Starc to lick his lips at the prospect, especially under lights. He was untouchable on Day 2, and he could do it all over again tomorrow. New Zealand will be wiser to his skills this time, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they can do anything about it.

Kane Williamson (New Zealand): It was the wicket of Williamson that triggered the slide for New Zealand in the first innings. Their captain is easily their best batsman, and he needs to lead the charge here if New Zealand are to come away with anything from this match.

Brief scores

Australia 416 and 167/6 in 55.2 overs (Joe Burns 53, Marnus Labuschagne 50; Tim Southee 4/63) lead New Zealand (Ross Taylor 80; Mitchell Starc 5/52) by 417 runs.

Prediction Australia to post a target in excess of 550. New Zealand to be reduced by three by stumps, still adrift by 350 runs.