PHOTO: Getty ImagesAustralia marched to the brink of a dominant series victory over New Zealand today after dismissing the visitors cheaply and extending their lead to 456 runs on day three of the Boxing Day test. At the close Matthew Wade was 15 not out, with Travis Head, the first innings centurion, on 12. No team has ever scored more than 417 runs in a fourth innings at the MCG, and none has ever chased down more than 332 to win at the venue. Adding to the gloom, Black Caps paceman Trent Boult suffered a fracture in his hand after being struck by a ball, ruling him out of the Sydney test, and will head home from Melbourne. But Head and Wade stood firm in the final overs to ensure Australia will return on day four with victory in close range.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 28, 2019 07:30 UTC