Brisbane: Australia made 268 in its second innings with Simon Katich finishing 131 not out. At 8-186 Australia, but the tail wagged and Katich added 53 with Johnson and 29 with Clark, before Tim Southee ended Clark's resistance with a catch to Vettori who ended with two for 46 off 19.

Taylor's fourth test half-century, 67 not out, lifted New Zealand to 143 for six at stumps on the third day, still at big odds to reach their victory target of 327.

Wickets tumbled regularly right up until the day's final ball when allrounder Grant Elliott didn't offer a shot to Stuart Clark and was bowled for nought. Clark was the chief destroyer with three for 23 on another dark day for New Zealand's batting lineup.

Flynn showed some more application to help Taylor add 84 for the fifth wicket, batting 98 minutes for 29, before he was bowled by Johnson late in the day.