Blackcaps v Australia: Spinner Nathan Lyon strikes important blow to chances of NZ test victory at Wellington

Wily Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has captured quick wickets on the fourth morning, as the Blackcaps desperately try to save the first test at Wellington's Basin Reserve.

Resuming at 111/3, still needing 259 runs for victory, New Zealand have quickly lost three wickets - all to Lyon - as the match slips away from their grasp.

After bringing up his fifty the previous evening, Rachin Ravindra was the first to depart, lofting Lyon to Cam Green for a simple catch.

Three balls later, wicketkeeper Tom Blundell ended Lyon onto his thigh pad for a catch to Travis Head fielding nearby.

Glenn Phillips has been the Blackcaps' best performer in this match - with bat and ball - but he lasted only seven balls, before he misread Lyon's spin and was trapped leg before wicket. He reviewed the decision, but more out of hope than any certainty, and was walking before the umpire could confirm the call.

Lyon had his 526th test victim and 24th five-wicket bag.

At 128/6, New Zealand's hopes were pinned to Daryl Mitchell (25) and Scott Kuggeleijn, with the bowlers already padding up nervously.

Soon after drinks, Kuggeleijn could not contain a nasty delivery from allrounder Cam Green and departed for a lusty 26 off 28 balls, including four boundaries.

Australia 383 & 164 NZ 179 & 149/6 (Ravindra 59, Mitchell 27no; Lyon 5/42)

Australia lead by 220 runs at drinks on the fourth morning

More to come

Wily Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has captured quick wickets on the fourth morning, as the Blackcaps desperately try to save the first test at Wellington's Basin Reserve.

Resuming at 111/3, still needing 259 runs for victory, New Zealand have quickly lost three wickets - all to Lyon - as the match slips away from their grasp.

After bringing up his fifty the previous evening, Rachin Ravindra was the first to depart, lofting Lyon to Cam Green for a simple catch.

Three balls later, wicketkeeper Tom Blundell ended Lyon onto his thigh pad for a catch to Travis Head fielding nearby.

Glenn Phillips has been the Blackcaps' best performer in this match - with bat and ball - but he lasted only seven balls, before he misread Lyon's spin and was trapped leg before wicket. He reviewed the decision, but more out of hope than any certainty, and was walking before the umpire could confirm the call.

Lyon had his 526th test victim and 24th five-wicket bag.

At 128/6, New Zealand's hopes were pinned to Daryl Mitchell (25) and Scott Kuggeleijn, with the bowlers already padding up nervously.

Soon after drinks, Kuggeleijn could not contain a nasty delivery from allrounder Cam Green and departed for a lusty 26 off 28 balls, including four boundaries.

Australia 383 & 164 NZ 179 & 149/6 (Ravindra 59, Mitchell 27no; Lyon 5/42)

Australia lead by 220 runs at drinks on the fourth morning

More to come

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