A rapid half-century from wicketkeeper Brad Haddin saw Australia regain control of the second cricket test after being rocked by the BLACKCAPS early on the third morning in Adelaide today.
Haddin scored an unbeaten 71, his first test half-century, as Australia reached 350 for five in their first innings at lunch, to lead by 80 runs at Adelaide Oval.
Haddin and his vice-captain Michael Clarke, who was on 77 not out, added an unbroken stand of 103 for the sixth wicket on a pitch still excellent for batting.
Earlier, the BLACKCAPS made a double breakthrough to get themselves back into the test thanks to paceman Chris Martin.
He took two wickets in five balls in the third over of the morning, removing dangerman Michael Hussey and Andrew Symonds.
In just the second over with the second new ball, Martin hurried up Hussey with a short delivery, which he attempted to hook only to mistime the shot and see the ball balloon to a diving Aaron Redmond, who held the catch just above the turf.
Hussey was removed for 70 after adding just one run to his overnight score.
Symonds faced just three deliveries before he pushed forward at Martin and was adjudged caught behind by umpire Billy Doctrove. Replays were inconclusive but from Symonds' immediate reaction it appeared he was unlucky.
That reduced the hosts to 247 for five, and the BLACKCAPS were back in the match.
But Haddin then took control and rattled up his maiden test half-century off 65 deliveries, including eight boundaries.
He had some luck along the way, and on seven he survived a confident caught behind appeal off Martin which was turned down by Doctrove.
Haddin had more good fortune on 39 when he attempted a sweep shot off Daniel Vettori and wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum juggled then grassed the ball.
Judging by Vettori's reaction it appeared Haddin had edged the ball behind.
Clarke was happy to play the junior partner's role for Haddin, reaching his own half-century off 108 deliveries, including seven boundaries.
NZPA
