DAY THREE OF THE FIRST TEST BETWEEN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND IN BRISBANE
Score: Australia 2nd Innings 4-264 and 1st Innings 4(dec)-556 v New Zealand 1st Innings 317.
Man of the moment: Joe Burns. Not only did the recalled batsman notch his maiden Test ton (129) at his beloved Gabba, the Queenslander also provided a nervous 90s remedy. He went from 88 to triple figures with two sixes in three balls from hapless off-spinner Mark Craig. Burns - who also hit 71 in the first dig - may just work out as opener, yet.
Key moment: The dismissal of Kiwi gun Kane Williamson. The line goes something like: "end Williamson's innings, end New Zealand's resistance". And so it was after the No.3's classy 140 - his 11th Test ton - came to a close. Williamson was the last man out, ending arguably the world's best batsman's chances to make further inroads into Australia's whopping first innings lead.
Stat of the day: Burns and David Warner (116) became the first Australian opening duo to notch back-to-back 150-plus stands in a Test. They put on 161 in the first dig before their free wheeling 237 second innings stand. It also marked the third time Warner had hit back-to-back tons in a Test.
Summary: New Zealand always had their back against the wall when they resumed at 5-157 on day three. Yet nothing could quite prepare them for what was to come. Williamson stood tall as wickets fell steadily around him as Australia took a 239-run first innings lead. Then all hell broke loose. A brief weather delay was the only respite for New Zealand as Warner and Burns rained down boundaries. Quick wickets and a premature end due to bad light on day three will all but ensure an overnight declaration from Australian captain Steve Smith.
Quote of the day: "Just very proud. It's pure elation. I'm not really sure what I did or what I was thinking" - Burns admits his maiden Test ton for Australia is a blur.
