NZ vs AUS: New Zealand's rear-guard action turns up the heat on Australia as Christchurch Test tantalisingly poised after stumps on Day 3

New Zealand find themselves in a favourable position to win their second Test against Australia following a remarkable turnaround at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

At the end of Day 3, Australia required another 202 runs to secure victory with only six wickets remaining. In pursuit of a target of 279, Australia suffered early setbacks with the dismissals of Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne.

Smith was trapped leg before wicket by Matt Henry, while Ben Sears claimed a straightforward caught and bowled to remove the in-form Labuschagne. Debutant Sears then dismissed Usman Khawaja, while Henry dismissed Cameron Green.

After initially securing a lead of 96 runs in their first innings, Australia found themselves in a precarious position, struggling at 34 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in 14.2 overs of their run chase.

Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh provided some resistance with a 43-run partnership for the fifth wicket, but they face a daunting task heading into Day 4. Marsh displayed aggressive stroke play and remained unbeaten on a run-a-ball 27.

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Ravindra, Mitchell shine for Kiwis

The Black Caps began the day with a 40-run lead and maintained pressure on their opponents. Tom Latham, who was not out on 65 at the end of the second day, added 73 more runs before Pat Cummins dismissed him.

Following Latham's dismissal, Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra built a partnership of 123 runs for the fourth wicket. Ravindra, who has already scored a Test double hundred, contributed 82 runs off 153 balls with 10 fours.

The partnership was broken by Josh Hazlewood, who dismissed Mitchell after he scored 58 runs off 98 balls. New Zealand faced a setback when Ravindra was also dismissed three overs later.

However, Scott Kuggelejin ensured that the Kiwis recovered from the setback. The right-handed batter played a fluent innings, scoring 44 runs off 49 balls. Henry also contributed with 16 runs off 11 balls.

Cummins was the standout bowler for Australia with 4 wickets while off-spinner Nathan Lyon took three wickets.

Although Australia remain competitive, New Zealand appear to have the advantage heading into Day 4.

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