Key man Nathan Lyon says the first Test against New Zealand remains in Australia's control, even if the Kiwis got a foothold in their fourth-innings chase late on day three.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The Black Caps are 3-111 chasing 369 at the Basin Reserve, with superstar-in-waiting Rachin Ravindra on 56 and accompanied at the wicket by a well-set Daryl Mitchell (12) when they resume on Sunday.
It would be biggest successful fourth-innings chase in New Zealand's Test history if they were to win.
However, a forecast for sunshine in Wellington, where the Black Caps have recent form and inspiration, means the contest is closer than it might appear.
New Zealand are on a five-Test winning streak at the Basin, the home of Kiwi cricket.
And last year, they pulled a rabbit out of the hat with the ball, with paceman Neil Wagner dismissing Jimmy Anderson for a one-run, series-saving win against England in one of the all-time classic Tests.
Could they do it on Sunday with the bat?
"The batting mindset of players around the world now, they don't fear the fact of having to chase 300 plus," dual Australia-New Zealand international and Black Caps batting coach Luke Ronchi said.
"These younger guys coming into the end of the game are a lot more confident that they can chase down any sort of a total."
The 24-year-old Ravindra will be central to that effort.
The Wellington local disappointed in his first Test innings at his home venue, coming in at 2-12 and slashing a wide Josh Hazlewood delivery to Lyon at point for a duck when the situation required level-headedness.
In the second innings, Ravindra accumulated with maturity and grew into his stay, tallying a half-century including eight boundaries and a six.
It was the first time Lyon had bowled to the much-hyped batsman, the Australian spinner finding himself in agreement with the masses.
"He's going to be a superstar," Lyon said.
"I thought Rachin played exceptionally well that last session there and so did Daryl."
The contest between Ravindra and Lyon, 12 years his senior, might go a long way towards deciding the outcome of the Test.
Lyon was in his element late on Saturday, thrown the ball in the sixth over and dismissing Tom Latham and Kane Williamson in his first four overs.
Australia's go-to for dismantling chasing sides, Lyon said he was confident the pitch would turn enough to generate the seven wickets needed.
"There'll be something for me," he said, saying he felt "in control" of the contest.
"As a bowling unit, if we come back tomorrow, have some really clear plans and challenge their defence for long periods of time, we'll hopefully create more than seven chances.
"If we can come out here and just do our job and put pressure on ... hopefully we'll crack them."
Australian Associated Press
