WELLINGTON (Reuters):
ADAM GILCHRIST smashed an unbeaten run-a-ball half-century and Glenn McGrath edged closer to his 500th career wicket as Australia seized control of the third and final Test with New Zealand yesterday.
Gilchrist smashed 60 not out from 62 balls to help Australia post a first-innings total of 383 and grab a 91-run lead in Auckland.
McGrath, bidding to become the fourth bowler to take 500 Test wickets, then took his career total to 497 when dismissing Craig Cumming and James Marshall, leaving New Zealand in deep trouble at 11 for two when bad light stopped play on the third day at Eden Park.
The lanky paceman trapped Cumming lbw with the second ball of the innings then removed Marshall for three when the debutante fended a ball to Justin Langer at third slip. Marshall's identical twin brother Hamish survived a torrid examination to reach the close unbeaten on three with skipper Stephen Fleming on one.
The floodlights were turned on for the last hour as the natural light began to fade but the New Zealanders were unhappy about having to bat in the conditions.
"I can understand why the New Zealand team are feeling disappointed and frustrated at that," Gilchrist told a news conference.
"It is difficult batting in artificial light with a red ball but it's a horrible task for umpires to make a judgement, particularly if they're going by light metres."
Gilchrist's swashbuckling half-century swung the match Australia's way after they had led by just 11 runs with two wickets in hand.
The left-hander, who had scored centuries in the two previous tests, tore into the bowlers, belting 10 boundaries and a six in a record ninth-wicket stand of 74 with Michael Kasprowicz before he ran out of partners.
James Franklin mopped up the last four wickets to finish with career-best figures of six for 119 from 26.1 overs on a day that was interrupted by six rain delays.
"It was a tough session tonight but it's the umpires' call on the light," Franklin said.
"It was disappointing to lose two wickets but we've got a new day tomorrow to bat on and hopefully post a score that is defendable."
